Israeli President Ephraim Katzir today urged West Germany not to provide shelter for former Rome Gestapo chief Herbert Kappler, who is hiding in Germany after escaping from a Rome military hospital. Katzir made his plea during the ceremony in which Klaus Schuetz, the new West German Ambassador, presented his credentials.
“The shadow of the past is still with us and will remain with us forever,” the President said. “Some Nazi criminals are still at large.” Referring directly to Kappler, Katzir said, “We are sure the West German government will deal with this problem appropriately.”
Schuetz, the former Mayor of West Berlin and the fourth German Ambassador here since diplomatic relations were started 12 years ago, said that his country places “great importance on the relations with Israel. My government is content that in the 12 years of diplomatic relations” mutual respect and confidence has been maintained.
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