Israel proposed to the Soviet Union that the two countries resume cooperation on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany this year. But the idea was flatly rejected by the USSR, Premier Shimon Peres told a meeting of high school students here yesterday. The Soviets broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967.
Peres said Israel’s message was conveyed to the Kremlin by Armand Hammer, the American oil magnate who is well connected in Moscow through his extensive business dealings with the Russians. The reply was that a development such as was suggested by Israel would depend on relations between the Soviet Union and the U.S.
Peres revealed the exchange of messages shortly after Edgar Bronfman, president of the World Jewish Congress, announced at the WJC Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that he had been invited to the Soviet Union later this year in his capacities both as businessman and WJC president.
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