Police began an investigation today into a fire which destroyed all musical instruments of the Israel Police Band which had been chosen to play the West German national anthem when Dr. Rolf Pauls presents his credentials as West Germany’s first Ambassador to Israel.
A police spokesman said that musical notes for the anthem also were destroyed in the blaze yesterday in the band building, and that it would be a month before the band would be able to perform again. The envoy is scheduled to arrive next week, and the credentials ceremony will be held soon after his arrival. Police are seeking to determine whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. At the moment, it is not known which band will be selected to play at the credentials ceremony.
A large number of Tel Aviv students were reported today to be planning a protest rally against Dr. Pauls outside the Sheraton Hotel. The West Germans will use the Sheraton, which is guarded by police equipped with walkie-talkies, until they find permanent residence.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.