Diplomatic observers here characterized today Moscow-inspired news items appearing in various parts of the world, hinting of possible Arab recognition of Israel, as part of the Soviet Union’s propaganda campaign in its Middle East policy.
The Soviets have been spreading such rumors systematically through Paris. Belgrade. New Delhi, and London. The observers said that the stories were designed to upgrade the Soviet and Arab images in western public opinion and to contrast Arab “reasonableness” with a “stubborn” Israel.
Reports of this alleged softer stand by the Arab rulers are not being published either in the Soviet Union or in the Arab countries. No intimation of any such change in the Arab position has been received by any Israeli official nor has any Western country passed on such information to Israel, it was noted.
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