The third round of talks between Dr. Kurt Birreabach, Chancellor Ludwig Erhard’s personal emissary, and Israeli Government leaders, on the projected diplomatic relations between the two countries, has been completed. An official announcement last night stated the conferences ended with “considerable progress on many subjects.”
It was reported that there will not be a joint communique at this stage. When agreement is reached, the matter will be submitted to the two Governments and, when ratification takes place, documents will be exchanged, assumedly early next week. It was indicated that a fourth visit by Dr. Birrenbach will not be needed.
The announcement was made to offset mounting speculation that difficulties were being encountered in the talks. According to informed sources, the tentative agreement stipulates in detail the implementation of economic security aid from West Germany and the wording of the joint communique to be issued. An exchange of ambassadors reportedly will take place in the middle of May. So far, neither West Germany nor Israel has named candidates.
Israeli sources said that the United States denied it exerted any pressure on West Germany against establishing its embassy in Jerusalem. On the contrary, the sources said, Israel wants West Germany to place its embassy in Tel Aviv. Premier Levi Eshkol was expected today to convene this week the Ministerial Committee for Foreign and Security Affairs, which was authorized by the Cabinet to handle ratification of the agreements with West Germany.
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