All the parties in the Israel coalition government will support the Cabinet’s stand on the question of reparations claims against Germany, it was reported here last night by Kol Israel, the government-sponsored radio system.
The announcement came after a lengthy meeting of Cabinet members and other representatives of the various coalition parties over the issue, which has split several of the government parties. All persons at the meeting, which was presided over by Premier David Ben Gurion, were sworn not to reveal what went on at the discussion. The government’s statement on reparations will be presented to Parliament next Monday.
The local press, reporting some of the details of the inter-party meeting, today stated that the group adopted a resolution to ask the Knesset to empower the government to act on the reparations matter “in the light of circumstance.” Another resolution, opposing any direct negotiations with Germany, was defeated with only five delegates in favor of it. They were: Rabbi Mordecai Nurock of the Mizrachi; Dr. Zorach Warhaftig of Poale Mizrachi; Eliahu Moshe Genichovsky of Poale Mizrachi; Benjamin Mintz of Poale Agudas Israel; and Rabbi Kalman Kahans of Poale Agudas Israel.
Israel Guri, Mapai leader, demanded that all the parties in the coalition vote with the government, regardless of the feelings of their deputies, because the issue is one of confidence or non-confidence in the government. Mr. Mintz declared that his party had decided to seek the advice of foremost rabbinical authorities on this question, and will act in accordance with their advice.
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