Once again today, West German Foreign Minister Heinrich on Brentano threw cold water on the idea of Israel-West German diplomatic relations. Replying to questions at a press conference here, von Brentano said it was “inadvisable under the present circumstances” to exchange diplomatic representatives between the two states. Mutual diplomatic recognition, the Foreign Minister continued, “would be of benefit to no one,” but is “bound to cause harm to many.”
He stressed the tensions in the Middle East and insisted that while they existed it was incumbent upon the Bonn Government not to exacerbate the situation.
Earlier this year, there was a feeling in Bonn and Jerusalem that after the September 15 national elections in West Germany negotiations would get under way for the establishment of diplomatic relations. However, since then, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria have applied pressure on Bonn not to recognize Israel, reportedly threatening to recognize East Germany in reprisal.
Von Brentano, who seemed favorably inclined toward Bonn-Jerusalem overtures, subsequently grew cool and five weeks ago stated that “a decision (on recognition) ought not to be made at an inopportune moment.”
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