Israeli circles expressed cautious optimism today that Franco-Israeli relations would improve in the aftermath of the resignation of President Charles de Gaulle. But it was generally agreed that any changes in France’s attitude toward Israel and its Mideast policy would occur gradually and over a long period of time.
One result of Gen. de Gaulle’s departure which the Israelis anticipate hopefully is a possible breakdown of the Big Four talks on the Mideast and a reversion to the diplomacy of United Nations mediator Ambassador Gunnar V. Jarring whose mission is temporarily suspended. Israel has bitterly opposed the talks which it considers futile and likely to result in a Big Power compromise damaging to Israeli security. (Dr. Jarring conferred with Secretary-General U Thant today in Geneva.) The latter fear was based on the fact that two of the powers–the Soviet Union and France under de Gaulle–were openly pro-Arab. But Israeli circles speculated today that the French position may be redefined once a new President is elected, and that if it turned out to favor Israel, the Soviet Union itself would break up the talks. In that event, the role of conciliator would revert to Dr. Jarring to whom it rightfully belongs according to Israel’s view.
But no changes in French policy were expected during the tenure of the temporary government headed by interim President Alain Poher. It was believed that he will carry on as before, with the momentum of the de Gaulle regime. Nor are there any indications of a breakthrough by the Big Four before a new French President takes office.
The Israelis share the general belief that Gen. de Gaulle’s successor is most likely to be former Premier Georges Pompidou. Officials here say he is not likely to affront his old leader needlessly by sudden changes in Gaullist policy such as rescinding the embargo on military equipment and spare parts to Israel. Even if the new President is non-Gaullist, Israelis believe such policy changes would come about gradually if at all.
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