Admiral Sir John Edelsten, commander-in-chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet, today paid his first call to Israel. The Admiral, who is the first British naval officer of his rank to formally visit officials of the Jewish state since the British Mandate over Palestine was terminated May 14, 1948, will spend two days on his visit.
Ho arrived at Haifa aboard his flagship, H.M.S. Surprise, and was met by a British attache and Israel Naval officers who went out to the British vessel. Ashore, he was greeted by Col. Shmuel Admon and Foreign Ministry officials. For the first time in history a British vessel flew the Israel flag, while the port of Haifa hoisted the Union Jack for the first time since British forces withdrow from Palestine. The British vessel fired a 21-gun salute which was returned by the official port battery.
After inspecting an Israel Naval guard at the port, Sir John proceeded to Tel Aviv in a motor car. After his arrival at the British legation, he and British Minister Alexander Knox Helm called on Premier David Ben Gurion and Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett. Later, Sir John was received by Brigadier Yigal Yadin, Israel Army Chief of Staff. Late in the afternoon the Surprise arrived at Tel Aviv and the Admiral returned aboard.
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