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KISSINGER

BY DARRY SCHWEID

WASHINGTON (AP) -- HENRY A. KISSINGER CARRIED A WARM ENDORSEMENT FROM PRESIDENT FORD AS HE HEADED FOR THE MIDDLE EAST MONDAY TO SOUND OUT EGYPTIAN AND ISRAELI LEADERS ON PROSPECTS FOR ANOTHER DISENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

KISSINGER, TARGET OF RECENT CONGRESSIONAL CRITICISM, DEPARTED ON THE 10-DAY JOURNEY SUNDAY NIGHT AFTER FORD, VICE PRESIDENT NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER AND CABINET MEMBERS STOOD IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO GIVE THE SECRETARY OF STATE A PERSONAL SENDOFF AT ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE.

KISSINGER'S FIRST STOP ON THE FACT-FINDING MISSION, AFTER A REFUELING AT AN AIRBASE OUTSIDE LONDON, IS JERUSALEM, WHERE HE WILL CONFER OVER TWO DAYS WITH PRIME MINISTER YITZHAK RABIN AND OTHER ISRAELI LEADERS.

AT ANDREWS, FORD CLASPED KISSINGER'S HAND AND SAID, "YOU HAVE MY STRONG SUPPORT AND THE BLESSINGS OF 213 MILLION AMERICANS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE KIND OF SUCCESS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE PAST."

FORD CHARACTERIZED KISSINGER'S JOURNEY AS AN "EXTREMELY DELICATE AND EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MISSION" AND SAID THEY WOULD BE IN DAILY COMMUNICATION. HE AND ROCKEFELLER WALKED KISSINGER TO HIS JET AND FORD SAID, "HENRY, GOOD LUCK, GOD BLESS YOU."

THE DISPLAY OF SUPPORT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION FOLLOWS RECENT CONGRESSIONAL CRITICISM OF KISSINGER'S AUTHORITY AND METHODS OF NEGOTIATIONS. SEN. LLOYD M. BENTSEN, DEMOCRAT-TEXAS, SAID KISSINGERO

HAS OF
O MUCH POWER AND SHOULD RELINQUISH ONE OF HIS POSTS AS
SECRETARY OF STATE AND HEAD OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL.

WASHINGTON -- KISSINGER 2

SEN. HENRY M. JACKSON, DEMOCRAT-WASHINGTON, CRITICIZED KISSINGER FOR NOT KEEPING CONGRESS INFORMED OF HIS DIPLOMATIC MANEUVERS. AND SEN. ADLAI E. STEVENSON III, DEMOCRAT-ILLINOIS, CRITICIZED KISSINGER'S STYLE OF PERSONAL DIPLOMACY AND SAID HE PURSUED AMERICAN INTERESTS WITH "GRAND GESTICATIONS" AND BRIDES. JACKSON AND BENTSEN ARE CANDIDATES FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION.

ON THE CURRENT ROUND OF TALKS THE HARD BARGAINING WILL BEGIN WEDNESDAY IN CAIRO WHEN KISSINGER CONFERS AT LENGTH WITH EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT ANWAR SADAT. DIPLOMATIC SOURCES SAY SADAT HAS NOT EVEN BEGUN TO SPECIFY THE CONCESSIONS HE IS PREPARED TO MAKE FOR ANOTHER ISRAELI WITHDRAWL IN THE SINAI.

IN AN INTERVIEW SUNDAY WITH THE NETHERLANDS BROADCASTING FOUNDATION KISSINGER DESCRIBED HIS TRIP AS EXPLORATORY. "THE TRIP ON WHICH I AM STARTING DOES NOT IN ITSELF, WILL NOT YIELD RESULTS," HE SAID.

"I AM MAKING ONLY ONE STOP IN EACH CAPITAL, EXCEPT I AM GOING TWICE TO ISRAEL, IN ORDER TO GET A FEEL FOR THE REAL CONVICTIONS OF THE CHIEF PROTAGONISTS, WHO MIGHT BE RELUCTANT TO PUT THEIR THOUGHTS DOWN IN WRITING.

"AFTER I'VE HAD THIS, I WILL COME BACK HERE, FORMULATE AN AMERICAN VIEW ON THE MATER, AND THEN RETURN TO THE MIDDLE EAST, AND CONCLUDE THE NEGOTIATIONS."

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WASHINGTON -- KISSINGER 3

STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SAID THE FOLLOW-UP TRIP WOULD PROBABLY BE IN MARCH. THEY ALSO SAID THAT IF KISSINGER WAS UNABLE TO HARROW THE GAP BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL, THIS WOULD BE HIS "LAST RUN" AT A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO A MIDDLE EAST SETTLEMENT.

ISRAEL HAS INDICATED A WILLINGNESS TO WITHDRAW UP TO 30 MILES IN THE SINAI, AND GIVE UP THE STRATEGIC GIDI AND MITLA MOUNTAIN PASSES AND THE ABU RUDEIS OILFIELDS. BUT JERSUALEM DEMANDS IN EXCHANGE CONCRETE EVIDENCE BY SADAT THAT EGYPT WILL END ITS DIPLOMATICWIND ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL BELLIGERENCY AGAINST THE JEWISH STATE.

IN SEQUENCE, KISSINGER WILL VISIT ISRAEL, EGYPT, SYRIA, ISRAEL AGAIN, JORDAN AND SAUDI ARADIA, THEN FLY TO BONN AND ON TO GENEVA FOR TWO DAYS OF TALKS WITH SOVIET FOREIGN MINISTER ANDREI A. GROMYKO.

AFTER ADDITIONAL STOPS IN LONDON AND PARIS AND PROBABLY IN ZURICH TO SEE THE SHAH OF IRAN, HIS CURRENT PLAN IS TO RETURN HOME ON FEB. 19.

O 102329Z FEB 75 ZFF4
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHEM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM IMMEDIATE 7304
INFO RUQMAD/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV IMMEDIATE 3696
BT
UNCLAS
STATE 030323

TOSEC 29

E.O. 11652: NA
TAGS: OVIP (KISSINGER, H. A.)
SUBJECT: TRAVELING PRESS COVERAGE, FEBRUARY 10

FOR AMBASSADOR ANDERSON FROM S/PRS

NO. 2

SUMMARY: EARLY AFTERNOON WIRES LEAD WITH HAK'S ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL AND STATEMENT THAT U.S. READY TO TAKE OTHER APPROACHES TO A ME SETTLEMENT THAN HIS STEP-BY-STEP PLAN. GWERTZMAN AND CARTER EMPHASIZE EXPLORATORY NATURE OF TRIP WITH CARTER NOTING HAK'S CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM ABOUT CHANCES FOR AGREEMENT.

VIRES

1. AP - SCHWEID FROM JERUSALEM HAS HAK SAYING U. S. READY TO TAKE OTHER APPROACHES TO A SETTLEMENT THAN HIS STEP-BY-STEP PLAN. "WE ARE PREPARED TO EXPLORE MEANS AND OTHER FORUMS, IF NECESSARY"--- AN OBVIOUS REFERENCE ACCORDING TO SCHWEID TO GENEVA CONFERENCE. SAYS HAK THANKED RABIN GOVERNMENT FOR ENDORSING HIS APPROACH BUT ADDED THE U.S. "IS ESSENTIALLY COMMITTED TO RAPID PROGRESS" AND DOES NOT SUBSCRIBE TO ANY SPECIAL WAY OF ACHIEVING IT. SCHWEID SAYS U. S. OFFICIALS SAY UNLESS HAK CONCLUDES SITUATION IS HOPELESS, HE PLANS TO RETURN ME ABOUT MARCH 10 TO WORK OUT DETAILS OF AN ISRAELI SINAI WITHDRAWAL. SCHWEID QUOTES U.S. OFFICIALS THAT HAK RECOGNIZES ISRAELI NEED FOR CONCRETE CONCESSIONS FROM EGYPT IN EXCHANGE, TOWARD AN END TO POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC BELLIGERENCY. IN EARLIER STORY FROM FRANKFURT REFUELING STOP, SCHWEID CITES U. S. OFFICIALS THAT ALTERNATIVE TO HAK STEP-BY-STEP ROUTE IS RESUMPTION OF GENEVA CONFERENCE IN A CRISIS ATMOSPHERE. IN TAKE-OFF STORY FROM WASHINGTON, SCHWEID SAID HAKGOT WARM ENDORSEMENT FROM PRESIDENT FORD AS HE BEGAN TRIP.

2. UPI - DATELINE TEL AVIV (NO BYLINE) HAD HAK ARRIVING ISRAEL BEARING IDEAS FROM EGYPT AND SYRIA ON ME ACCORD AND SAYING HE IS PREPARED TO EXPLORE MEANS OTHER THAN HIS STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO ACHIEVE RAPID PROGRESS TOWARDS PEACE. QUOTES HAK, "I WELCOME THE DECISION THAT WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY BY THE ISRAELI CABINET ENDORSING MY STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH. THE U. S., OF COURSE, IS NOT

UNCLASSIFIED

IF THE COMING EFFORT FAILS TO PRODUCE A NEW AGREEMENT
WITH THE CAIRO AND JERUSALEM, WITH A PROMISE OF PROGRESS
ON SYRIAN AND JORDANIAN FRONTIERS, WE WILL ABANDON HIS
STEP-BY-STEP WE PEACEMAKING. CARTER CONCLUDES THIS WOULD
MEAN A RETURN TO GENEVA "WHERE THE ENTIRE PEACEMAKING
PROCESS WOULD LIKELY FLOUNDER ON BOMBAST AND THE ISSUE OF
PALESTINIAN PARTICIPATION."

ALSO NOTED: WASHINGTON POST, BEIRUT DATELINER BY
HOAGLAND, SAYS HAK EMBARKED ON CURRENT TRIP "WITH SERIOUS
PROSPECTS FOR NEGOTIATING ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM SINAI
THAT WILL LEAD TO "AN EFFECTIVE TWO-THREE YEAR TRUCE
BETWEEN THE MAIN ARAB ARMY'S AND ISRAEL". HOAGLAND SAYS
THIS ASSESSMENT COMES FROM PRIVATE COMMENTS OF SENIOR
EGYPTIAN AND JORDANIAN OFFICIALS. INFORMED SYRIAN SOURCES

AND AS FORTUNES TURNING BACK FROM ISRAEL. HOAGLAND SAYS
DIPLOMATIC ANALYSTS HAVE CONCLUDED THAT HAK HAS ASSURED
ISRAELIS AND HUSSEIN THAT QUESTION OF PLO PARTICIPATION
IN SERIOUS PEACE TALKS WILL CONTINUE TO BE "FROZEN".

RADIO

1. CBS RADIO (2 P.M. NEWS FROM JERUSALEM, KALB) SAYS HAK WAS QUICKLY INVITED TO WORKING DINNER WITH RABIN. KALB SAYS HAK AWARE OF "COOLER, TOUGHER" ISRAELI ATTITUDE THESE DAYS AND SAID AT AIRPORT ARRIVAL THAT STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH MAY NOT BE THE ONLY ONE AND THAT IF OTHER MEANS OR FORUMS COULD ALSO ACHIEVE RAPID PROGRESS, HE IS ALL FOR THEM. KALB SAYS THIS IS DIPLOMATIC SHORTHAND FOR HAK'S UNDERSTANDING OF GROWING ISRAELI SENTIMENT TO GIVE UP STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH AND THROW NEGOTIATION BACK INTO LAP

OF RECEIVED GENEVA CONFERENCE. "KISSINGER DOES NOT
THINK THAT WOULD DO MUCH GOOD BECAUSE IT WOULD LIKELY
ENSURE A STALEMATE. HE THINKS THAT IS MAYBE WHAT SOME
ISRAELI OFFICIALS WANT, BUT BY NO MEANS ALL. THE SECRETARY
IS STILL PRESSING FOR A DEAL BY THE END OF MARCH", KALB
CONCLUDED. INGERSOLL

BEECHESIDE

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Press

KISSINGER 2-10

1ST ADD NIGHT LD KISSINGER JERUSALEM MLC093 XXX IN 1967.

KISSINGERS SILVER AND BLUE AIR FORCE JET, NUMBER 86970, LANDED IN BLUSTERY WEATHER AT 5:40 P.M. (1540 GMT) AT BEN GURION AIRPORT NEAR TEL AVIV WHERE HE WAS MET BY ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER YIGAL ALLON.

RIDING IN THE USUAL BULLETPROOF LIMOUSINE FLOWN IN FROM THE UNITED STATES FOR KISSINGERS VISIT, THE TWO MEN DROVE IN THE RAIN FROM THE COAST UP THE WINDING ROADS TO JERUSALEM, MORE THAN 2,000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, WHERE THE RAIN TURNED TO INTERMITTENT SNOW.

KISSINGER ORIGINALLY HAD PLANNED TO REST TONIGHT BUT THE ISRAELIS HAD SCHEDULED THE WORKING DINNER SOON AFTER HIS ARRIVAL WITH RABIN ALLON, PEREE AND OTHER KEY NEGOTIATORS.

IN HIS AIRPORT STATEMENT, KISSINGER HAILED THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ISRAELI CABINET SUNDAY THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE WITH HIS STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH. BUT HE ALSO TOOK NOTE OF SOME SENTIMENT EVEN HERE OF A RETURN VTO GENEVA BY SAYING THAT THE UNITED STATES IS NOT COMMITTED TO ANY PARTICULAR FORM SO LONG AS THERE IS RAPID PROGRESS.

A SENIOR OFFICIAL ABOARD KISSINGERS PLANE SAID THE SECRETARY ALREADY HAD SOME VAGUE IDEAS OF WHAT THE PULLBACK AGREEMENT COULD BE, BUT WAS NOT YET SURE WHETHER IT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE. IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT KISSINGER WAS HOPEFUL IT COULD BE.

MORE

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2ND ADD NIGHT LD KISSINGER JERUSALEM MLC093 XXX COULD BE.

A HIGH AMERICAN OFFICIAL SAID THAT LATER THE UNITED STATES MIGHT ACT AS A CLEARINGHOUSE -- AS IT HAS DURING PAST TROOP DISENGAGEMENTS -- FOR PROPOSALS FOR AN EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.

AFTER SEEING SADAT ON WEDNESDAY, KISSINGER WILL FLY TO SYRIA THURSDAY TO TALK TO PRESIDENT HAFEZ ASSAD AND THEN COME BACK TO ISRAEL FOR FURTHER TALKS THE SAME NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING.

