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Return of Envoy from Paris for ‘holiday’ Considered a Political Gesture

April 2, 1969
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Israel Ambassador to France, Walter Eytan, is returning for a “holiday” which unofficial sources interpret as a sign that Israel does not consider France neutral in the Big Four talks. The gesture also is said to show Israel’s displeasure over the continuing embargo on military materiel imposed by Gen. de Gaulle.

Mr. Shazar also sent a message to President Nixon in which he said: “May I, for myself and all the people of Israel, express sincerest sympathy on the passing of President Eisenhower, architect of the free world’s victory over Fascism, to whom Israel and the Jewish people owe an unforgettable debt of gratitude for his compassionate and understanding relationship to the displaced persons surviving Nazi terror.”

“During the years of his Presidency, Israel viewed, with respect, his efforts to promote peace and development in the Middle East, as in the entire world. Our hearts are with the American people in their bereavement and we would appreciate the transmission of these sentiments to Mrs. Eisenhower and the family.”

Representatives of Washington’s Jewish community were invited to call on President Shazar at the Israel Embassy during the day. He called for unity among Jews and for maintenance of close ties between the Jewish people and the State of Israel. President Nixon met with President Charles de Gaulle of France today. It was reliably reported that even though the meeting was essentially a protocol function, there was a discussion of the Four Power talks on the Middle East due to begin at the United Nations on Thursday.

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