The stalled negotiations between France and Israel over reimbursement for 50 embargoed Israeli Mirage V jets will be resumed next week, it was learned today. French sources expressed the hope that “a break-through” will be achieved. The talks began last fall after Israel agreed in principle to accept reimbursement for the supersonic jets which the late President Charles De Gaulle placed under embargo on the eve of the Six-Day War.
The French government on its part agreed to absorb the jets into the French Air Force to preclude the possibility of their re-sale to a third power hostile to Israel. Israel had paid about $50 million for the aircraft. The negotiations became deadlocked over the terms of reimbursement.
Next week’s talks will be the first since President Georges Pompidou met with Israeli Ambassador Asher Ben Natan on the matter earlier this month. Pompidou reportedly made no promises and gave no clear indication of his policy but he is known to be anxious to reach an amicable settlement with Israel. Diplomatic sources expressed the hope that the French negotiators will be more flexible when the talks resume. They will be attended by Ben Natan and French officials including Herve Alphand, Secretary General of the French Foreign Ministry.
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