Informed sources here attributed today West Germany’s hesitancy in drafting legislation to discourage German scientists from working in Egypt as due at least partly to a powerful Arab lobby in Bonn and elsewhere in West Germany.
A large section of Chancellor Ludwig Erhard’s Christian Democratic party also is a factor, it was indicated, because it opposes any action which might harm Bonn’s relations with the Arab world. Another reported source listed was pro-Arab pressure provided by West Germany heavy industry including Krupp and Klockner which have already carried out major undertakings for the Egyptian Government.
A West German Government spokesman meanwhile dismissed reports that Nasser had achieved a weapons breakthrough with the help of the scientists. The spokesman said that investigations by both Germany and its allies have produced not the slightest grounds to indicate that the scientists were engaged in the development of nuclear weapons in Egypt.
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