A hint that the Israel Foreign Ministry may be transferred to Jerusalem together with all other offices of the government was contained in a communique issued here today.
When the original decision to transfer the seat of the government was announced it was indicated that the Foreign Ministry would remain in Tel Aviv. Foreign legations and embassies are located in the same city as the Foreign Ministry and if the Ministry moves, the various governments with which Israel has diplomatic dealings will be faced with the important problem of extending de facto recognition to Israel’s establishment of Jerusalem as its capital. So far no foreign government has recognized the action.
Today’s communique announced special moving allowances for government workers transferred to Jerusalem. It set a May 31, 1950 deadline on the allowances, noting that by that date the transfer of all personnel should be accomplished. The Immigration Ministry began moving yesterday, while the Interior Ministry is scheduled to move this month.
Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett was today empowered by the Cabinet to contact foreign governments to arrive at agreements covering the extradition of criminals. The food situation in this austerity-conscious country was also discussed at the Cabinet’s regular weekly meeting. The distribution of special food stocks for the Passover holidays was considered.
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