In the absence of an extradition treaty between France and Israel there is no legal basis for the surrender of Joseph Janovici, wanted by the French authorities to answer charges of fraud and currency manipulations, informed Israeli circles indicated tonight.
The French Government made a formal application to the Israel Foreign Ministry last Sunday for the return of Mr. Janovici, who arrived in Israel with a Moroccan passport issued in an assumed name. The French plea was based on a request for an ad hoc extradition treaty to cover this instance.
Even if there were a treaty of extradition, Israeli sources noted, there would have to be a court hearing before Mr. Janovici were surrendered. Under the present circumstances, in the absence of a pact, it is highly unlikely that a court would order him surrendered. One of the problems which complicate the legal situation is the fact that since Mr. Janovici arrived as an immigrant he qualifies for automatic citizenship.
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