Israel will probably get a number of Sabrejets from Canada, in addition to the twelve French Mystere jets which Paris announced yesterday would be given Israel as a “last” shipment, it was indicated here today in British official circles.
These circles hastened to make clear that the French announcement did not mean that the Western Powers have come to an agreement to furnish Israel with military supplies against the Arab states. The plane situation was considered apart from the general arms situation, British official circles stressed.
The Western Powers, they indicated, appreciated that Communist shipments of jet planes to Egypt had put Israel at a disadvantage in the air. The British still feel that on the ground Israel has superiority. It was also made clear that the Western Powers would continue to allow a trickle of arms to each side. In Israel’s case this will probably mean some radar equipment and light anti-aircraft guns.
Barnett Janner, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, addressing a Board meeting today, said that “Britain was beginning to realize that Israel must not be allowed to remain an open victim.” At the same time, he emphasized that Egypt had heavy Centurion tanks and that the only defense against such weapons were similar tanks which he hoped the British Government would supply to Israel “at an early stage.”
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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.