THE HIGH AMERICAN OFFICIAL SAID THERE WERE INDICATIONS, TOO, THAT VYRIA MAY BE LEANING TO A FURTHER INTERIM AGREEMENT BEFORE A FINAL SETTLEMENT.

ON FRIDAY, KISSINGER WILL GO TO JORDAN, SPEND OVERNIGHT THERE FOR TALKS WITH KING HUSSEIN AT AQABA, FLY ON TO SAUDI ARABIA TO SEE KING FAISAL AND THEN FLY TO GERMANY ON SATURDAY NIGHT, ENDING THE MIDDLE EAST PART OF HIS TOUR.

BUT IN GENEVA NEXT WEEK, KISSINGER WILL CONFER WITH SOVIET FOREIGN MINISTER ANDREI GROMYKO WHO TOURED THE ARAB STATES AHEAD OF HIM ADVOCATING AN IMMEDIATE RETURN TO THE GENEVA PEACE CONFERENCE WHERE ALL PARTIES WOULD SIT TOGETHER AND RUSSIA WOULD HAVE A VOICE.

AMERICAN OFFICIALS SAID THAT KISSINGER WOULD PREFER TO HAVE ANOTHER DISENAGEMENT AGREEMENT BEFORE GOING TO GENEVA IN A GOOD NEGOTIATING ATMOSPHERE, RATHER THAN RESORTING TO THE CONFERENCE AS A LAST RESORT WHEN ALL ELSE HAD FAILED.

WGL

SH/2109

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1ST ADD 2ND LD KISSINGER TEL AVIV MLC068 XXX TO REFUEL

ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE, NANCY, KISSINGER MOTORED DIRECTLY
TO JERUSALEM TO BEGIN THE FIRST ROUND OF TALKS OVER DINNR WITH
PRIME MINISTER YITZHAK RABIN, FOREIGN MINISTER YIGAL ALLON,
DEFENSE MINISTER SHIMON PERES AND THE CHIEF OF STAFF, LT.; &AN.
MORDECHAI GUR.

HE TOLD NEWSMEN ABOARD HIS PLANE THAT HE WAS BRINGING IDEAS ON
A PEACE SETTLEMENT GIVEN TO HIM BY EGYPT AND SYRIA BUT THAT HE HAD
NO CONCRETE PROPOSALS.

"WE HAVE NO FORMAL PROPOSALS FROM EITHER SIDE BUT I HAVE IDEAS FROM EGYPT AND IDEAS FROM SYRIA AND I AM HERE TO DISCUSS THESE IDEAS," HE SAID.

WRAPPED AGAINST THE COLD DRIZZLE IN A CHARCOAL GRAY OVERCOAST,
KISSINGER TOLD NEWSMEN AT PLANESIDE AFTER HE WAS GREETED BY ALLON
AND U.S. AMBASSADOR KENNETH B. KEATING:

"I WELCOME THE DECISION THAT WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY BY THE ISRAELI CABINET ENDORSING MY STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH. THE UNITED STATES, OF COURSE, IS NOT COMMITTED TO ANY PARTICULAR APPROACH. IT IS COMMITTED TO RAPID PROGRESS.

MORE (OPEN QUOTES).

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KISSINGER 2-10

2ND ADD 2ND LD KISSINGER TEL AVIV MLC068 XXX RAPID PROGRESS.

"WE CAN WORK CLOSELY AND COOPERATIVELY AND IN A SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE ISRAELI CABINET. WE AGREE WITH THEM THAT THE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH IS LIKELY TO BE THE MOST PRODUCTIVE."

BUT KISSINGER DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A RESUMPTION
OF THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, A DIPLOMATIC ROUTE TOWARDS A MIDDLE
EAST PEACE FAVORED BY THE SOVIET UNION.

"WE ARE PREPARED TO EXPLORE OTHER MEANS AND OTHER FORUMS IN ORDER TO MAKE RAPID PROGRESS," HE SAID. "BUT WHATEVER WE DO IT WILL BE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP AND THAT THE SURVIVAL AND SECURITY OF ISRAEL ARE THE BASIC AMERICAN CONCERN."

HE SAID H

ZWJIIISJOH TO THE REGION TO SEE "WHAT FURTHER PROGRESS CAN BE MADE TOWARDS PEACE IN AN AREA WHICH HAS LONG MEEDED IT AND FOR A PEOPLE THAT HAS LONG WANTED IT."

BECAUSE OF AN INTERMITTENT SNOWFALL IN JERUSALEM THROUGHOUT THE DAY POLICE SAID THEY HAD READIED JEEPS TO FERRY KISSINGER AND HIS PARTY THROUGH THE CITY. BUT THE SNOW, THE FIRST OF THE SEASON, MELTED NEARLY AS SOON

S IT TOUCHED GROUND.

A SENIOR OFFICIAL ABOARD THE KISSINGER PTANE STRESSED THAT THE
SECRETARY AND HIS PARTY WOULD HAVE NO CONTACT WITH THE PALESINE
LIBER

TION ORGANIZATION DURING HIS 10-DAY, NINE-NATION TOUR.

PICKUP 2ND QGH FLB021: "GOOD LUCK, HENRY

RCG/ALL

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[LC]

V. 10 Feb 75

ISRAEL

RABIN APPEALS TO POWERS NOT TO DICTATE TO MIDEAST

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin has said in an interview on Mexican television that a settlement with Egypt without a withdrawal on the Golan Heights, constitutes the key to peace in the entire Middle East. He appealed to the world powers to avoid dictating steps to the countries of the Middle East.

ALLON: NO SPLIT SOUGHT BETWEEN EGYPT, OTHER ARAB NATIONS

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1600 GMT 9 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Foreign Minister Yigal Allon says Israel does not intend to drive a wedge between Egypt and the other Arab countries. A settlement with Egypt does not bar the way toward negotiations with others, but first come, first served.

The foreign minister said this before the World Jewish Congress. He noted that today there is not even one Arab country ready to enter into peace negotiations with us. Israel has been informed, however, that Egypt is willing, in principle, to negotiate regarding an interim settlement, and this information deserves to be examined, he said. Israel, the foreign minister continued, is not prepared to make any political settlement under pressure of any kind. Should Israel be asked to pay a price likely to affect its defensive capability, or a price inappropriate to the Egyptian compensation, there is no pressure that will succeed in weakening our position.

Mr Allon said that should a situation be created that would oblige Israel's participation in the Geneva conference, we shall go to Geneva. The foreign minister stated that he is certain that Geneva is accorded an important role in Israeli-Arab relationships.

EBAN URGES DIRECT TALKS WITH SOVIETS ON MIDEAST

Paris LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR in French 3-9 Feb 75 pp 27-28 LD

[Josette Alia undated exclusive interview with Abba Eban: "Anwar as-Sadat's 'Overture'"]

[Text] [Question] President as-Sadat has stated recently that at no time in the past 25 years has peace in the Middle East been as close as it is now. Is this also your view? And if not, how do you explain his optimism?

[Answer] I do not know to what his optimism is due. However, I take the view that one must always try not to give way to despair and apocalyptic visions. And, furthermore, I can see that despite appearances--such as 'Arafat's success in the United Nations and the recent rather unbalanced resolutions adopted by some international organizations--a kind of reaction can be perceived, a return-shock aimed at reconciling the recognition both of a Palestinian entity and of Israel's existence mentioned as a generally accepted fact.

This can be seen in the United Nations: Europe's recently adopted attitude remains favorable to the Palestinians, but it nonetheless accepts Israel's right to exist. This has clarified matters and has led to the main question being asked: Do those who insist on the Palestinian entity mean to say "Palestine in place of Israel or Palestine side by side with Israel?" In our view, this is where the entire problem resides.

V. 10 Feb 75

N 2

ISRAEL

[Question] As-Sadat said that he accepted the existence of a Palestinian State side by side with an independent Israeli State...

[Answer] I am inclined to distrust any statements for foreign consumption and prefer to refer to real political prospects. It is true, however, that of all Arab leaders As-Saddat is perhaps the most realistic and pragmatic and the least inclined to dream. In any case, this is how he appeared to me during his visit to France and this is a positive factor.

[Question] He also said that he would offer Israel a peace treaty in exchange for its withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories....

[Answer] The link between a withdrawal from these territories and peace has now been established in all international documents, and attempts are being made to realize this in the present negotiations on a provisional agreement. My personal views on the subject are different and I am rather skeptical as to the changes of this king of agreement.

In fact, when one says "peace in exchange for territories," this means that it is necessary to establish a connection and balance between the risks we would take by withdrawing from the territories under our control and compensations offered to us in the sphere of peace. Now, how can one compare things that are hardly comparable? How can one put on the scale objects of negotiation which are so completely different? It is easy to say: "Withdraw from 20 percent of the territories." But what would be meant by the promise: "In exchange we will give you 20 percent of peace?"

Unlike some of my colleagues, I believe, therefore, that Israel should change direction, perhaps repudiate any formula for partial agreements and go back to the Geneva framework. Considering that we want a complete, global agreement, why not place ourselves in a similarly complete and global framework? Personally, I can see at least three advantages in this:

First, a conference in which Israel, the Arab belligerents, and the two superpowers, whose absence would be completely artificial, would participate would offer a compactness that would help in the adoption of decisions;

Second, an approach acknowledging the principle of mutual consent is better than an approach similar to parliamentary activities based on majority votes which could be imposed on one of the main participants, who would naturally refuse to accept such a procedure. Only mutual consent provides a solid basis for agreement.

Third, people in Israel often talk about the "danger" of negotiating with the Soviets. I really cannot see what this danger is. In any case, the Soviets are present in the background of any negotiation, if only by their active support for certain Arab countries. So why not deal with them directly? When I talked to Gromyko in Geneva, our dialog did not widen the gulf between us; on the contrary. It is true that he was very firm on the principle of the integrity of the 4 June 1967 borders, but even so, we are a long way from the 1947 division talked about by some Arab countries or even from Mr 'Arafat's arguments....and then, the USSR is sincerely attached to respect for the actual existence of the State of Israel. We must resume dialog with the Soviets. Gromyko said to me: "Anyone who does not accept Israel's sovereignty cannot count on our help." I believe he means it. In any case, we must not ignore this opportunity which is offered....

[Question] Should Israel therefore take a diplomatic initiative and try to make an agreement directly with the USSR? That would be a strange by interesting turn of the political situation....

V. 10 Feb 75

N 3

ISRAEL

[LC]

[Answer] In principle, my reply is yes. Obviously this does not depend on us alone; the agreement of the Soviets themselves is also necessary. But after all, why should all our links be established exclusively with the United States? It is obvious that no agreement will be made in the Near East without the approval and, therefore, the participation of the USSR; or, if you prefer, the USSR has the means to oppose any agreement concluded without its participation. We may regret it or rejoice in it, but it is a fact to which we must above all adapt ourselves. Anyway, even Henry Kissinger has adapted himself to it. . . .

[Question] Nevertheless, he is acting in a completely different framework, which is exclusively American. So does not his "step-by-step" diplomacy risk increasing the danger of conflict instead of providing solutions?

[Answer] It is quite normal for Henry Kissinger to try to make paths wherever possible, and, in any case, he knows very well where his action is situated. If he is avoiding the Geneva confrontation for the moment, it is because he fears an impasse. The final failure that he thinks would inevitably lead to war. I am not entirely of this opinion. I believe that the decisions that lead to war are deliberate political decisions which do not, therefore, depend on the success or failure of a conference. The factors weighing against war now will continue to do so after or during Geneva. Moreover, even if the "step-by-step" policy succeeds, even if we reach partial agreements, do you think that the Arabs will be content with that? Surely not. In the end we will have to take the risk of going to Geneva. We have nothing to lose by it. We will thus renew our links with the Soviets and we will know what the Palestinians want.

[Question] So why not abandon the idea of an interim agreement and resume the Geneva conference immediately?

[Answer] Yes, why not? Personally, I think that it is better to keep for the great global negotiations in Geneva our trump cards such as withdrawal from the Sinai passes or from Abu Rudays.

[Question] Is this opinion widespread in Israel? It is not, in any case, the position of your government. . . .

[Answer] In the Knesset and within the Labor Party itself there is a tendency in this direction. Is it or will it be the majority opinion? We will know that in a few weeks, perhaps in a few days. . . .

[Question] To meet in Geneva without the Palestinians or even without the PLO would not mean very much. But, in view of this, would you agree to sit opposite Yasir 'Arafat?

[Answer] I believe that Israel must negotiate with anyone from among the Palestinians, provided he accepts the existence of the State of Israel as irreversible. Moreover, if the PLO sits in Geneva, that will mean that it has modified its ideology: The international negotiations must take place within the framework of resolutions (242 or 338) formally establishing our sovereignty. So? Is this not a starting point? I can assure you that if the Palestinians dial Geneva 242-338 I will answer: "Do not hang up."

V. 10 Feb 75

N 4

ISRAEL

[Question] Since the lifting of the embargo, there has been a resumption of arms sales agreements by France with the Arab countries, but also, more discreetly, with Israel. In addition, President Giscard d'Estaing, in the presence of Anwar as-Sadat, has publicly demanded that Israel's borders should be not only secure and recognized, but effectively guaranteed. In your opinion, does this development of the French position make possible any mediation by France? Does it justify France's possible presence in Geneva?

[Answer] The lifting of the embargo was a just measure, but it should be realized that this is to the Arabs' rather than to Israel's advantage, for Israel is now dependent on American arms supplies for obvious financial reasons. As for the "guarantees" offered by your president, I am pleased with one thing: That he wants to add them to the main principle of the recognition of our borders by our neighbors and not to substitute them for this principle. As far as peace and security are concerned, I would prefer mutual recognition to any guarantees, even international ones, for I still remember General De Gaulle's answer on 24 May 1967 when I reminded him of the promise given by France 10 years earlier that it would "guarantee" freedom of navigation in the Straits of Tiran: "Guarantees are never absolute," he told me, "guarantees are modified." We are not likely to forget this lesson. . . .

"Having said that, I acknowledge that the French president is newly moderate in his tone and that he is also making efforts to raise the standard of the dialog between France and us. He even asks us to understand his position--which we completely accept: France has an Arab and Mediterranean policy that it wishes to pursue without, nonetheless, completely sacrificing its relations with us. So be it. But let France in turn understand us; it was decided not to include representatives of the Security Council member countries in the "blue berets" in order to avoid the risks of an extremely dangerous flareup. The United States and the USSR accepted these conditions. Why should France alone derogate?

