Peres: Israel’s Present Task is to Contain Soviet Penetration in the Mideast

Israeli Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Shimon Peres, who arrived here today, held a press conference stating that Israel’s task presently consists in containing Soviet penetration in the Mideast and putting a final stop to the pro-Arab military threat, especially Egypt’s. He said a cease-fire should include all forces including United States and Soviet forces. Asked how Arabs in the occupied territories cooperate with Israeli authorities, Mr. Peres said that on the practical level there exists collaboration but not on a political level. He added that Israel’s basic administrative policy in its dealings with the Arabs is firstly not to interfere in their villages and secondly to maintain the Jordan River bridges. To another question he replied: “I think the Soviet Union has no intention to destroy Israel, but to paint it red, the reddest possible.” The Israeli Minister was received in audience by the Subsecretary for Foreign Relations. Doctor Jose Maria Ruda.