Both Israel purchasing mission circles in Cologne and Bonn Government sources denied today that Shimon Peres, director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry, who recently visited Germany was here on an official mission. It had been reported that Mr. Peres went to Germany to negotiate for the purchase of arms.
Meanwhile, Dr. F. Shinnar, head of the Israel purchasing mission, called on Jews to be realistic in their relations with Germans, and to cease thinking only about the past when they deal with Germany. “There is no Nazi danger in Germany today,” he emphasized.
“The last two elections have clearly shown this. I am convinced the German people today are sincerely endeavoring to build up a new community founded on law and justice, Dr. Shinnar asserted. “A wholly new generation is growing up in Germany, whose principles, as far as can be judged today, are democratic and fully in line with those of their government. “
He pointed to the fact that the Israel-German reparations pact is functioning without a hitch five years after it came into force. “Sixty per cent of West German deliveries to Israel have consisted of capital goods designed to assist Israel in construction of its industry and agriculture. The rest comprised mainly raw materials and semi-finished manufactured goods. We do not expect the reparations agreement to undergo any changes during the next several years,” he added.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