"This would serve to make us run a great many risks merely to satisfy prestige. As for the Geneva conference, why weight it down any more and transform it into a chaotic and ineffective international conference? The agreements between the Arabs and us are too delicate to be handled and too difficult to establish for them to be further complicated. What is more, France is too vulnerable, too involved in the Arab camp, too dependent on Arab oil, and too desirous of selling its 'Mirages' to be an objective mediator."

REPORTAGE ON KISSINGER MIDEAST VISIT

Ambassador Dinitz on Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Television Service in Hebrew 1810 GMT 7 Feb 75 TA

[Text] On the eve of Dr Kissinger's arrival in Israel our ambassador in Washington, Simcha Dinitz, arrived here today. He said that Dr Kissinger will remain in Israel until Wednesday when he will leave for Cairo and will return to Israel on Thursday for further talks.

[Recording begins] [Question] Mr Dinitz, in view of his visit, are there common points between Israel and Egypt that Dr Kissinger would hope to see?

V. 10 Feb 75

N 5

ISRAEL

[Answer] I think that it is still premature at this stage to say whether there are common points, with the exception of perhaps one point which is important. This is Egypt's wish or readiness--as far as we can discern--to enter into another arrangement. Beyond that, to the best of my knowledge, neither we nor the Americans have any information from Egypt which might enable us to see whether there is indeed a common denominator or common points in the stands of the two sides.

[Question] Does Israel have any well defined line prepared for Dr Kissinger's visit?

[Answer] I assume that our line is that we want and aspire to reach an interim arrangement with Egypt. I think that our line has been explained several times in both the prime minister and the foreign minister, and by me in talks in Washington. We are prepared for a further withdrawal, but we insist on receiving an adequate Egyptian quid pro quo for such a withdrawal. Obviously we are not prepared to make a one-sided concession or a move incompatible with our interests. I wish to add another word on this matter, if we are facing the possibility of an adequate and suitable--as far as we are concerned--agreement with Egypt, there is no need to put pressure on us to do so. We are interested in that. If we face the alternative of an agreement which is not acceptable to us, no pressure in the world will force us to do something which is against our will.

## Cabinet to Discuss Kissinger Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 9 Feb 75 TA

[From the morning newsreel]

[Text] The Cabinet will apparently hold a discussion during its weekly meeting today, on the eve of the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Our political affairs correspondent Shalom Qital reports on the mood in the Cabinet. [Qital recorded]

The prime minister will suggest to the ministers today not to mark out an unequivocal decision--a binding decision on the eve of the arrival of the U.S. secretary of state in Israel. Mr Rabin will request that the team to hold discussions with Kissinger be given an open hand. The prime minister will request that the team be authorized to suggest a number of alternatives and thus create flexibility in the negotiations and the possibility of adapting the Israeli stand to the reply which will be received later from Cairo. The Israeli team includes the prime minister, the defense minister, the foreign minister, the chief of staff and Ambassador Dinitz. Ambassador Dinitz, who arrived in Israel on Froday, will brief the government today on his talks with Henry Kissinger last week.

The ministers will ask questions and during the questions and answers a debate will develop expressing the differences in outlooks within the Cabinet. There are ministers who are prepared to give up Abu Rudays and the passes in return for an adequate Egyptian quid pro quo. Other ministers want a more significant concessions by the Egyptians and are not prepared to give up the passes. There is also debate regarding whether to attend the Geneva conference.

However, whether there is an argument or not, the Cabinet will not draw up a map in Sinai. If the need should arise during the talks with the U.S. secretary of state, the Cabinet will be summoned for a special meeting.

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Dr Kissinger and his wife will arrive in Israel tomorrow evening. Immediately on his arrival he will confer with the Israeli team in Jerusalem for a first meeting.

Cabinet Meets To Prepare for Kissinger

[Text] The Cabinet held a political discussion today in preparation for Dr Kissinger's visit. The Cabinet sat in its capacity as Ministerial Committee for Security Affairs. Our correspondent Shalom Qital has this to say about the framework of the discussion:

[Qital--live or recorded] The Cabinet was in session for 6 hours today in a political discussion in preparation for Dr Kissinger's arrival in Israel. Views were exchanged regarding the concessions Israel can undertake in Sinai and the nature of the compensation to be demanded from the Egyptians. The Cabinet, however, did not adopt any new resolutions today. No voting took place. At the end of the political discussion it was stated that the staff that will negotiate with the U.S. secretary of state will continue the talks with him on the same subjects that have been discussed so far, according to the government resolutions regarding the possibility of an interim settlement with Egypt. This is in accord with what has been outlined in the reports received by the Cabinet to date on the talks held by Yigal Allon and Henry Kissinger in the United States. Whenever the Israeli Ministerial Staff that will include the prime minister, the foreign minister and the defense minister considers it proper, the Cabinet will be convened in special session to be briefed or to adopt resolutions.

As regards the Geneva conference, the specific position of the Cabinet has remained unchanged; namely, at this stage it is preferable to exploit efforts to reach an interim settlement with Egypt through the good offices of the United States. [end of Qital's report]

At today's Cabinet meeting a briefing was also given by our ambassador to the United States, Simcha Dinitz, regarding developments since Minister Allon's visit to the United States, and developments preceding Dr Kissinger's visit. The briefing covered most of the issues at hand. On the subject of information, the ambassador emphasized that there is no erosion in the American public's support and sympathy for Israel. A more constant information campaign is required, he said, for this situation to continue. Mr Dinitz remarked that Israel's increased demands for aid make the struggle for the sympathies of Congress and the administration more difficult.

9 Feb Press Views

[Morning press review]

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger begins another tour of the Middle East today. Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin preceded this tour with a declaration that Israel will be prepared to give up the passes in Sinai and the oilfields in Abu Rudays if Egypt puts an end once and for all to the state of belligerency with Israel in a binding manner. The prime minister's declaration was received by today's papers with mixed feelings. Some papers praise it while others express reservations regarding it.

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HA'AREZ sees in this declaration a hardening of the prime minister's position. The paper points out that more than 2 months ago the prime minister declared that in return for a declaration of nonbelligerency by Cairo, he would be prepared to be content with a military arrangement containing political implications, while now Mr Rabin is reiterating a demand for an explicit political settlement in return for a withdrawal in Sinai. HA'AREZ believes that this readiness to make concessions does not entail any harm to our security if the territories to be vacated remain demilitarized under appropriate supervision. We have to wait and see how the Egyptian president reacts to the prime minister's proposal.

The Jerusalem POST says that the prime minister does not seriously expect President As-Sadat to accept his proposal and commit himself to a nonbelligerency agreement when all his speeches and views lead to the opposite conclusion. The paper recalls that As-Sadat has in fact committed himself to nonbelligerency in the cease-fire agreement which was signed following the Yom Kippur war. This was part of the arrangement suggested by Dr Kissinger, but the U.S. secretary of state has never taken the trouble to remind the Egyptian president of this commitment at a time when the Egyptians are concentrating their forces near the canal and reinforcing their fortifications along it.

HAZOFE expresses clear resentment over the prime minister's declaration. The paper says that it testifies to Mr Rabin's impatience when he announces a readiness for a far-reaching withdrawal and thus loses the main cards for the negotiations. The paper describes the prime minister's declaration as ill-considered, unnecessary, and harmful. While the Egyptian president is making intransigent statements, the Israeli prime minister is making several declarations, each one expressing more concessions than the preceding one. While the advantage of these declarations is doubtful, the losses from them are definite.

'AL HAMISHMAR praises the prime minister for his declaration, seeing in it a real attempt to test Egypt's intentions. We have to find out whether President As-Sadat is prepared to pay the bill which he signed in Paris recently when he declared that Egypt and Syria will not launch war against Israel. 'AL HAMISHMAR says we are interested in cooperation between the two superpowers for the sake of a Middle East settlement and therefore we will go to the Geneva conference willingly after the foundations for a settlement have been laid. Israel's readiness to make significant withdrawals from Sinai, as expressed by the prime minister, is a proof of goodwill and sets a challenge before Cairo.

HAMODIA' on the other hand is astonished at the generosity of the prime minister. The paper asks whether Mr Rabin has any bargaining cards left. The paper does not believe in the practicality of Mr Rabin's proposals, which include the condition that Egypt not link an arrangement with Israel with an arrangement between Israel and Syria or the solution of the Palestinian issue, while As-Sadat in all his recent declarations has tied himself with Damascus and it is difficult to see how he can free himself from all these tie-ins.

OMER is of the opinion that the prime minister's declaration should have contained more detailed demands in return for a significant Israeli withdrawal in Sinai. He should have extended the nonbelligerency concept to the economic and political levels. Only such nonbelligerency, which would include the suspension of the Arab boycott, would justify the extent of the withdrawal which the prime minister mentioned.

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DAVAR expresses support to the new mediation attempt which Dr Kissinger is launching this week, while stressing the need for a firm stand by us on conditions which we consider vital in the framework of another partial arrangement. The paper expresses the hope that the Israeli public will show a mature and sober attitude toward the coming stage of arrangement. At the same time, the paper stresses that the difficultlies facing Dr Kissinger in this round of talks are immeasurably more serious than those which faced him when he brought about the disengagement agreements.

NOWINY KURIER does not share Dr Kissinger's optimism, because As-Sadat demands that each withdrawal from Sinai be accompanied by withdrawals from the West Bank and the Golan Heights, and this demand is unacceptable to us.

VIATA NOASTRA sees Kissinger's announcement that this is his last mediation attempt in our region as a threat directed against us. The paper vehemently rejects this threat and rules that the principle of our stand is: Territories in return for peace.

UJ KELET says not only the public but also the government is in the dark, because there is no telling what is behind the flood of recent declarations by As-Sadat. The truth apparently is that he is not prepared to give anything in return for a withdrawal by us from the passes and from Abu Rudays, and hence it is preferable that we not expect miracles from Dr Kissinger.

HADASHOT YISRA'EL suggests that we explain the limit of our patience to Kissinger on his arrival. We know how to appreciate the American aid in all spheres, but we are not prepared to sell the state's vital interests.

NASHA STRANA compliments the quick and decisive way in which he acted against the disobedience of Major General Adan. The paper says the war of the generals should be ended in the most drastic way. The IDF should devote all its strength and will to the drawing of lessons and the applications of the conclusions emanating from the Agranat Commission report.

Further 9 Feb Press Views

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0900 GMT 9 Feb 75 TA

[Afternoon press review]

[Text] MA'ARIV believes that the latest declaration of the prime minister regarding his readiness to give the passes and the oilfields to Egypt in return for a written and signed agreement of nonbilligency has mainly a propaganda value. As a political definition it has no great significance. Indeed As-Sadat cannot be assumed to forsake Syria and Jordan, end his support to the PLO, and commit himself to unconditional nonbelligency. Moreover, such tactical declarations as this hold a certain danger that the world public opinion will easily remember the concessions and will forget the conditions and reservations attached to these concessions.

YEDI'OT AHARONOT says again that there is an American pressure on Israel. Among the signs of such pressure the paper notes that President Ford told an American Jewish leader that Israel has to contribute more toward finding a solution in our region, and Kissinger declared to correspondents before his departure that if he does not succeed this time he will wash his hands of the mediation efforts.

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10 Feb Press Views

[Morning press review]

[Excerpt] This morning's press accompanies the start of Dr Kissinger's visit in our area with not too optimistic commentaries. This stems from doubts regarding whether President as-Sadat is ready to promise proper political compensation for the territorial concessions demanded of Israel.

DAVAR says it should be recalled that Dr Kissinger is setting out on this mission due to an explicit desire of Israel and Egypt, and not due to his ambition to demonstrate intensive activity. Israeli spokesman did declare that we are not afraid of going to Geneva, but it is clear to us that there is no possibility of reaching a settlement there unless positions are coordinated in preliminary talks. For this reason too Cairo also prefers Dr Kissinger's mediation, notes DAVAR, and therefore Dr Kissinger has some prospects for success, nevertheless. He can promise Egypt some sort of an Israeli withdrawal, while he links his demands from Israel with promises of vital aid to us. DAVAR concludes that under these circumstances Dr Kissinger's mission is due to fail only if Egypt tries to gain much for little: without peace, without a formal nonbelligerency settlement, and by limiting the settlement to a relatively short period of time. The prospects for Kissinger's mission are accordingly dependent on Egypt's sense of proportion.

HAZOFE believes we have arrived at the moment of truth this time, in everything connected with further negotiations with Egypt. While during the previous round, one could make do with vague definitions, this time both parties have to deliver clear and unambiguous clarifications of their positions. HAZOFE feels that this time President as-Sadat is ready to throw around unofficial commitments generously, not skimping on personal promises to Kissinger, in order to convince him of Egypt's peaceful intentions. There is, however, nothing in all this to satisfy Israel, the paper contends. HAZOFE is annoyed about the fact that recent declarations by senior ministers create the impression of weakness in Israel's position.

'AL HAMISHMAR assumes that after the extensive political discussion yesterday, the Cabinet will not hasten to uncover its cards. The MAPAM organ sees the debate at this stage focusing not so much over a slice of territory, but rather over a slice of peace. Only at the end of Dr Kissinger's visit in the area shall we know whether the time has come for speedier and more substantial negotiations. 'AL HAMISHMAR stresses that Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin's interview on the American television program bears evidence of Israel's readiness for compromise and flexibility, provided this is met with proper compensation.

OMER suggests that the Israeli ministerial staff due to conduct talks with Dr Kissinger ask the American visitor to postpone his meaningful visit in Jerusalem until after he has visited Cairo. And this, so that we learn of the Egyptian answer to Israel's position, one that has been clarified more than sufficiently.

SHE'ARIM sees in Dr Kissinger's current visit a fateful political event and expresses hope that the prime minister and the other ministers will demonstrate a capability for leadership and that their actions will not fall short of their declarations.

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NOWINY KURIER asserts that Israel is ready to go to Geneva and face there the expected political confrontation. But President as-Sadat must make his reckoning to find out whether this is worthwhile for him, for it is unknown when--if at all--such a conference will ever end.

VIATA NOASTRA goes even further, and claims we had better go to Geneva at once, and not later, when we would have nothing to offer. This paper also prefers to wage a war, should it be imposed on us in the near future, while the Arabs are still licking their wounds, and not many years later, when they are equipped with a vast abundance of arms.

