Galili Says Mrs. Meir Might Have Received Wrong Impression During Washington Visit

Premier Golda Meir was defended by a member of her Cabinet last night over suggestions that she may have received “wrong impressions” during her official visit to Washington last year. Israel Galili, Minister-Without-Portfolio, spoke in reply to questions on a television interview. The questions dealt with the growing concern in Israel that the United States will not grant permission to purchase more Phantoms and Sky hawk jets at this time. Mr., Galili said he thought the impression Mrs. Meir received was the right one at the time of her visit to the White House. But in Mr. Galili’s opinion, subsequent Soviet strategy succeeded in “confusing” the Americans. He said one can only hope that the U.S. will free itself of this confusion when it becomes clear that its own interests may be hurt by accommodations to Russia’s attitude which is identical to that of Egypt.

Mr. Galili warned Israelis to be prepared for “difficulties and complications” in Israel’s relations with the U.S., but to distinguish between short term and long run consequences. In his opinion Washington endangered its own interests by becoming involved in Four Power talks on the Mideast. This, he said, encouraged Arab leaders to “nibble away” at U.S. policy and cause a retreat from its positive stand on Israel’s demands. Asked whether the fact that Secretary of State Rogers rather than President Nixon will announce the Administration’s decision on the Phantoms indicated a negative reply, the Minister said, “As a rule I would prefer the point of contact on issues of this nature to be the White House.”