A scheduled visit to Israel by West Germany’s former Defense Minister, Franz Josef Strauss, was discussed at the weekly Cabinet session today when an unidentified Cabinet minister submitted a written question about the matter, Dr. Strauss is due to arrive next Sunday and to remain in Israel until June 7.
In replying to the question, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion said that the invitation was extended some time ago, and noted that any Government minister may invite a foreign personality without prior approval. It was assumed from the Premier’s reply that the invitation had been extended while Dr. Strauss was still in office and, although it was not stated in the reply, it was assumed that it was Deputy Defense Minister Shimon Peres who had invited Dr. Strauss.
Many Israelis are opposed to the visit. Herut has already announced that a protest demonstration will be staged at Lydda Airport when he arrives.
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