NASHA STRANA, HADASHOT YISRA'EL and ISRAELSKI FAR too, refer to Dr Kissinger's visit, claiming that the ball is now in Egypt's hands. They call for internal unity inside our camp, so as not to signal the enemy to exploit splits among us.

## DEFENSE MINISTER SEES NO REAL SOVIET-EGYPTIAN DISPUTE

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1400 GMT 7 Feb 75 TA

> [Text] Defense Minister Shim'on Peres has said that there are now some 7,000 Soviet experts in the Arab countries. The Soviet Union continues to send these countries supplies and arms. A Soviet intelligence ship maintains constant surveillance of what is taking place in Israel, and in Syria there is a brigade from Cuba, as well as pilots from North Vietnam and North Korea.

Mr Peres was addressing members of the Commercial and Industrial Club in Tel Aviv. He said that Israel will draw the appropriate conclusions from Egypt's refusal to respond to our proposal to reach a state of nonbelligerency. Discussing the question of the country's borders and negotiations in stages, the defense minister said among other things:

> [Peres--recording] We have two clear kinds of borders--borders for a state of peace and borders for a state of war. The Arabs can decide which there can be. If it is a state of peace, Israel will be set up within borders of peace, and if the Arabs insist on maintaining the state of belligerency Israel will be set up within defense borders, borders that are the best for its defense. I do not rule out step-by-step negotiations, but on condition that we [Israel and the Arab sides] decide on the entire ladder--on where it has to be placed and what its height will be. If there is acceptance of this--where these stages will lead--we can indeed arrive at an agreement with the Egyptians and with others--regarding the contents, territory, time, direction, and settlement.
> 
> [end recording]

Mr Peres contends that the dispute between Egypt and the Soviet Union is not genuine. Egypt is only trying to win the heart of the United States and this is the reason for all the talk about peace and alleged anti-Soviet [word indistinct].

The defense minister does not think that the United States will betray its friendship with Israel. In his opinion the Arab countries' policies toward Israel are still as inflexible as they have been. They have only made a tactical change in their statements.

Mr Peres stressed that the IDF today is stronger than it was on the eve of the Yom Kippur war. It is better equipped, with some of its sophisticated equipment produced in Israel.

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Further Report

[Excerpts] Defense Minister Shim'on Peres has said that there are now some 7,000 Soviet experts in the Arab countries. Addressing members of the Commercial and Industrial club in Tel Aviv the defense minister said that Israel will draw the necessary conclusions from Egypt's refusal to reach a state of nonbelligerency.

[Peres--recording with a film clip] We suggested to the Arabs--to Egypt--that they declare nonbelligerency. They refused. Allow me to say to you with all frankness: Had they agreed I cannot say whether this would have been such a great achievement, but their refusal to agree is a real, serious and sincere one. If they want to continue with this situation Israel will draw the appropriate conclusions. Sadat-- in his latest French and English statements--says that he is prepared to discuss for peace 10 years starting now. If so he is not only speaking about territory, but also a calendar, about a timetable. In my opinion we Israelis do not aspire either to gain territory or time. We are prepared to sign a full peace settlement and to establish ourselves within true peace borders and to do this immediately. But if the territory and time get mixed up in the Arab thinking, we cannot ignore this fact. [end recording]

Peres on Russian Aid to Arabs

Jerusalem Domestic Television Service in Hebrew 1830 GMT 8 Feb 75 TA

[A delegation of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee this morning surveyed captured Soviet weapons at an IDF base. Defense Minister Shim'on Peres was interviewed on this occasion by an unnamed TV correspondent. The following are the minister's remarks]

[Text] [Peres--videotaped] This is the first time that we have asked for aid of such magnitude. We did get something of a similar order after the war, though, this [the difficulty in obtaining such large-scale aid] has something to do with the economic difficulties in the United States. I also think that most people have no idea what Russia has invested in the production of arms and what it has given the Arabs.

If I am not mistaken during the last 20 years the Russians have given the Arab world military aid amounting to 22 billion dollars, and the Russian price is half the American price. That is to say, had the Americans granted the same aid, it would certainly have amounted to 40 or 45 billion dollars. I think it is good for people to see what the Russians are producing and what they are giving. [end Peres videotape]

PRESIDENT KATZIR TO VISIT U.S., MEET FORD IN MARCH

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1000 GMT 9 Feb 75 TA

[Text] State President Efraim Katzir will visit the United States next month. During his visit the president will be received in the White House by U.S. President Gerald Ford. President Katzir will also inaugurate the bonds sale campaign in Miami and Los Angeles and will participate in a number of scientific conferences. Professor Katzir will arrive in the United States from Nepal, where he will pay an official visit.

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# BOMB BLAST KILLS NWFP MINISTER AT PESHAWAR UNIVERSITY

## Karachi Domestic Service in English 1300 GMT 8 Feb 75 BK

[Text] We announce with regret the death of Mr Hyat Mohammad Khan Sherpao, the NWFP [Northwest Frontier Province] home minister and a former central minister. He was seriously injured when a high-powered bomb went off in the History Department of Peshawar University this afternoon. A large number of persons were also injured in the blast.

Our representative says 18 students, including three girls, are being treated at hospitals for injury.

## Bhutto Returns Home

## Karachi Domestic Service in English 1700 GMT 8 Feb 75 BK

[Text] The prime minister, Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, is returning home direct from New York tomorrow in view of the tragic death of [Northwest Frontier Province Minister] Mr Hyat Mohammad Khan Sherpao. This has been announced by the foreign office in Islamabad tonight.

The prime minister has regretted that owing to the circumstances he had to postpone his official visit to Romania to which he was greatly looking forward. The visit has been postponed in consultation with and agreement of the prime minister of Romania.

## Bhutto Condoles Death of Sherpao

## Karachi Overseas Service in English 0000 GMT 10 Feb 75 BK

[Text] Expressing his shock at the death of Mr Sherpao [Interior Minister of Northwest Frontier Province], Prime Minister Bhutto has said Mr Sherpao was an outstanding politician and was very close to him.

The prime minister had cut short his foreign tour due to the tragic death of the frontier province senior minister, Mr Sherpao, and returned home last night.

## Wali Khan Arrested

## Karachi Overseas Service in Bengali 0115 GMT 10 Feb 75 BK

[Text] AFP [Associated Press of Pakistan] reported that NAP [National Awami Party] chief Abdul Wali Khan has been arrested under the Defense of Pakistan Rule. The agency further said that many other important workers of the party including General Secretary (Keshwar Ghazi), Vice President Rashid Ahmed and president of the Punjab NAP (Mehraj) Akhtar have also been arrested.

More than 40 persons have been arrested from Peshawar and other areas of Northwest Frontier Province on charges of being involved in last Saturday's bomb blast at the Peshawar University. Those arrested include Sikander Khan Khalil, Saifur Rahman and retired Major General Jalal.

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NORTH AFRICA

Question: President Sadat recently granted the French newspaper LE MONDE an interview in which he said, inter alia, that he is prepared to conclude a peace agreement with Israel and abide by the conditions of such an agreement. Would Tunisia facilitate Israeli-Palestinian contacts if it discovered from other sources that there is a valid basis for discussion?

Answer: I believe that President Bourguiba already answered your question more than 1 year ago when he revived the concept of a plan for the partition of Palestine. At that time the Israelis had asked for help to establish contacts with Tunisian leaders with a view to discussing with them a possible solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem. President Bourguiba answered that before such contacts are established Israel must officially state that it accepts the 1947 plan. This is the basis Tunisia deems necessary for any dialog between the Israelis and the Arabs and between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Until Israel officially states that it accepts the 1947 plan any dialog, especially between the Israelis and the Palestinians, will be difficult to contemplate because there would be no firm basis for it.

Question: Minister, are you an optimist or a pessimist as far as the Middle East situation is concerned?

Answer: I feel rather pessimistic because the objective facts connected with this problem make it difficult to believe that peace in this region is possible in the near future.

Question: What are your views on Europe's behavior with respect to the Middle East conflict?

Answer: Well, I can simply see that Europe is completely absent from the Middle East political scene. Since the famous communique of the "Nine" was issued we have heard nothing about Europe's position with regard to the Middle East. Europe appears to be trying to avoid this problem and stay aloof from these matters. It seems to me that Europe feels that it is easier to leave others to deal with such difficult and dangerous problems. We in Arab countries are surprised to see that every time some important change occurs with regard to this problem no European reaction is noticeable.

Question: How do you explain Europe's behavior?

Answer: Well, ask the Europeans themselves about this.

Question: Recently, that is, on 12 January, Libya celebrated the first anniversary of the Jerbah declaration which recommended a union between Tunisia and Libya. It seems that in Tunisia this union's demise was rather ignored. What is the exact situation?

Answer: We did not celebrate any demise but the fact that we did not celebrate this event does not mean that we have buried it. As we have repeatedly stated, the Jerbah declaration remains valid but several conditions must be fulfilled before it is implemented. First, a reform of the Tunisian constitution, second Libya's clarification of its legal position, that is, whether it is an independent state or a member state of the United Arab Republics; and third, Tunisian-Libyan negotiations on the content of an eventual union. Only once all these conditions have been fulfilled will we be able to talk about the Jerbah declaration. But this does not mean that it has been buried. It has not been.

Question: Have Tunisian-Libyan relations been affected by the failure of the union?

Answer: Libyan-Tunisian relations are normal.

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REPORTAGE ON KISSINGER'S ARRIVAL IN MIDEAST

Kissinger's Arrival Reported

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1600 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] The plane carrying U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger landed at Ben-Gurion airport about 15 minutes ago. A reception is now taking place for Dr Kissinger, after which he will leave for Jerusalem to meet with the Israeli team at the prime minister's office this evening. The Jerusalem police have prepared a number of jeeps to take the visiting secretary of state from place to place should snow fall. We shall now switch over to our correspondent Yizhaq Feller at the airport:

[Begin Feller recording] For the umpteenth time, U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is once again here. And once again we have the familiar picture: Scores of Israeli and U.S. security men and police and frontier guard forces stationed at the approaches of the airport and on rooftops. Armored cars are stationed on the runways, and helicopters occasionally fly over. Foreign Minister Yigal Allon, the director general of the Foreign Ministry, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, the U.S. ambassador in Israel and his wife, as well as the wife of our foreign minister are standing on the tarmac in the rain. They welcomed the U.S. secretary of state and his party who alighted from the American plane about 3 minutes ago.

Yigal Allon welcomed the U.S. secretary of state, and the U.S. secretary of state replied: [Kissinger--in English, recording] It is always a great pleasure to come and see my friends in Israel. I am here to discuss with my friends, in the spirit of cooperation and partnership that has characterized our relationship, what further progress can be made towards peace in an area which has long needed it and for a people that had long yearned for it. I welcome the decision that was announced yesterday by the Israeli Cabinet endorsing the step-by-step approach. The United States, of course, is not committed to any particular approach. [end Kissinger recording]

[Feller--recording] Well, in a liberal translation, the U.S. secretary of state says that it has always been a pleasure for him to meet his friends in Israel, in the spirit of partnership which characterizes our relations. He hopes this time we will achieve further progress toward our common goal of peace. I welcome, the U.S. secretary of state says, the Israeli Government statement yesterday endorsing the step-by-step approach toward peace. We, the United States and Israel, agree that step by step is the best way to achieve this objective, and we hope that we will, indeed, make speedy progress in this way.

Kissinger and his party left for Jerusalem, where he is scheduled to dine with Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin. [end Feller recording]

Further Report

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1705 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] [Announcer] Before we continue, we shall go back to Ben-Gurion airport where Dr Kissinger arrived a little over an hour ago. He was received by Foreign Minister Yigal Allon. Our correspondent Yizhaq Feller was also there. [begin recording]

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[Feller] The porters at the airport found it difficult to spread the red carpet up to Dr Kissinger's plane because the strong wind blew it around. Finding no other solution, the porters stood on the carpet. Thus the U.S. secretary of state was received for the first time by both official representatives of the Israeli Government and of the (?porters union). The first to leave the plane were U.S. security men, carrying suitcases, briefcases, and books. They were followed by Mrs Nancy Kissinger, her husband, and close behind his deputy, Joseph Sisco.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yigal Allon, in the unofficial atmosphere which developed near the plane, said in his welcoming speech that foreign ministers today do not bother so much about official welcomes. He expressed his hope that his counterpart Kissinger's brief stay in Israel will be utilized for an exchange of views and a joint evaluation of the efforts to achieve peace, or at least to make progress toward peace.

[Allon--in English] I am sure that your short stay with us will be used for some political talks in which we will be able to exchange views and to assess the situation together in our common effort to achieve peace or at least some progress toward peace.

[Feller] The U.S. secretary of state replied with a word of thanks and said that he will discuss with his friends the question of how it might be possible to make further progress toward peace in this area which has long needed peace.

[Kissinger--in English] I welcome the decision that was announced yesterday by the Israeli Cabinet endorsing the step-by-step approach. The United States, of course, is not committed to any particular approach.

[Feller] I welcome the decision that was announced yesterday by the Israeli Cabinet, endorsing the step-by-step approach, the U.S. secretary of state says. The United States, of course, it not committed to any particular approach, but it is interested in speedy progress. Therefore, we shall work together and in a spirit of friendship with our friends in the Israeli Government. We agree with them that the step-by-step approach could be the most fruitful, he declares. We are prepared, if necessary, to examine other means to achieve quick progress, the U.S. secretary of state says.

[Kissinger--in English] But whatever we do, it will be in a spirit of friendship and with the attitude that the survival and security of Israel are a basic American concern. Thank you.

[Feller translates the above into Hebrew and continues] Kissinger's party left the airport for Jerusalem, where the U.S. secretary of state is scheduled to dine with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. [end recording]

Correspondent On Kissinger Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1710 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Political correspondent Shalom Qital report]

[Text] Dr Henry Kissinger is beginning a tour this evening which will definitely not end in one round. If he is able this evening, tomorrow, and at the end of the week in Jerusalem, and on Wednesday in Cairo, to establish reasonable starting points, he will return to Washington at the end of this tour with a decision to return to the Middle East next month, and then the negotiations will start. This trip is exploratory.

