The Israeli Government today officially announced its decision to join in the nuclear test-ban treaty which was initialed in Moscow last week by the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union.
Israel’s adherence to the nuclear pact, which was expected to be voted at the Cabinet meeting next Sunday, was understood here today to have been unanimously approved during interministerial contacts between Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, Foreign Minister Golda Meir, and the members of the Cabinet.
The Government decision was conveyed to the ambassadors of the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union, who were invited by Mrs. Meir to the Foreign Ministry at noon today. The Israeli decision to Join in the pact is in accordance with the third article of the treaty which permits accession at any time by other countries. The official Government announcement stated:
“The Government of Israel welcomes the tripartite treaty initialed in Moscow on July 25 banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space and under the sea. Israel has consistently supported in the past all efforts to ban nuclear tests. The Government of Israel regards this agreement as an important step towards the relaxation of international tensions and expresses the hope that it will be followed by further concrete measures for the attainment of complete and general disarmament. The Government of Israel announces its intent to sign the treaty when it is open for signature.”
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