President Nixon and Premier Golda Meir exchanged warm words via telephone satellite communications this afternoon. The occasion was Israel’s linkup with the world-wide satellite communications system that will permit direct telephone dialing overseas and allow Israelis to view live television shows from abroad.
The conversation, while ceremonial, was nevertheless a restatement of US support for Israel. President Nixon said, “Madam Prime Minister, I want you to know that needless to say you are always welcome here. I only regret that while I have visited Israel on other occasions, I have been unable to do so as President. But you can be sure we will continue to work together for what you are interested in and what we are interested in, and that is a just peace in the Middle East which will protect the integrity of Israel, for which your people have suffered so much.”
Mrs. Meir’s reply was brief. “Thank you very much,” she said. “It is easier to face difficulties when you speak as you do; and I know what you have done.” The satellite phone call from the White House was received at 5 p.m. local time at the satellite receiving station built by the Ministry of Communications in the Judaean Hills near Jerusalem, Other events at the inaugural included a violin recital by Isaac Stern and radio and television newscasts from around the world carried live by satellite.
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