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Israel says that we are prepared to give up territory in Sinai, but we demand an appropriate quid pro quo from Egypt--the greater the Egyptian quid pro quo, the greater the Israeli readiness to give up territory. Israel will ask Kissinger to inquire from Egypt what it is prepared to give. The U.S. secretary of state will leave for Cairo and will return to Israel on Thursday after a brief stay in Damascus. He will hear Egypt's initial position and will convey it to Israel, and he will hear the Israeli reaction. Then he will be able to assess the prospects for continuing the negotiations: Is it possible to begin talking or do we have no choice but to despair?

The Israeli team--the prime minister, the defense minister and the foreign minister--is coming to the talks this evening with an expressed desire for negotiations with Egypt. The formula, as we have already stated, is a greater quid pro quo for more territory, a smaller quid pro quo for less territory. The Israeli team will definitely stress to Kissinger that the step-by-step approach takes priority over the Geneva conference approach. In the opinion of Israel, this is consistent with yesterday's Cabinet decision. It is true that Israel is not afraid to go to Geneva, but if a partial settlement is reached in Sinai through Dr Kissinger, this will be an agreement for a number of years. It will be impossible, then, to say: Well, we have reached a partial agreement. Let us now go to Geneva, and what we will achieve there will cancel what has been achieved through Kissinger. The strength of the agreement will be tested by its validity, Israel will say, and the Geneva conference will not be able to cancel or annul any agreement achieved here in the area.

Israel will also seek to examine the link between an agreement with Egypt and its attitude toward the rest of the Arab states. Israel, the Israeli team will say, does not turn its back on the other Arab states, but it is impossible to link one agreement with agreements with the rest of the Arab countries. This time we are speaking with Egypt. The other states will have their turn at some future time. This is the Israeli starting position, and it is from this point that the talks with Dr Kissinger will begin. There will be many long discussions with him this evening and tomorrow--talks which, it is hoped, will take place in a good atmosphere, but which definitely will not be easy.

Working Dinner Begins

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1900 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] The working dinner at the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem between Dr Kissinger and his aides and the members of the Israeli team began a few minutes ago. Taking part on the Israeli side are the prime minister, the foreign minister and the defense minister.

Our political correspondent says that the Israeli representatives will present the government's position which advocates a partial settlement with Egypt--a settlement in which Israel will give up territory in direct proportion to the political quid pro quo Egypt offers. Israel will ask Dr Kissinger to bring back with him from Cairo this week ideas regarding the political quid pro quo Egypt is prepared to give in return for Israeli concessions in Sinai.

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Press Discusses Kissinger Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Morning press review]

[Excerpt] "Where is he leading us?" is the questions raised this morning by the paper HA'AREZ in its editorial which analyzes the moves to be expected to result now from Dr Kissinger's visit in the capitals of the region. It is not entirely clear to HA'AREZ whether the U.S. secretary of state intends to mediate between Israel and Egypt out of the sense of partnership that exist between us and the United States, or whether he wants to succeed by all means, making Israel foot the bill. The paper notes that while we favor, in principle, a settlement in stages, there is reason to fear a gradual mincing of Israel's limbs, a process to be followed by yet another war. The current negotiations have practical prospects only if they are based on a fair formula of "give and take." If Dr Kissinger does not exert his influence on both parties equally, he will not accomplish his objective. HA'AREZ emphasizes that Dr Kissinger ought to understand that the majority in both the Cabinet and the Knesset will not endorse a one-sided agreement, and he should know that there is a limit even to Israel's flexibility.

HAMODIYA fears the Israeli ministerial team that is now conducting the talks with Dr Kissinger is liable to be exposed to very heavy pressures for extensive concessions in order to save the fate of the talks at this crucial stage. And all this just so the United States can maintain its preferential status in our region. At the same time, the paper notes, the Arabs are stiffening their positions, as is being manifested by the loud demands from Arab capitals that Israel return to the 1947 partition borders.

OMER stresses that no resolution on an Israeli withdrawal will be adopted without an explicit decision by the Cabinet. So long as there is no such decision, even the prime minister cannot pledge a withdrawal in the talks he is now holding with Dr Kissinger. The paper does not believe that the prime minister's proposal for an Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai mountain passes and from Abu Rudays in return for an Egyptian declaration of nonbelligerency over an unlimited period of time will be acceptable to Egypt. Accordingly, we shall probably not reach a situation where Yizhaq Rabin will be forced to ask the Cabinet to approve such a far-reaching withdrawal.

UJ KELET thinks the Cabinet does not reject, in principle, a possibility of territorial concessions on the Golan Heights and in the West Bank in addition to the proposed withdrawal in Sinai. The paper thinks, therefore, that this time prospects have increased for Dr Kissinger's current talks to bring about another separation agreement with Egypt, likely to pave the way for a renewal of the Geneva conference. This paper thinks the Cabinet must follow the path of seeking a peaceful solution at the expense of substantial territorial concessions.

Jerusalem Quotes Moscow on Kissinger Policy

Jerusalem International Service in English 0500 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Moscow radio says the Soviet Union does not reject Dr Kissinger's policy of peace by stages provided it leads to an overall Middle East settlement. Kissinger's current trip was an important event.

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His policy could prove it would be justified if it satisfied all the parties to the conflict. But at present Israel was prepared to give up territory only to Egypt, Moscow radio charged. Our correspondent Michael (Godbers), who monitored the broadcast, said this was the first time the Soviets did not reject the idea of a settlement by stages.

Likud Opposed to Certain Concessions

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1100 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] At a Tel Aviv press conference today, leaders of the Likud announced their party's intention to propose a bill for the dissolution of the Knesset and the holding of early elections, should Dr Kissinger demand that the government withdraw from the Milta and Jiddi passes and from Abu Rudays.

Knesset member Menahem Begin said at the press conference that in this view the present government lacks the mandate for such a withdrawal. He thinks that should such a demand be made, the Cabinet has to tell Kissinger that it is obliged to ask the nation for approval. Mr Begin thinks a withdrawal from the passes in Sinai will change Israel's security from end to end. In his opinion, one should not be frightened by the threat of going to Geneva, because in the Likud's view direct negotiations with Arab countries are the proper way. From [word indistinct] peace one shouldn't withdraw.

Knesset members Elimelech Rimalt, Shmuel Tamir, Igael Horowitz and Eliyezer Shostak also spoke at the press conference. Replying to questions, the speakers said that in addition to steps of a parliamentary nature, the Likud will also start a propaganda and information campaign for the holding of elections.

Labor Party Doesn't Favor Special Election

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1700 GMT 10 Feb 75 TA

[Text] The Labor Party has no intention of calling for general elections before the end of the current term of the Knesset, unless the need for it arises because of the possibility of withdrawal from Judaea and Samaria. This was the reaction of the Labor Party spokesman to the Likud's demand for new elections if the government faces pressure by Dr Kissinger to withdraw from the passes and the oilfields in Sinai. The Labor Party spokesman was speaking to our correspondent Asher Schwartz.

ALLON, MEIR TO VISIT WEST BERLIN 22 FEBRUARY

Hamburg DPA in German 1416 GMT 7 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Jerusalem--Israel's Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Allon, together with Former Premier Mrs Golda Meir, will pay an official visit to West Berlin on 22 February. A spokesman of the [Israeli] Labor Party said today that Mrs Meir and Allon would attend the meeting of the Socialist International.

Foreign Minister Allon will at the same time be the official guest of the Bonn Government. Allon thus returns the first official visit paid to Israel by a German foreign minister in the summer of 1971.

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Esteemed deputies, whereas the information media of all kinds have become in this day and age very effective in the life of the people, owing to the awareness, education and guidance these media provide, the government will accord the media the attention they deserve. The government will help the media to progress and develop so that they will be more capable of achieving their aim in serving society in various spheres. Esteemed deputies, the government is interested in establishing the pillars of social justice for the benefit of the citizens on a strong basis, and providing all the means necessary for insuring social and health care and dignified living. In order to insure social care and provide the services related to this field, the government will work to provide suitable healthy accommodation for all citizens. For this purpose a housing ministry has been established; this shows our interest in this sphere. The government will continue to provide social and real estate loans to the citizens; it will also continue to render assistance to needy families.

Esteemed deputies, the government is paying attention to public utilities and services. It is working to improve and develop them so that all citizens can derive maximum benefit from them. The government will work to expand and increase the communication services of all kinds, owing to the importance of these services in providing the country with links and in meeting the people's needs, saving time and consolidating the economy. With regard to water and electricity, the government is striving to implement the projects within the framework of a 5-year plan and a 10-year plan to provide water and electricity in the country and to serve industrial aims. It is also working to insure water for agriculture and to provide distant areas of the country with water.

Esteemed deputies, while briefly talking about our position, aspirations and aims, we are in fact talking with confidence in our God, homeland, people and nation. We are optimistic that we will have a bright future in our dear country. We look forward to work united among ourselves, whether we are in the legislative, or executive or any other field of public service, hoping that our march will continue to proceed forward along the path of amity and good for everyone. May God grant support to all those who are sincere so that they can carry out their duties and guide us along the right path that leads to the good of everyone. Peace be upon you.

OMAN

BAGHDAD REPORTS U.S. PLANS FOR MASIRAH BASE

Baghdad Domestic Service in Arabic 1130 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Sultan Qabus, the sultan of Oman, has officially announced his agreement to allow the United States to build a military base in the Omani island of Masirah in the Arabian Sea. This agreement came after negotiations between the government of Qabus and both the United States and Britain, which also maintains a military base on the island. The establishment of the U.S. base on Masirah Island, which is to serve U.S. reconnaissance and fighter aircraft, is part of a U.S. plan aimed at the establishment of a belt of military bases from Taiwan to the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, where the United States is establishing military installations. On the other hand, arrivals from Oman said that Britain is about to finish building a military airport in the (Nadwa) area in Oman, near the mountains of Dhofar. The airport, whose construction was supervised by British officers, contains military installations and ammunition depots.

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REPORTAGE AND COMMENT ON KISSINGER'S VISIT

Arrives in Cairo

Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 1000 GMT 12 Feb 75 LD

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger arrived in Cairo at 1140 for a 1-day visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on his tour of the Middle East aimed at holding talks with officials to achieve a settlement of the Middle East crisis. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, Dr Kissinger was received by Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi, the U.S. ambassador in Cairo and the embassy staff.

The talks between Muhammad Anwar as-Sadat and Dr Kissinger will begin at 1300 today in the president's resthouse at the Barrage

Commentator Views Kissinger Negotiations

Cairo Voice of the Arabs in Arabic 1800 GMT 10 Feb 75 LD

[Abd al-Fattah al-'Adawi commentary]

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger began his visit to the Arab region yesterday. All we have known up till now is that the visit is to include a number of Arab countries and Israel, and that the U.S. secretary of state will end up holding a number of meetings with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrey Gromyko and officials in London, Bonn and Paris.

No one knows what has been going on in the U.S. secretary of state's mind up till now or whether he has a specific plan for discussion or study. It appears, however, that first, American policy and President Ford himself attribute particular importance to this trip. Second, it appears that Dr Henry Kissinger has prepared assiduously for the trip without paying attention to any propaganda or agitation. Third, it seems that no communique announcing some sort of agreement is expected. Matters will just be investigated and if the results are good and promising, then there will be another visit.

All this is apparent on the surface, but the political observer does not content himself with the obvious. He is very concerned with casting a piercing eye beneath the apparent. In this respect several questions come to mind. Has America prepared for this visit to Israel in a (?serious) manner, especially as Israel's rejection of withdrawal is the main obstacle in the path of peace? Has America taken into consideration the fact that the return of the state of no war, no peace is impossible? Does Dr Henry Kissinger realize that this may be his last chance to avoid a new explosion of the whole situation? Is the difference now clear between steps of more disengagement and any political agreement? Has the Palestinian problem now taken its place and weight in American political evaluation? Do the advocates of peace now realize that peace cannot be achieved through individual efforts, but only through collective ones, and that all Arab countries should be partners on a equal footing [words indistinct] and gain its fruit?

All these questions persist in preoccupying the mind of the political observer, for the answer to them or (?access to the answer to them) will be (?based) on the expectations of peace and war in this region. Whatever the answer to all these questions, we have our own views on the kind of answer that will broaden the prospects for peace. (?We beg) to summarize this viewpoint.

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It should first be very clear that there is a great difference between the disengagement of forces and a political agreement. Disengagement is a military measure, but political agreement is a kind of realization of the principles of a comprehensive agreement. It is true that the disengagement of forces is a step toward political agreement, because it is in itself a proof of a desire to avoid war and readiness to follow the path of peace. But linking the two of them in partial steps is an entirely (?different) matter. Nor does it help to reach a comprehensive settlement. The question here is that Israel is now trying to say that it is ready for more withdrawal in Sinai. Yet it wants to exact a political price for this withdrawal. It is a demand that cannot be accepted, except on one condition; that is, the immediate withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands and immediate recognition of the Palestinian national rights [words indistinct] and only then will Israel have the right to demand what it is entitled to according to resolution No 242 issued by the UN Security Council on 22 November 1967.

Bargaining on the land on the pretext of working for the realization of peace sets the case upsidown, as aggression is not an entryway to peace. Rather the entryway to peace--especially if it is meant to be a true and realistic peace--is withdrawal from the land and the removal of traces of aggression.

Second, the United States has probably based its attitude on the achievement of progress on the Egyptian front as a starting point for proceeding toward similar progress on the other fronts. We think there is one reason why it is not logical to reject this attitude, a reason on which everything is pinned, since progress on the Egyptian front--if realized--is linked with actual progress on the other fronts. On the other hand, this could be conceived as an individual solution, something we totally and utterly reject. If Egypt, for the sake of the Arab cause in general and the battle in particular, cannot reject Israeli withdrawal from Sinai, nonetheless, in the interest of the Arab nation as a whole, it declares that it is not committed to any form of peace, even if Israel withdraws immediately from the whole of Sinai, as long as parts of the Arab lands are still occupied.

The question could be explained as follows: Any new withdrawal from Sinai should be considered in the light of the disengagement of forces at the Suez Canal; that is, on the basis that it is a military action that should be followed by similar actions on other fronts. [word indistinct] it does not accept outbidding from anyone, just as it will not accept a new withdrawal as an individual solution or as an introduction to an individual solution without its other sisters.

