Israel and Malagasy Sign Friendship Treaty in Impressive Ceremony

Israel and the Malagasy Republic (Madagascar) today signed a treaty of friendship and technical cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry, vocational and professional training, youth activities, education, public health service and transportation.

In impressive ceremonies at the home of President Izhak Ben-Zvi here, the pact was signed for Malagasy by President Philibert Tsirinana, and for Israel by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. In the agreement, Israel undertakes to place at Malagasy’s disposal a number of scholarships, and to send to the African republic experts, advisers and technical workers.

A joint communique issued by the two governments at the same time reaffirmed for both Malagasy and Israel the two nations’ interest in the preservation of the freedom of the seas, hope for the attainment of self-determination by all peoples, and deploring any discriminations of racial manifestation. The statement stresses the need for all nations in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere to desist from threats or the use of force against the integrity and political independence of any nation.

KENYA’S LEADER TO VISIT ISRAEL AS GUEST OF GOVERNMENT

Meanwhile, it was announced here today that Jomo Kenyatta, leader of Kenya nationalists in the British African colony, has accepted a formal invitation to visit Israel. Mr. Kenyatta is considered. one of the most glamorous leaders among all Africans. He was in jail or under house arrest for many years until officially liberated by the British administration last week, charged with having led the Mau Mau terrorists in Kenya.

It was disclosed here today that Israel Cohen, Israel’s honorary consul at Nairobi, capital of Kenya, was visiting Mr. Kenyatta in the latter’s home, last week, when government officials arrived to notify Mr. Kenyatta formally that he was now free to leave his home and go wherever he pleases. Mr. Cohen immediately extended to Mr. Kenyatta a formal invitation to visit Israel, and the Kenya leader agreed at once to do so.

Mr. Kenyatta told Mr. Cohen: “Israel and Kenya have much in common historically, ” and expressed appreciation for Israel’s assistance to Kenya. Israel has provided training courses and has conducted seminars for Kenyans.

A team of Israeli specialists left today for Upper Volta and Chad to advise those governments on agricultural and water problems, it was announced by the government. The five-man team was loaned by the Technion, in Haifa. The experts will formulate recommendations which will, later, be implemented by Israeli technicians.