Premier David Ben Gurion denied in parliament today that any negotiations for an Israeli alliance “are being conducted with France or with any other country.” Mr. Ben Gurion made the statement in answer to a question by a member of parliament representing the left-wing Mapam Party, adding: “We are content with the effective cooperation and mutual friendship between Israel and France.”
Paying tribute to French aid in this country’s recent military campaign, Mr. Ben Gurion declared he considers it his duty to increase Franco-Israeli cooperation. “As a result of that cooperation,” he stated, “the Egyptian dictator was prevented from carrying out his designs to annihilate Israel. I am sure that the entire Jewish people is grateful to France for her assistance to Israel in this last fateful year.”
A message of friendship from France to Israel, in observance of the New Year, was broadcast on the radio here today from Premier Guy Mollet of France. After expressing admiration” for the Israeli people and army, M. Mollet stated: “Israel can expect France’s help in achieving a just peace in the Middle East.”
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