Third, the delay on the part of Israel, and the United States in particular, in recognizing the PLO and the right of the Palestinian people to their homeland destroys all the chances of peace from A to Z. The acceptance of the Palestinian right to a homeland is not an option to be accepted or rejected by anyone. Never! The Palestine issue is the cause and core of the conflict. Any person who is fair and an advocate of peace cannot expect the conflict to be solved without solving its cause, even if one party had deluded itself into believing that the Arab countries can move toward a real peace or a comprehensive solution without the Palestinian people. Nobody should deceive themselves in this respect, as such peace is just a nonexistent fantasy. Nevertheless, self-deception on this question is the greatest obstacle to peace. First, there never has been--and there still is--no Arab country that accepts any solution in which the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are not embodied. Second, any visualized or imagined peace that does not respond to the national Palestinian rights would be nothing more than a imaginary balloon big enough to be burst by a pin!

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Why then do some people deceive themselves and turn their efforts into plowing the waves? Let us recognize the national rights immediately, taking the Rabat conference resolutions as a guide, and let us agree on the establishment of the Palestinian state on the West Bank of the River Jordan and Gaza. Resolution No 242 stipulates that it is not permissible to occupy another's lands with military force. The West Bank and Gaza are some of the Arab lands seized in the 1967 aggression. As withdrawal from them is inevitable according to the law, why should we complicate matters and reject the establishment of the Palestinian state on a land (?from which) Israel is forced to withdraw?

This is the answer to some questions which preoccupy the mind of the political observer at the time of the new trip of the U.S. secretary of state in pursuit of peace in the Middle East. We do not say that the answer to these questions is easy, but we do say that what we have presented is just a pointer to the kind of answer that can broaden the prospects of peace. A lot depends on the other party, as the Arabs have nothing to give after they have shown their readiness for a just and lasting peace.

## Papers Comment on Kissinger's Tour

### Cairo MENA in English 0610 GMT 12 Feb 75 LD

[Excerpts] Cairo, 12 Feb (MENA)--Editorially AL-AKHBAR said that time was running out fast. Dealing with President as-Sadat's clear account of Egypt's demands which emanate from her own rights and those of the Arab countries in his interview with the London TIMES, the paper says that Israel's attempts to lay conditions for further withdrawal means that she does not intend to withdraw and is using the efforts being made for peace just to gain time. The paper warns Israel to abandon this attitude because time is running out and will only lead to an explosion.

According to AL-JUMHURIYAH, official circles in Cairo expect the U.S. secretary of state to bring with him "definite ideas" from Tel Aviv about the next step to solve the crisis within the framework of the step-by-step approach and the necessity of securing an Israeli move on the three fronts--Sinai, the Golan and the West Bank of River Jordan. The paper said that Cairo communicated its clear-cut point of view on the next step to Dr Kissinger before he left Washington on his present tour of the Middle East.

According to Cairo morning Arabic dailies today, Cairo's point of view is based on the following points:

* First: A new Israeli withdrawal in Sinai will be an extension of the present military disengagement of forces in Sinai.

* Second: Israeli forces should withdraw from the Mitla and Jiddi passes and the Egyptian Abu Rudays oilfields areas without any political concessions by Egypt because any new move will be purely military.

* Third, Egypt shall not accept to declare a partial end of the state of war. End to belligerency can take place only when a final and overall settlement has been reached. This can be achieved within the framework of the Geneva conference and should include all parties.

* Fourth: Egypt is not ready to accept a freezing of the situation in case a new phase of withdrawal takes place. A new withdrawal should be followed by going to Geneva without delay.

* Fifth: Israel should pledge to effect a similar withdrawal from the Golan and the West Bank of the River Jordan so that the present explosive situation in the Middle East may be defused and the Geneva conference may be held. Israel should set a date for the beginning of contacts on withdrawal on the Syrian and Jordanian fronts.

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Sixth: The Palestinians have the right to take part in all stages of a settlement on the basis of the application of United Nations resolutions, and in particular the last decision issued by the U.N. General Assembly.

CAIRO EXPOUNDS AS-SADAT'S 'CLEAR' STAND ON MIDEAST

Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 1230 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Muhammad Sharaf commentary "Egypt's Stand Is Well-Defined, Logical, Just and Crystal Clear."]

[Text] The successive, clear statements made recently by President Anwar as-Sadat do not leave room for doubts, interpretations, maneuvers or outbiddings with regard to Egypt's stand, either by Israel or by any other party. We can conclude the following basic points from the statements published by the London TIMES yesterday:

First: Egypt is prepared to enter into negotiations on the next stage in the Israeli withdrawal from Sinai if U.S. Secretary Henry Kissinger is able to obtain Israel's agreement in principle to the possibility of its withdrawal from the Golan Heights and the West Bank and a date for opening negotiations on this matter.

Second, Egypt stipulates that Israeli withdrawal from Sinai in the next stage must include withdrawal from the area of the Abu Rudays oilfields and the area of the strategic Mitla and Jiddi passes.

Third, the PLO must participate in the talks to be held on the West Bank.

If we were to analyze these fundamental points which President as-Sadat has defined in his statements, we would realize at once that they all spring from Egypt's principled stand and its commitment not to be bound by any partial solution to the situation, under any circumstances. For Egypt to enter into negotiations on the next stage in the withdrawal from Sinai, it must have an agreement in principle from Israel, and a guarantee of this agreement to withdraw from the Golan Heights and from the West Bank of the River Jordan.

President as-Sadat had previously declared that there must be a withdrawal on all three fronts as a precondition for embarking on a serious and practical stage to achieve a just and permanent solution in the Middle East. It is clear that this Egyptian stand is a wholly clear stand, if we take into consideration that any just and permanent peace in the Middle East must be based on an Israeli withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied in the 1967 aggression and on safeguarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people on the basis of the UN resolutions.

In the light of this fact it emerges that Israel's procrastination in responding to these two basic conditions for peace in the area is ill-intentioned, a matter which makes it incumbent on Egypt and Syria, and all the Arab states to be vigilant and to insist that matters be completely clear at all times.

Similarly, Egypt's demand that the PLO take part in the talks on the West Bank of the Jordan reveals Egypt's keenness for the efforts exerted toward the achievement of a just and permanent solution to continue along a sound, direct path, so that these efforts will not be subject to setbacks. It is taken for granted that the establishment of an independent Palestinian authority on the liberated Palestinian territories is one of the basic elements for a just and permanent solution.

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No one can conceive the achievement of a solution, or a quasi-solution, without taking the Palestinian cause--which is the crux of the entire Middle East problem--into primary consideration.

As we have said, Egypt's stand, which has been defined by President as-Sadat in this manner, is not only a logical and just stand, but is also a stand founded on a spirit of seriousness and good intentions, and on an eagerness to establish a genuine, just and permanent peace in the Middle East.

If we then move to the other important points referred to by President as-Sadat in his statements [words indistinct] becomes clear to us with regard to what is known to us about Israel's deception, its violation of all agreements and its dissolution of all pledges, if it appeared to it that this would [word indistinct] expansionist and aggressive [word indistinct] this is compatible with President as-Sadat's assertion that a pledge of nonbelligerency will only be made as part of a final settlement.

In conclusion, the whole world must genuinely realize what President as-Sadat has been and still is eager to emphasize on every occasion--out of his sense of responsibility toward Egypt and all the Arabs--the possibilities of the occurence of a sudden explosion in the area, either as a result of an Israeli attack or as a result of any mischance.

COMMENTARY VIEWS ISRAELI LEADERS' ATTITUDES TOWARD TALKS

Cairo in English to Israel 1630 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Station commentary]

[Text] With the arrival of Henry Kissinger in Israel for exploratory talks to reach a peaceful settlement to the Middle East crisis, we notice that Israel is divided into three trends.

The first group believes in the necessity of withdrawal from the passes in Sinai and Abu Rudays oil fields in return for a political settlement with Egypt. Prime Minister Rabin heads this trend. The second group radically opposes the first and categorically refuses to give up the strategic part of the passes, as it opens Israeli positions on a 400-kilometer front. This line is led by Defense Minister Shim'on Peres. The third group calls for a return to the Geneva conference being the best framework for peaceful negotiations. Leader of the opposition Likud bloc, Menahem Begin, adopts this trend. He said at a press conference in Tel Aviv that the Geneva conference is better than all the preparations that would deprive Israel of one winning card after another.

Actually, all political observers have been used to this attitude from Israel. Hence, if we stop to think of the surface differences between the three Israeli attitudes, we find they have one aim. The difference lies in the approach to one and the same goal. The first attitude, led by Rabin, wants to withdraw from Sinai in return for a political settlement with Egypt--that is, a separate, partial solution with Egypt, which Egypt categorically rejects. Peres, who follows Ben Gurion and Moshe Dayan, refuses to withdraw from the strategic positions in Sinai to protect the Israeli positions. The third group, led by Begin, is a bundle of contradictions. The leader of the Likud Party calls for a return to the Geneva conference, thus, many may think that Israel at last believes in the importance of negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement. However, we have to realize that Begin categorically rejects the participation of the PLO in the conference. We also have to know that Begin has recently raised a heated debate at the Knesset over what he called withdrawal from Sinai.

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He declared that any concessions to Egypt will subject Israel and its future to danger, as they will deprive the Israeli forces of its defense lines in Sinai.

We ask on what basis does Begin want to go to the Geneva conference. If the Israeli leaders are playing the roles of hawks and doves we point out that the Egyptian stand is firm. Egypt believes in the necessity of Israeli withdrawal all along the three Arab fronts, and is not satisfied with less than an Israeli withdrawal including Sinai's Abu Rudays fields and the passes area. Egypt also believes in the necessity of the PLO's participation in the Geneva conference. Israeli leaders have to define their attitude clearly and officially towards the firm Egyptian stand before next April.

## SOVIET TRADE DELEGATION ENDS VISIT

### Cairo MENA in English 1605 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Cairo, Feb 11 (MENA)--Soviet deputy minister of trade and his accompanying delegation left here this afternoon at the end of a weeklong visit to Egypt. The Soviet delegation held talks with Minister of Foreign Trade Fathi al-Matbuli on means of bolstering trade relations between their two countries.

## SOVIET PEACE DELEGATION LEAVES CAIRO

### Cairo MENA in English 1500 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Cairo, Feb 11 (MENA)--The Soviet peace delegation (?led by) under deputy chairman of the Soviet Committee For Defending Peace left here today at the end of a weeklong visit to Egypt. The delegation held talks with the Secretariat of the Egyptian Council For Peace on the different international issues and on developing relations between the Soviet Union and Egypt.

## COUVE DE MURVILLE TALKS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMI

### Cairo MENA in English 1952 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Cairo Feb 11--(MENA)--Former French Premier Maurice Couve de Murville, chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Relations Committee, conferred tonight with Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi on the Middle East cause and the role which could be played by France to help resolve the problem. They also considered means of bolstering bilateral ties in various spheres.

The delegation accompanying De Murville and French Ambassador Bruno de Leusse took part in the meeting.

## U.S. ECONOMIC OFFICIAL ARRIVES IN CAIRO ON VISIT

### Cairo MENA in Arabic 1830 GMT 11 Feb 75 BE

[Text] Cairo, 11 February--U. S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Robertson arrived in Cairo this afternoon at the head of a delegation on a visit of several days to Egypt. Robertson was received at the airport by Minister of Economic Cooperation Dr Tahir Amin and U.S. Ambassador in Cairo Hermann Eilts.

During the visit, the U.S. delegation will hold talks with officials in the Ministry of Economic Cooperation aimed at bolstering cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

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AS-SADAT URGES ETHIOPIAN LEADERS TO PREVENT BLOODSHED

Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 2000 GMT 10 Feb 75 LD

[Text] President Anwar as-Sadat has sent a message to the chairman and members of the Ethiopian revolution council. The message was handed to the Ethiopian Embassy in Cairo today. The following is the text of the message.

Brother chairman and members of the Provisional Military and Administrative Council in Ethiopia: You know that we in Egypt attach extreme importance to the prosperity of the friendly people of Ethiopia and to the creation of the circumstances that would guarantee the success of their march along the path of contemporary and constructive progress and development.

We trust that you fully realize the importance of preserving your country's sound image and its position on our African continent and throughout the Third World.

We were sorry to hear in the past few days that bloody incidents were taking place and that many innocent people in Eritrea were victims of these incidents.

In the name of the long-standing fraternal relations between our two countries and two peoples, I find it appropriate to urge you to do everything you can to prevent bloodshed, stop acts of violence, and find the suitable atmosphere for settling all the outstanding disputes within a framework of tolerance, amity, fraternity and concern for the lives of all the people.

While following the situation with all the attention it deserves, I hope that you will take the necessary urgent decisions and measures to prevent bloodshed and open the way for security and reassurance to prevail throughout the country.

HIJAZI DISCUSSES ECONOMY WITH MILITARY ACADEMY STUDENTS

Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 2100 GMT 11 Feb 75 LD

[Text] At a meeting tonight with the students of the National Defense College of Nasir's High Military Academy, Prime Minister Dr 'Abd al-'Aziz Hijazi said that Egypt is living an important phase of its long history resulting from the tremendous effects of the corrective movement of 15 May 1971 and the effects of the glorious crossing of our armed forces during the great October.

Dr Hijazi said that the state's general policy aims at realizing three main aims: These are the requirements of liberation, development and construction and the needs of the masses. Regarding the liberation requirements Dr Hijazi said that all the state spends on its armed forces is considered a tremendous investment in all military and civilian fronts and that all the productive and services sectors benefit from this investment.

Dr Hijazi referred to the efforts the state is now exerting to restore normal life in the Suez Canal cities and to continue to pay aid to the evacuees in order that they may resume their full normal life. He then spoke about meeting the needs of the masses and the burdens this places on the national economy, particularly because of the aggravation of the problem of the population, the changes which occurred in the world monetary situation early in 1973, changes in the relations between the advanced and developing states and the fluctuation in the prices of basic commodities, particularly wheat, flour and fertilizers.

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## Allon on Discussions With Kissinger

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1200 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Excerpts] The working meeting between the team of Israeli ministers and Dr Kissinger and those accompanying him at the prime minister's office ended a short while ago. The discussions lasted 3 hours, at the end of which Foreign Minister Yigal Allon said that they were held in a good and constructive atmosphere. He pointed out that the talks are now at their peak and that they will be resumed in the afternoon. Mr Allon added that the talks before noon were practical and dealt with the possibility of reviving the political activity in the Middle East and with advancing toward peace or an interim settlement which will lead to peace. Dr Kissinger told the correspondents that the discussions were very friendly.

Our correspondent has learned that during the talks a map was hanging on the wall, but a reliable source told our correspondent that there was no talk about maps.

Dr Kissinger is now having lunch with Mr Rabin. The talks between the two teams will be resumed in the afternoon and, later, the U.S. secretary of state will visit the state president.

## Kissinger To Return Next Month

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1800 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Dr Kissinger will be returning to the Middle East at the beginning of next month to continue the negotiations. This has been learned by our political correspondent Shalom Qital. Our correspondent says that judging from Dr Kissinger's talks in Jerusalem at the moment, there will be no need to convene the Cabinet in a special session this week. Our correspondent has been told that today's talks dealt with a wide range of subjects. The elements of the interim settlement, however, have not been specified. A senior source in the prime minister's office denied that Dr Kissinger brought a message from President Ford to the prime minister.

During his talks the U.S. secretary of state presented U.S. views not only regarding the interim settlement, but also regarding the developments to be expected afterwards. He said that even if it becomes necessary to convene the Geneva conference, it could only profit from an interim settlement with Egypt. Kissinger promised to examine in Egypt the issue of continuing the search for missing bodies in its territory. In today's talks economic and military aid to Israel was also discussed.

## Report on Kissinger Tour

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 12 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Dr Kissinger is leaving Israel this morning, at the end of the first round of his current trip. He will fly to Cairo, afterwards to Damascus, and he will return to Jerusalem tomorrow night.

Last night, at the dinner given in his honor by Foreign Minister Yigal Allon, Dr Kissinger said it was inconceivable that Israel would be forced to withdraw without compensation. He also said that the United States will not sacrifice Israel for the purposes of superpower policy, no matter what the differences of opinion may be, the United States wants to insure Israel's security, Dr Kissinger said.

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Leaves for Cairo

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0900 GMT 12 Feb 75 TA

[Text] U.S. secretary of state, Dr Henry Kissinger, this morning ended his first visit to Israel in the course of his current Middle East journey, and has left for Cairo. Here is correspondent Yizhaq Feller's report from the mobile broadcast unit at Ben Gurion airport. [begin recording]

[Kissinger] I wanted to thank the foreign minister, and the Israeli negotiating team--the prime minister, the defense minister, all the other friends with whom we discussed here--for what I consider very constructive, very useful talks. We did not attempt to reach any final conclusions on this trip, but rather [Feller interrupts by translating the aforesaid into Hebrew and completing Kissinger's remarks in Hebrew] to clarify the basic principles toward a possible interim settlement, and I am now leaving for Egypt where I will hold similar discussions with the Egyptian leaders. The region has got to advance toward peace, all the inhabitants of the area need it and the United States will do everything possible to achieve this. The talks here, Dr Kissinger adds, were oriented in this direction, and they were useful and important.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yigal Allon replied that he too, assesses Kissinger's current visit as important and very successful.

[Allon--in English] I too, consider your visit to this country as a very important one, and indeed very successful. We didn't expect too much from the first move. Nevertheless, as a preliminary move it was a very constructive one. [Feller interrupts with translation of second sentence into Hebrew and continues to render Allon's remarks in Hebrew] and I believe that an interim settlement is very necessary to all the concerned parties, meaning Egypt and Israel. I am glad, Mr Allon added, that this conforms also to the policy of the United States. I understand there will be various approaches as to the manner by which this interim settlement may be reached and as to the consequences of the settlement. However, once we have started we have to stick to the quest until we achieve positive results, with much patience and good will by both parties. I wish you a successful trip to Egypt, and hope to see you here again shortly.

Dr Kissinger, his wife Nancy, Joseph Sisco and the rest of his party were swallowed up by the plane that took off for Cairo. After talks with the Egyptian president, the U.S. secretary of state is due to fly to Damascus, and tomorrow night, according to schedule, we shall again welcome him at Ben Gurion airport. [end recording]

Press on Prospects for Kissinger Mission

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 12 Feb 75 TA

[Morning press review]

[Excerpt] HAZOFE attacks Dr Kissinger, contending that his mission contains internal contradictions and that his proposals cannot stand the test of reality. The MAFDAL organ expresses hope that the Israeli ministerial team, that holds the talks with the U.S. secretary of state, will reject all the suggestions about a secret agreement with As-Sadat in return for a substantial withdrawal by Israel. In HAZOFE's view the era of esoteric agreements is over, and the Egyptians have to choose between open, clear and unambiguous agreements--and our stand on the existing lines, the paper also asks--if the Geneva conference is unavoidable--what use is there at all to Kissinger's policy of stages?

V. 12 Feb 75

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The Jerusalem POST, too, thinks that if President as-Sadat indeed desires to achieve a settlement, he has to change his approach fundamentally. He must abstain from his refusal to reach some sort of political settlement with Israel, because we cannot settle for a mere military agreement, as Cairo is stipulating.

HAMODIA has serious doubts about Dr Kissinger's prospects for success in his current round of talks for the reason that Egypt interprets an interim settlement only in terms of a stage-by-stage withdrawal by Israel. All this in order to lessen Israel's strategic defensive capability and grant Egypt improved starting positions for the next war, which--HAMODIA is convinced--Egypt covets. It is, therefore, totally illogical that Israel come to terms with the Egyptian formula by endangering its own security.

OMER is of the opinion that if we are destined to go to the Geneva conference we had better go there while our forces are deployed along the present lines, without any withdrawal. In Geneva the whole bargaining will start anew, and we must keep our positions in preparation for this.

NOWINY KURIER points out that Moscow has suddenly changed its attitude, expressing its support of Kissinger's mediation efforts. The paper asks whether this results from the failure of Gromyko's recent visit to Cairo.

NASHA STRANA thinks Egypt does not intend to give any political compensation in return for an Israeli withdrawal in Sinai and is accordingly disseminating a profusion of empty formulae. Cairo must understand, however, that in this way no further settlement with Israel will be born.

## Correspondent Discusses Nature of Talks

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1105 GMT 11 Feb 75 TA

[Report by correspondent Shalom Qital on the 11 February morning meeting between the U.S. and Israeli sides on the Middle East situation--live]

[Text] When one talks about a partial settlement in Sinai it does not go like this: We give passes or Abu Rudays, or both of them, or neither of them and we receive something in return from Egypt and that is all. Matters are now complicated because when you talk about a partial settlement you ask: What will come later? What will come, if for example, after a partial settlement is achieved, it is decided to convene the Geneva conference? Ostensibly, all sides were interested in convening the Geneva conference. In Geneva they will talk about an overall settlement and [words indistinct]. An overall settlement--the thing we all want--and this cancels out the partial settlement about which we have talked up to now. If this is the case, then why talk about a partial settlement now? Israel wants to be certain that if a partial settlement is achieved it will be a partial settlement valid for a certain, specified period.

[Announcer] Is Israel asking for such assistance from Dr Kissinger?

[Qital] Israel is definitely asking that if there is to be an agreement it should be mentioned and made clear within the body of the agreement that this agreement is valid for a specified time and that any agreement coming in its wake cannot repeal it. Otherwise, why would there be a need for a partial settlement.

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On another matter. Talks will now be held with Egypt. Israel is emphasizing: We are now talking with Egypt, but we are not turning our backs on other countries. However, we are now talking with Egypt.

[Announcer] Why the concentration on Egypt alone? The Syrians are also pressing for some kind of agreement or some kind of settlement.

[Qital] Well, this is the old story of the Syrian problem of the Golan Heights, the impossible withdrawals, the question of Jordan and the PLO--all these issues need hours of talks. Obviously, when one speaks about a partial settlement the easiest thing to do is to talk with Egypt. With Egypt Israel has something to give. In addition, with Egypt the assumption is that it is possible to ask from it a serious quid pro quo for Israeli concessions. In other words, there is give and take between the two sides. There is much to talk about. It is not only talk about the agreement, but also about all the issues without which an agreement would have no validity. It would not have any strength.

## SHINUI, CITIZENS' RIGHTS MOVEMENTS PROPOSE NEW GROUP

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1800 GMT 8 Feb 75 TA

[Text] In Kfar Shemaryahu a meeting took place today between the Citizens' Rights Movement and the Shinui Movement. They discussed, "the way to be taken by a new political movement in Israel." Among the participants were guests from the Labor Party circle for the clarification of social problems, and from the Independent Liberals Young Guard.

Knesset member Arye Eliav of the Labor Party said there was a gap in the political map of Israel. According to him the Labor Party is not fulfilling its tasks in the political and social spheres, and its leadership lacks personal credibility.

After the discussion it was decided there is an immediate need to establish a new political movement based on a union of the two movements and the inclusion of a large group not affiliated with either of them now.

## CHIEFS OF NORTHERN CITIES PROPOSE ALDOROTTI AS MINISTER

### Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1200 GMT 9 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Since Yosef Almogi has decided not to join the Cabinet, a movement is building up within the Labor Party to admit to the Cabinet another representative of the Oriental communities. The names of Knesset members Yizhaq Navon and Eli Moyal are being mentioned, as well as that of Zevi Aldorotti, Migdal Ha'emeq local council chairman.

Heads of municipalities and local councils in the north approached the prime minister and proposed that Aldorotti be appointed as minister. He is, according to them, not only a member of the Oriental community, but will also act as a spokesman for all the settlements of the north.

Tomorrow a meeting of Labor Party leaders will take place, including ministers Shelomo Hillel and Aharon Uzan, to discuss the subject.

V. 13 Feb 75

EGYPT

D 1

REPORTAGE AND COMMENT ON KISSINGER'S VISIT TO CAIRO

Kissinger Remarks Reported

Cairo MENA in English 1002 GMT 12 Feb 75 LD

[Excerpt] Cairo, Feb 12 (MENA)--U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger arrived here at 1130 (0930 GMT) on board a special [as received] on a one-day visit within his current ninth tour of the Middle East area. On arrival Dr Kissinger made a statement in which he expressed his great happiness at visiting Egypt again. He said he looked forward to the talks which he will hold "with my friend President Anwar as-Sadat and Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi."

He added that the aim of his tour in the area was to explore what he could do to achieve progress towards a just and durable peace and "to take the next step on this path as quickly as possible." [Cairo Voice of the Arabs in Arabic at 1130 GMT on 12 February renders this phrase as follows: "to take the next step along this road if this is possible."]

Talks Begin

Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 1230 GMT 12 Feb 75 LD

[Excerpt] The talks between President Muhammad Anwar as-Sadat and U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger began at 1300 today at the president's resthouse at the Barrage. These talks were attended by Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi and U.S. Ambassador in Cairo Mr Hermann Eilts.

Before the meeting Dr Kissinger answered journalists questions.

Answering a question on the result of his talks with Israel, Kissinger said that they were useful. Kissinger said that he was looking forward to an exchange of views with President as-Sadat and Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi.

On his expectations with regard to withdrawal from the three fronts he said: I cannot predict anything, but I am here to explore what can be done to achieve further progress toward peace, and I am always optimistic.

Answering a question as to whether he intends to return to the area, he said that he intends to return in the near future.

Answering a question on his meeting with the Soviet foreign minister in Geneva he said: This meeting will cover U.S.-Soviet relations and will naturally extend to include the Middle East problem.

Answering a question as to whether he will meet with PLO Executive Committee Chairman Yasir 'Arafat, he answered in the negative.

As-Sadat, Kissinger Comment on Talks

Cairo MENA in Arabic 1655 GMT 12 Feb 75 BE

[Text] Cairo, 12 February--At the end of the first round of talks which lasted about 4 hours with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, President Anwar as-Sadat said that a complete review of the situation was made with Kissinger. He added that he is satisfied with the talks.

Asked whether progress toward peace was made, President Anwar as-Sadat said that he always feel optimistic whenever he receives his friend Henry Kissinger.

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Kissinger said that all the sides of the situation were reviewed in detail, and that there are specific steps that will lead to progress toward a solution and peace.

Kissinger expressed the hope that more progress will be achieved. He said that his mission is to help toward bringing peace to the area, and that he believes that the course to further progress has been found.

Replying to a question, Kissinger said that he has an idea what the next step would be and that he has his own views on adopting this step within the framework of a comprehensive solution.

Asked whether it is possible to reconcile the Egyptian and Israeli stands, he said: I believe it is possible to reconcile the two stands.

He said that the basic problem is to bring peace to the entire area. This is the desired aim.

## Banquet Honoring Kissinger Held

### Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 2100 GMT 12 Feb 75 LD

[Text] President Muhammad Anwar as-Sadat attended a dinner banquet which Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi gave tonight at his home in honor of U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger. The banquet was attended by Prime Minister 'Abd al-Aziz Hijazi, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Mamduh Salim and Arab League Secretary General Mahmud Riyad. The banquet was also attended by Under Secretary of State Joseph Sisco and U.S. Ambassador in Cairo Hermann Eilts.

### Cairo Commentary Views Kissinger Chances

#### Cairo in English to Israel 1630 GMT 12 Feb 75 TA

##### [Station commentary]

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger started his visit to Egypt today as part of a current Middle East tour. Several circles attach great importance to this tour as being the last chance for the step-by-step policy. No doubt Egypt's recent contacts during which she affirmed that she will not reach separate peace with Israel, that any new Israeli withdrawal will not be met with a new Egyptian or Syrian concessions, that the Geneva conference is the natural place to discuss the comprehensive settlement, and that it is necessary to invite the PLO to attend this conference have prevented any misunderstanding among the Arab forces of struggle. The recent developments of the Egyptian-Soviet relations following Soviet Foreign Minister Andrey Gromyko's visit to Egypt have also strengthened this stand. The Egyptian foreign minister has said that the positive results of Mr Gromyko's visit to Egypt have stabilized Soviet-Egyptian relations.

As a starting point, we should say that the success or failure of Dr Kissinger's visit is mainly contingent upon the extent of the U.S. determination to pursue its efforts for a settlement, its seriousness to pressure Israel, and keenness to realize just and durable peace in the area. Thus we can ask, will the United States continue to pressure Israel in order to give up the occupied Arab territories within the context of an all-out settlement that includes the Palestine people's rights, and to what extent the U.S. can do so?

V. 13 Feb 75

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EGYPT

There is almost a consensus of opinion all over the world that the forthcoming weeks will be decisive, particularly when the UN Emergency Forces mandate in Sinai and the Golan expires in the spring. Egypt has clearly declared that her extension of the United Nations Emergency Force mandate depends on Israel's behavior. However, the entire world is well aware that ending the mandate of the United Nations Emergency Force means the outbreak of military hostilities in the region.

