Ismail’s Visit Termed a ‘welcome Opportunity’ to Exchange Views

A State Department spokesman described the visit to Washington later this week of Hafez Ismail, a high ranking Egyptian diplomat, as a “welcome opportunity” for an exchange of views between Egypt and the U.S. “at an authoritative level of government.”

Department spokesman Charles Bray said that Ismail, who is President Anwar Sadat’s advisor on security, would arrive here Thursday afternoon and would meet with President Nixon at the White House Friday morning. Ismail will also meet with other top U.S. officials and will lunch with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Bray said the Egyptian diplomat was bringing “a small party” with him.

Asked if the meeting was sought by the U.S., Bray said it was set up by mutual agreement and worked out during the course of the past week. He declined to comment when asked if Rogers had been aware of Ismail’s visit when he remarked at a press conference last Thursday that the U.S. would welcome visits by Egyptian representatives but had no plans to receive any “at this moment.” Asked what the Egyptians may have in mind, Bray replied, “further enlightenment” will come after the meeting.”

The State Department spokesman told reporters who questioned him about Ismail’s visit that “To say the obvious, the visit is a welcome opportunity for the U.S. to hear such views as Mr. Ismail might care to present on behalf of his own government and for the U.S, to outline our thinking–both at an authoritative level of government.”

Bray said in reply to questions that he didn’t think it was unusual for a diplomat of Ismail’s rank to meet with the President but he cited no precedents for such a meeting. Ismail will be received at the White House just six days before Premier Golda Meir of Israel meets with the President. It was learned here today that Mrs. Meir will address the National Press Club following her meeting with Nixon on March 1.