Israel’s intentions to establish diplomatic relations with the South Vietnamese regime in Saigon was defended yesterday by Foreign Minister Abba Eban. Replying to two agenda motions in the Knesset, Eban said that the establishment of relations with South Vietnam did not mean that Israel identified itself in any way with the war or with the regime of President Nguyen Van Thieu. He said that Israel would be willing to establish diplomatic relations with North Vietnam as well if Hanoi agreed.
The Foreign Minister maintained that the time was now ripe to move toward relations with Saigon because negotiations are underway and the war may end shortly. He said South Vietnam was not an outlaw state, was not hostile to Israel and did not encourage anti-Israel terror. He said Israel’s aim was to expand its network of diplomatic ties throughout the Far East. Israel’s relations with Saigon have been opposed by Mapam and the left-wing of the Labor Alignment.
Reminder: No Bulletin Thursday, Nov. 23.
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