French President Charles de Gaulle has assured David Ben-Gurion, in a personal letter to the former Israeli Prime Minister, that he meant nothing disparaging when, at his now famous press conference in Paris last November 27, he characterized the Jews as a “domineering people” who, through the ages “have created ill will.” Gen. de Gaulle wrote to Mr. Ben-Gurion that he has only the “warmest friendship” for Israel and the Jewish people.
The French President’s letter was delivered by special messenger to Mr. Ben-Gurion’s desert retreat at Sdeh Boker. It was in reply to a letter sent by Mr. Ben-Gurion to Gen. de Gaulle following the latter’s press conference in which he assailed Israel as a war-like nation bent on expansion, and blamed her for starting the June war.
(In Paris it was reported today that, in his letter to Mr. Ben-Gurion, Gen. de Gaulle also expressed “deep admiration” for Israel’s achievements, but advised that Israel now withdraw its troops from occupied Arab areas.)
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