Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Eytan and Alphand Meet to Discuss Ways to Normalize French-israel Relations

May 14, 1970
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Israeli Ambassador Walter Eytan conferrer for an hour yesterday with Secretary General Herve Alphand, head of the French Foreign Ministry. It was understood M. Alphand did not raise the subject of Lebanon at the meeting, which dealt with Israel’s reply to the recent non-official French proposal to “normalize” French-Israeli relations. The French proposal was said to call on Israel to accept a return of its $50,000,000 payment and forego the 50 Mirage jets it had bought and which have been embargoed, and not to undermine French-Arab relations. In exchange, France would ease its attitude at the Four Power talks and reinstitute the De Gaulle “selective embargo” policy applied prior to Israel’s raid on the Beirut airport. Mr. Eytan was said to have told M. Alphand that despite its desire to “normalize” relations with Paris, Israel could not renounce her claims on the pre-paid Mirages. But the Israeli reportedly also said that position was not final and might be revised if circumstances warranted.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement