Goldmann Critical of Israel’s Handling of Palestine Issue; Calls Kissinger Inefficient, Inadequate

Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, sharply criticized the Israeli government for its handling of the Palestinian issue, characterized the policies of Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger as both “inefficient and inadequate” and also declared, in an interview published yesterday in Le Monde, that the only possible solution to the Middle East crisis is one that is supported by both superpowers and must be found rapidly if catastrophe is to be avoided.

Dr, Goldmann also suggested that the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the Geneva peace conference would imply its recognition of Israel’s right to exist. A WJC spokesman here said that Dr. Goldmann was expressing his views as an individual and was not speaking for the WJC.

The WJC leader, whose views frequently have been in conflict with Israeli government policies, criticized that government for wanting to “dictate their desires in an affair which concerns first of all the Palestinians.” He advocated that Israel evacuate the West Bank and put it at the disposal of the United Nations which would organize a plebiscite among the population to determine whether they want to be an independent state or to remain part of Jordan. Dr, Goldmann said he fully supported the Israeli government’s refusal to negotiate with the PLO, “an organization whose strategic goal is to destroy the State of Israel and which uses terrorist methods.”

But, he added, if the PLO were to be invited to the Geneva conference on the basis of Security Council Resolution 242 “which recognizes Israel’s right to exist within secure and established borders,” and if the PLO agreed to attend under these circumstances, their attendance would represent de facto recognition by the PLO and negotiations could begin in view of a compromise. Dr. Goldmann also stated that before the PLO is invited to Geneva, Resolution 242 should be amended to include recognition of Palestinian national rights.

Referring to a general Middle East settlement, Dr. Goldmann told Le Monde that “only a strong policy aimed at a definitive solution and based on the cooperation of the two superpowers…can set aside (the danger of) a new catastrophe in the Near East by avoiding radicalization of the Arab and Israeli positions….The situation in the Near East is explosive. It necessitates a rapid and radical settlement.” In that context he labeled Kissinger’s policies both “inefficient and inadequate.”