There has been a warm reaction in Jewish circles to the news that Premier Menachem Begin of Israel has been invited to Britain by British Premier James Catlaghan. The invitation was submitted to Begin Aug. 31 in Jerusalem by British Ambassador John Mason.
Lord Fisher of Camden, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said it was “excellent” that the invitation had been extended by Callaghan. “I have not the slightest doubt that the two men will get on extremely well and that their meeting will lead to a long, friendly and productive association, in the course of which much of the misunderstandings which arise from time to time will surely disappear, “he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
The Israeli Premier could be assured of “the most cordial and friendly welcome from the Jewish community in which the Board of Deputies will play its part, “he added.
Similar feelings were expressed by Sidney Shipton, general secretary of the Zionist Federation (ZF), who regretted, however, that Britain had trailed behind the United States, Rumania and France in extending an invitation to Begin.
VISIT DUE AT PROPITIOUS TIME
Although no date has yet been announced for the visit, communal leaders are interested in the unconfirmed report that it may be at the end of October since it would coincide with a flurry of pro-Zionist activity.
Callaghan will himself address the Board of Deputies on Oct. 23 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. The ZF will mark the same event on Nov. 2, the actual anniversary, with a dinner to be addressed by other leaders of the main British political parties. It is also hoped to have a leading Israeli at the dinner, but no decision has yet been made.
The following week, Abba Eban, the former Israeli Foreign Minister, will be the guest speaker at the ZF’s biennial conference.
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