Brandt Ends Historic Visit to Israel; Sees ‘improvement’ in Relations with Israel

Chancellor Willy Brandt left Israel this evening, ending an historic five-day visit that most observers agree inaugurated an era of “normal” relations between West Germany and the Jewish State.

In her parting words to the Chancellor at Lod Airport, Premier Golda Meir expressed “hope and trust that the Germany of which you are such an outstanding representative, conscious of its human and historic responsibilities, will pursue a policy of consistent friendship towards Israel which is still in the midst of its struggle for existence and the realization of its aspirations.”

Responding, Brandt said that relations between his country and Israel have improved. Speaking of his visit he observed, “It is not a matter of course that this visit could take place. It was not a matter of course that we could hold discussions in such a pleasant atmosphere.” He said it was not even a matter of course that the Israelis would be so warm and friendly toward him.

Brandt thanked Mrs. Meir and shook hands with Foreign Minister Abba Eban. He walked the red carpet to his plane, climbed aboard, waved and the visit was over.

Mrs. Meir noted that her talks with Chancellor Brandt during his visit “were always imbued with the consciousness of the history, results and lessons of the dreadful tragedy that Nazi Germany inflicted on the Jewish people.” She continued. “We are agreed to the need to keep this consciousness alive in the memory of the generations.”

HELICOPTER NEAR-CRASH

Chancellor Brandt’s departure was in most respects a replay of his arrival at Lod Airport last Thursday. Security measures in and around the airport were strict. Military units stood at attention as an Army band played the German and Israeli national anthems and Brandt and Mrs. Meir inspected a guard of honor.

Prior to his departure, the Chancellor was involved in a near-crash as a sudden gust of wind blew an Israel Air Force helicopter carrying him and his entourage to the edge of a 1200-foot cliff today. The West German leader who was preparing to leave the chopper was sent sprawling inside but was not hurt. Israel’s Ambassador to Bonn, Elyashiv Ben Horin, was knocked to the ground and Paul Frank of the West German Foreign Ministry fell inside the aircraft Both were treated for minor injuries.

The mishap occurred as the helicopter, a French-made Super Frelon, landed on the southern end of the Masada plateau overlooking the Dead Sea.

Brandt and his party toured the Masada plateau for 90 minutes in spite of the accident. They were picked up by a second helicopter.

MEETS WITH DAYAN AND BEN GURION

Earlier today, Brandt met for 40 minutes with Defense Minister Moshe Dayan at the Accadia Hotel in Herzliya. They reportedly discussed the problems of Arab refugees since 1948.

Brandt also had a private meeting at the same hotel with former Premier David Ben Gurion. They reportedly reminisced over the days when Brandt was the Mayor of West Berlin and Ben Gurion, as Premier of Israel, was advocating the normalization of relations between Israel and West Germany.

The Chancellor also discussed economic relations between the two countries with Finance Minister Pinhas Sapir. The discussion also touched on Israel’s relations with the European Common Market, continuation of West Germany’s DM 140 million annual development loans to Israel, expanded German investment in this country and the reparations problem.

(See P. 4 for visit analysis)