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Sharett Neither Optimistic Nor Pessimistic on German-Israeli Talks

May 23, 1952
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If Germany does not show its "good intentions" soon it will indicate that the Germans are evading the issue of Israel’s reparations claim and defaulting on their pledge. Israel Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett said today on his arrival in Washington.

Mr. Sharett arrived at the National Airport and was greeted by State Department Chief of Protocol John F. Simmons and Israel Ambassador Abba Ebban. He told reporters that he was "neither optimistic nor pessimistic" on the Israel-German negotiations "but merely in a state of expectancy."

The Foreign Minister said he regarded American Mutual Security Aid, including help already extended and the proposed allocations now pending before Congress, as "highly beneficial." He pointed out that Israel is undergoing "a special transformation and cannot do without mutual security help." He said that the American Government program enables Israel "to buttress ourselves against external and internal threats." He described Israel’s current economic situation as "very hard but good."

A luncheon in honor of Sharett was tendered today at the Mayflower Hotel by Ambassador Abba Eban. Among the guests were the Ambassadors of Norway, Sweden, and France as well as Senators, Congressmen and American governmental officials and several Supreme Court Justices.

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