Rabin Expresses Appreciation of Ford’s, Kissinger’s Contributions

Premier Yitzhak Rabin was on the telephone for seven minutes yesterday with President Ford in an exchange of good wishes. The outgoing President spent his last day in the White House making calls to key world leaders. He told Rabin he would like to visit Israel in the near future. Rabin had extended an invitation in a letter to Ford in which he thanked him for his assistance and friendship for Israel. In their conversation, Ford said. “I am acquainted with the will and leadership you have shown for the good of the region and of Israel and will continue to work to support what we have done together for the interests of our countries and people of the world.” Rabin reiterated his appreciation of Ford’s contribution to Israel’s security and Middle East peace. “Our activities contributed much to improve the chances for a movement toward peace and increased stability in our region,” Rabin said.

Earlier Rabin cabled a message to outgoing Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger in which he expressed the hope that he and Mrs. Rabin may soon play host to Dr. and Mrs. Kissinger in Israel. “Our acquaintance is too long and significant to use a formal style,” Rabin said. He described the Kissinger era in the State Department as a fateful period for the U.S. and the entire world.

“When you depart from your desk at the State Department you may derive satisfaction from knowing that you are leaving the international arena at a somewhat better stage than which you found it when you assumed office,” Rabin said. “During our long sessions, both personal and official, we have not always seen eye-to-eye but I am sure that we have always understood each other.” Rabin added that he was aware how much Kissinger contributed to strengthening Israel in those areas where it is now stronger than before.