German reports that several West German military units, especially paratroopers, were equipped with Israel’s famous Uzzi sub-machine guns, brought confirmation here today by generally reliable sources that Israel has sold such weapons to West Germany. It was emphasized that the sale was effected with the agreement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It was pointed out here that NATO is interested in standardizing NATO arms. Several units of the Dutch Army have already been equipped with the Uzzi sub-machine gun which has been tested and proven superior to other small arms of the same caliber. Several other NATO units are known to have the weapon.
No announcement has been made here of a deal with West Germany for sale of this weapon, but it was recalled today that Premier David Ben Gurion, in his speech to a Mapai Party rally Monday said that “I am proud that Israeli arms have been sold to Germany.” Israel’s exports of arms, munitions and explosives in 1958 totalled $4,000,000, according to figures disclosed today.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
