Israel to Intensify Its Campaign for Securing Link to Euromart

Israel’s ambassadors in Western Europe will launch a widespread campaign among the nations of the European Common Market to gain public support for Israeli efforts to secure a suitable link with the European Economic Community which would protect her economic interests in trade with Western Europe, it was reported here today following a series of consultations between the Israeli envoys and Government officials here.

Following her return here from the United States, Foreign Minister Golda Meir is scheduled to confer with the ambassadors who have already met during the past 10 days with Ministers and officials of the Finance, Commerce, Development and Agriculture ministries.

The Israeli envoys are expected to shift from a policy of quiet diplomacy to an all-out offensive in preparation for a second round of negotiations with Euromart officials due to get underway at the end of January. The new talks are expected to be crucial in view of the wide gap between Israel’s interests and those of the six Common Market nations.

Press reports here today indicated that, while the Euromart representatives have not yet made clear their attitude, it is already certain that they reject Finance Minister Levi Eshkol’s proposals for a “wide and dynamic” agreement which would be almost tantamount to Israel’s incorporation into the structure of the Common Market.

During the new round of talks efforts will be made by the Israeli representatives to widen the agenda in spite of a tendency by the EEC Council of Ministers to limit the subjects of the negotiations.

Frankly describing the situation as “serious,” officials here express little hope for more than some form of interim agreement which would retain Israeli export quotas to Europe of citrus fruit and byproducts and certain Dead Sea minerals. Other Israeli products, however, may not benefit from the agreement.