Israel’s Cabinet held an extraordinary session here today to discuss the formulation of the projected Bonn-Jerusalem Joint communique regarding the agreement between Israel and West Germany to establish diplomatic relations
While both countries have decided to exchange diplomatic representatives, and have according to official sources, “reached full understanding regarding the substance of continued German economic aid to Israel’s security,” the question of the exact wording of the various documents to be issued has not as yet been determined.
Yesterday, the Israel Government sent Bonn a proposal regarding the wording of the formal documents. It was understood that the reply received today from Bonn was not satisfactory to Israel, and needs a further Cabinet decision.
At question are three separate texts to be issued. One would be a letter from German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard to Israel’s Prime Minister Levi Eshkol; the second would be Mr. Eshkol’s reply to Chancellor Erhard; finally, there would be a joint announcement by both governments.
(In Bonn, a German Government official spokesman said today that this morning’s Bonn Cabinet meeting did not discuss the Israeli issue. He added, however, that the matter is being negotiated further between the German Foreign Ministry and the Israeli mission at Cologne. In reply to a question, he said that “both sides are now approaching a conclusion of their talks.”)
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