Burmese Premier Arrives in Israel for Visit, Acclaimed by Israelis

Prime Minister U Nu of Burma arrived in Israel yesterday for a one-week visit which rapidly took on the character of a national holiday The Burmese Premier, who was accompanied by his wife, is the most popular Asian leader her because of this efforts to have Israel invited to the Bandung conference and his attempts to soften the anti-Israel resolution adopted at that conference. Reports here that his proposed visit to Cairo had been cancelled because he refused to bow to Egyptian pressure against his visit to Israel gave a heightened sense of immediacy to his longtime role as Israel’s best friend in Asia.

Premier Nu, in a statement at the Lydda airport upon his arrival, expressed his thanks for the technical assistance and Israel Know-how given his country. “I have been looking forward for some time to a visit to your beautiful country,” he said. “I am very sincerely appreciate that the Israel Government has granted us its aid whenever we requested it. I appreciate very much the great work done by Israel Minister David Hacohen in cementing the bonds of friendship between Burma and Israel.”

The airport ceremonies included greetings from Prime Minister Moshe Sharett, and the attendance of Cabinet members, the Speaker of the Knesset, members of the diplomatic corps and high Army officers. The Burmese leader was also greeted by Burmese officers now in training in Israel and was accorded full military honors.

The two Prime Ministers and their Wives then traveled to this city together where the Burmese party was installed at the King David Hotel. Premier Sharett and his Burmese guest dined quietly there in Prime Minister U Nu’s suite. The Asian leader made an official visit to Mr. Sharett’s office, and to the office of President Itzhak Ben Zvi, and placed a wreath at Herzl’s Tomb today.