Mrs. Meir Says Israel May Not Get All Conditions Demanded for Resumption of Talks

Premier Golda Meir said last night that “It is almost certain we shall not be able to get all the conditions we demanded for the resumption of the Jarring talks.” But she observed that “The Americans do understand our security problems and the economic difficulties which are the result of the security burden,” explaining, “Not every year does an American President ask the Congress for $500 million aid for Israel.” Premier Meir addressed a gathering of long-time women members of the Labor Party. Conceding that “we have differences of opinion” with Washington, she nevertheless noted: “We have discussions with an Administration which wants Israel existing and strong. The discussion is mainly on the interpretation–what is needed for Israel to be strong?” Regarding peace, Mrs. Meir said, “Something must be done so that the quiet we knew for over three months should continue,” She reasserted Israel’s desire for an indefinite cease-fire. She observed that “Even now there are Russian planes with Russian or Egyptian pilots that fly over the Israeli positions (and) I am not sure the Egyptians would be able to hold their fire till the end of this cease-fire period ending Feb. 5.”

Israel Galili, the influential Minister-Without-Portfolio and former Kaganah commander, said last night that there were no obstacles to immediate Israeli-Jordanian-Lebanese negotiations under the auspices of Dr. Gunnar V. Jarring, the United Nations’ special Middle East mediator. Speaking at a meeting of local academicians in Haifa, Mr. Galili said that while the two Arab countries might postpone the conclusion of the talks, there was no justification for their postponing the opening of them. He said Israel favored early resumption of the Israeli-Jordanian-Egyptian talks under Dr. Jarring, but “not before Israel would try and get the necessary conditions for the resumption of talks,” Meanwhile, in northern Jordan yesterday, the Army smashed a Palestinian guerrilla unit, killing, wounding or capturing “many troops” in what it called the “biggest violation” of their truce. It was their third major encounter in 10 days. The army said it suffered no casualties. A government spokesman said the Army acted against the guerrillas at Sagrat el-Asfour, north of Jarash, when they failed to leave as agreed. The Palestinians said the Army “opened up on guerrilla positions.”