Former Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban believes that “there has been no change in the PLO’s policy towards Israel.” He further told an Israel Bonds shoe industry reception last night at the Essex House that “I have nothing to indicate that they (the PLO) will accept UN Resolution 242.”
He termed this year “crucial for peace negotiations” and expressed “cautious optimism” regarding the present mission by Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. Addressing himself to possible future American pressure on Israel, Eban said, “We all understand that negotiations mean compromise. We want to get the best deal that we can and not to have this bargained in advance.”
Eban emphasized “if the Arabs can get all they want in Washington, what do we have left for Geneva? We cannot return to the fragile conditions of ’67. National suicide is not our obligation.” He asked that “negotiations be free from pressure, even from our friends.”
The reception honored Lionel M. Levey of Totowa, N.J., Shoetown Stores, and raised $400,000 in the sale of Israel Bonds. The event was a preliminary function of the annual Israel Bonds shoe industry dinner-dance which will take place Nov. 6 at the Americana Hotel at which time Levey will receive Israel’s Prime Minister’s Medal.
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