Chancellor Kurt Kiesinger, making his first declaration for the Government in the West German Bundestag, the lower House of Parliament, referred today to the “terrible sufferings” of the Jews during the Nazi period. He said that West German diplomatic relations with Israel were an expression of West Germany’s relations with Jews, and that these relations would be continued.
He made the reference to Israel in comments on West German relations with Middle East countries. He said that West Germany regretted that it had no relations with 10 Arab states but that he hoped for a restoration of those relations. The Arab countries severed or suspended diplomatic ties with West Germany after it recognized Israel.
In an interview here with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s correspondent, Mr. Kiesinger said that Germany’s attitude toward Israel “is of a special character, as we have a special responsibility toward her.” He added: “I shall do everything to foster the relations which have already been formally established. I shall not let anyone face me with a dilemma on this question.” He also promised to help Israel with regard to Israeli links with the European Common Market, of which West Germany is one of the six members.
Meanwhile it became known here today that the West German delegation at the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community, the governing body for the European Common Market, has supported Israel’s request for associate status with Euromart. The stand was considered an indication that the new West German coalition government of Chancellor Kiesinger would follow the pro-Israeli policies of the prior government.
Israel’s current limited agreement with the EEC expires next June 30, and Israel has asked consideration for both an expanded agreement and for associate status. The Council of Ministers instructed one of its committees last week to begin exploratory talks with Israel on a new agreement.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
