British Jewish Leader Says Israel Still Friendly Toward Britain and British People

A leader of British Jewry said today that there was “still a great fount of friendship for Britain and the British people in Israel” despite many disappointments and he hoped Britain would not do anything to dissipate it. According to Alderman Michael Fidler, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Israelis are disappointed by Britain’s hesitancy to sell them Chieftain tanks.

Mr. Fidler just returned from Israel where he attended the sessions of the World Jewish Congress executive as an observer. He said “One hopes nothing will be done on the British end to alienate these feelings the Israelis have for Britain which are of great value, not only to Britain but to the Western world.” While in Israel, Mr. Fidler was received by President Zalman Shazar and Premier Golda Meir.