Nobody, even Kissinger himself, can ask Egypt for more than she has given. Egypt has more than once voiced her stand and defined her main demand during this stage of the settlement--namely, withdrawal from the three fronts. Egypt neither opposes that this withdrawal be carried [out] step-by-step, nor at one time, nor at a start first on the Egyptian front. President as-Sadat has defined the urgent demand of the Egyptian front--namely, Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai passes and the oil fields, to be followed by another withdrawal on the Golan and the West Bank of Jordan.

While in Cairo the American secretary of state will certainly hear of what President as-Sadat announced to world press recently. Hence, Dr Kissinger's mission will be confined to Israel and its politicians. The American policy will then be faced with the only challenge. Can it prove its keenness on peace in the region in which it has concentrated interests, and will it prove its ability to dismantle the bomb which is about to explode in the region?

Progress of Talks Reported

Cairo MENA in English 0740 GMT 13 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Cairo, Feb 13 (MENA)--U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger leaves this morning for Damascus at the end of a 1-day visit to Cairo during which he spent almost 8 hours in talks with President as-Sadat. President as-Sadat said yesterday that he was satisfied with the talks and optimistic. Dr Kissinger said there were "specific steps which will lead to progress towards settlement and peace."

The U.S. secretary of state said he was optimistic and expected to return to the area around March 9 or 10, according to press reports here this morning.

Cairo Arabic daily AL-AHRAM learned from well-informed American sources that during his talks in Israel on Monday and Tuesday Dr Kissinger received from the Israeli side several maps which did not include specific withdrawal lines. It was clear that the Israeli side has not yet reached the stage of decision, these sources pointed out.

AL-AHRAM further learned that Dr Kissinger had brought with him several alternatives to Egypt's viewpoint and to present America's visualization of the situation.

American sources said that the mere statement by Dr Kissinger that he intended to return to the area was in itself a confirmation that he can realize something and that this beginning did not result in failure. American sources say that Kissinger's stand may be summed up as follows, according to AL-AHRAM:

1. He first exerts efforts so that each side may present specific practical and tangible views to advance towards attaining new withdrawal.

2. Time really necessitates the realization of this so that the situation may not deteriorate especially as the mandate of the United Nations forces is about to expire.

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3. After being informed of the final stands of each side, Dr Kissinger will exert efforts to thrash out the formula which would be semiacceptable to both sides.

4. The Geneva conference is a future necessity so that the Soviet Union may be able to participate through it with positive efforts to realize more progress.

American sources said that the internal front in Israel was [words indistinct] a terrible split with regard to the future, AL-AHRAM said. This was revealed from the negotiations between Kissinger and the Israeli side.

The Israelis bargained on withdrawal saying that withdrawal must be limited to the passes and not the oil fields and then they said that they would agree to withdrawal from the oilfields but not the passes.

This method of Israeli bargaining aims at obtaining political concessions which the Americans know are unacceptable to the Egyptian side, AL-AHRAM said.

## Economic Cooperation Agreement Signed

### Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 1000 GMT 13 Feb 75 LD

[Text] An economic cooperation agreement between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States was signed at 1000 this morning at At-Tahirah Palace. The agreement was signed for Egypt by Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi and for the United States by Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger. The agreement stipulates that the United States will grant Egypt an $80 million loan for industrial and agricultural projects. The loan is to be repaid over 40 years. The repayment of the loan will begin after 10 years have passed.

After the signing ceremony, Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi held a meeting at At-Tahirah Palace with Dr Henry Kissinger.

Isma'il Fahmi told our correspondent that Dr Kissinger's visit to Cairo was aimed at exchanging views on the situation and on the possibility of making progress. He added that the atmosphere is generally good and requires continuous work and unceasing efforts.

## Kissinger Departs For Damascus

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger left Cairo at 1100 (local) today at the conclusion of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt which lasted 1 day and during which he held talks with President Anwar as-Sadat and Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi. The U.S. secretary of state was seen off by Foreign Minister Isma'il Fahmi, the U.S. ambassador and the U.S. Embassy staff.

Dr Kissinger made a brief statement before departure. He expressed his gratitude to President Anwar as-Sadat and Isma'il Fahmi for the warm reception accorded him. He added that he considers his talks in Cairo to have been extremely positive and that during the talks all aspects of the Middle East situation were reviewed.

In conclusion, Dr Kissinger expressed his hope that he would return to Cairo within a few weeks. [Cairo MENA in English at 0940 GMT on 13 February, in a short report on Kissinger's departure, quoted him as describing his talks in Cairo as "extremely positive and comprehensive."]

V. 14 Feb 75

JORDAN

F 1

KING HUSAYN RETURNS TO AMMAN FROM SWITZERLAND

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 1900 GMT 13 Feb 75 JN

[Excerpt] His Majesty King Husayn and Her Majesty Queen Alia returned to Amman this evening, with God's care, following a 5-day private visit to Switzerland at the invitation of Shahanshah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. His Majesty King Husayn and Her Majesty Queen Alia were received at Amman airport by Crown Prince Hasan; Her Highness Princess Firyal; Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i and Mrs ar-Rifa'i; the speaker of the Senate; the chief of the royal cabinet; the chief of the royal court; the commander in chief of the Jordanian Armed Forces; ministers; the mayor of Amman; the Amman governor; the chief of staff; the chief of general intelligence; the deputy chief of public security; and a number of state officials.

AR-RAY: ARAB MIDEAST STAND EMBODIED IN UN RESOLUTION 242

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 0500 GMT 14 Feb 75 TA

[Excerpt] AR-RAY newspaper describes the Arab stand toward the contacts which aim at achieving a Middle East settlement. It says: The Arab side has clearly defined its position which is represented in implementing Security Council Resolution No 242 and the following Security Council resolutions which support that resolution. The paper adds: The Arabs have paved the way for the step-by-step settlement policy. They also have not closed the door in the face of the Geneva peace conference. The paper thinks that the Israeli stand aims at maintaining the status quo in the Middle East and at keeping as much as possible of the occupied Arab territories.

AMMAN RADIO EXPLAINS FINANCIAL AID TO WEST BANK

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 1200 GMT 13 Feb 75 TA

[Excerpts] The Council of Ministers agreed yesterday to support the steadfast stand of our people in the occupied West Bank by allocating the sum of 619,500 dinars. This is the second decision taken recently by the Council of Ministers to allocate such sums as assistance and loans to enable our people to implement the existing projects in the West Bank--particularly the urban and rural projects. These decisions are in line with the basic Jordanian stands and with Jordan's adherence to the full implementation of its duty regarding the nation's current fateful issues. Jordan, in continuing to carry out its role at the patriotic and national levels by supporting the steadfast stand of our compatriots in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, seeks to maintain the Arab character of the occupied territory and to establish an impregnable wall in the face of the Zionist tide which aims at emptying the land of its legitimate owners in order to annex and Judaize it.

While the Rabat resolution has imposed a new reality, it does not at all mean that Jordan will relinquish its duty toward our people as long as the Israeli occupation continues to encroach on the homeland. As His Majesty King Husayn said after the Rabat conference, Jordan will see to it that our people and brothers will remain one and the same on this land. We will continue to support our people in the occupied part of our homeland, as we always have, because despite the new situation which emanated from the seventh Arab summit conference in Rabat, Jordan is the nearest Arab sister state to the Palestine issue.

V. 14 Feb 75

SYRIA

H 1

CONTINUED REPORTAGE ON VISIT OF HENRY KISSINGER

Al-Asad-Kissinger Meeting Reported

Damascus Domestic Service in Arabic 1615 GMT 13 Feb 75 JN

[Text] At 1330 today, President Hafiz al-Asad received U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger. On the Syrian side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and the president's political adviser, Dr Adib ad-Dawudi. On the U.S. side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Secretary of State Joseph Sisco, Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs Alfred Atherton, Mr Saunders, and U.S. Ambassador in Damascus Richard Murphy.

Dr Kissinger arrived in Damascus from Cairo this afternoon for a 1-day visit to Syria.

Spokesman Comments on Talks

Cairo MENA in Arabic 1818 GMT 13 Feb 75 BE

[Text] Damascus, 13 February--The press spokesman of the Syrian presidential palace stated that the talks between Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad and U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger during their meeting this afternoon dealt with the Middle East situation. In a statement he made tonight, the spokesman said that the Syrian side has expounded its well-known views and stressed the need for total withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories and for guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian Arab people. It also stressed the need to follow unified steps on all fronts through the stages of action for the establishment of a just peace in the area.

The bilateral relations between Syria and the United States were also reviewed, the spokesman added.

Kissinger Departs For Tel Aviv

Cairo MENA in English 1745 GMT 13 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Damascus, Feb 13, (MENA)--U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger left this evening for Tel Aviv after concluding talks with Syrian officials. Kissinger was seen off at the airport by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam.

Before leaving Dr Kissinger expressed gratitude to the Syrian President and Khaddam for the warm reception accorded him. He said he reviewed bilateral relations which he described as active and on the path of progress as well as discussed in details all elements for lasting and equitable peace in the Mideast and the role Syria is to play in final settlement.

Kissinger described the talks as "very cordial and constructive" and said he agreed with Syrian officials to continue contacts.

The Syrian president and Khaddam, added Kissinger, have invited him to visit Syria when he returns to the Mideast in the coming few weeks. Kissinger said he accepted the invitation with "pleasure." Kissinger arrived here earlier today from Cairo and held a meeting with President al-Asad that lasted four hours and a half.

GROMYKO MEETS WITH SYRIAN CP LEADERS 2 FEB

Baghdad TARIQ ASH-SHA'B in Arabic 4 Feb 75 p 2 LD

[Text] A meeting was held yesterday, Sunday, at the Soviet Embassy in Syria between Andrey Gromyko, member of the CPSU Central Committee Politburo and foreign minister, and leaders of the Syrian Communist Party.

V. 14 Feb 75

ISRAEL

N 1

CONTINUED REPORTAGE ON KISSINGER MIDEAST TRIP

Foreign Ministry Stand on Concessions

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1200 GMT 13 Feb 75 TA

[Text] The Foreign Ministry spokesman in Jerusalem today reiterated that any concessions by Israel in the context of a partial settlement with Egypt, can only be expected as functions of parallel pledges on the part of Egypt. So far, Israel has not heard what the obligations are that Egypt is ready to accept. If there are such obligations, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, then the optimism expressed during Dr Kissinger's talks in Cairo is justified. This was the Foreign Ministry spokesman's reply to a newsman's query that had to do with differences of opinion between Egypt and Israel.

The AFP Jerusalem correspondent reports that he asked the Foreign Ministry spokesman about the question of the agreement with Egypt, since according to him, Cairo wants an agreement of a year and a half only, while Israel insists on a settlement of at least a 3-year duration. The Foreign Ministry spokesman replied that there are divergent attitudes over this issue, but these can apparently be bridged. The correspondent goes on by citing Israeli circles in Jerusalem and says that regarding a further partial settlement with Syria, no change has taken place in Israel's position. Israel reckons that there is now no call for a new interim settlement with Syria and negotiations with Syria will have to take their place in the context of a global peace settlement.

Withdrawal Depends on 'Clear' Egyptian Commitment

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1500 GMT 13 Feb 75 TA

[Text] An authoritative source in Jerusalem has told our political correspondent, Shalom Qital, that if and when an agreement is reached with Egypt and later the Geneva conference is convened, Israel will not start any withdrawal, even the most minimal, until Egypt's position at the Geneva conference and after it is made clear. Only if it becomes clear that the partial settlement is in effect and valid despite the Geneva conference meeting, will the implementation of the agreement begin. The same source said that there is agreement between Israel and the United States on this matter.

In reply to a question by our political correspondent, the sources said that Israel so far has received no new proposal regarding an interim agreement with the Egyptians. If such proposals do exist, Israel will learn of them in tonight's meeting between Dr Kissinger and the Israeli team. In the meantime, the government's position is that Israel is prepared to withdraw 30-50 kilometers from the present line on the understanding that the quid pro quo expected in this case will be limited. It is doubtful whether in the case of a limited withdrawal it would be possible to expect a clause in the agreement that would include an explicit declaration of nonbelligerency by Egypt. Israel would be ready to give up both Abu Rudays and the passes. This is, however, only in the event of an explicit and written undertaking for a long period of time. Israel will also not agree to link the agreement with Egypt with an agreement with any other Arab state.

Dr Kissinger and his party will meet with the Israeli team at the prime minister's house in Jerusalem tomorrow. Before his departure for Jordan, Dr Kissinger will be Mrs Golda Meir's guest for lunch in Tel Aviv. It is also possible that the U.S. secretary of state will have a tete-a-tete meeting with the prime minister tomorrow.

V. 14 Feb 75

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ISRAEL

Kissinger Arrives for Second Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1725 GMT 13 Feb 75 TA

[Text] [Announcer] We now switch over to our correspondent Yizhaq Feller in the mobile radio unit at Ben-Gurion airport to describe the arrival of Dr Kissinger. [begin recording]

[Feller] The U.S. secretary of state's plane landed about 10 minutes ago. The entire picture is repeated: The same ceremonial procedures, the same faces of welcoming, the same security men, and the same correspondents and photographers. The only change this time is that the U.S. secretary of state arrived without his wife Nancy. She apparently preferred the warm weather of Egypt. She also did not accompany her husband on his visit to Damascus. Another difference is that, unlike, previous visits, the U.S. secretary of state agreed to make only a brief statement to the press.

[Kissinger recording--in English] I would like to say that I look forward to meeting with my colleagues in the Israeli Cabinet to report to them about my visit to Cairo and Damascus, and to plan with them joint steps to take toward peace in the Middle East.

Thank you. [end Kissinger recording]

[Feller translates the above and continues] All the members of Kissinger's party entered their vehicles and left for Jerusalem. They will have a brief rest at the King David Hotel. The U.S. secretary of state is scheduled to meet with Premier Minister Yizhaq Rabin and the Israeli negotiating team at the prime minister's office at 2030 today.

Anti-Kissinger Demonstration Dispersed

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1900 GMT 13 Feb 75 TA

[Text] A force of policemen armed with clubs this evening forcibly dispersed an anti-Kissinger demonstration by young members of the Herut Movement and the Imunim Bloc on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Seven of them were arrested.

Our correspondent says that about 80 persons, including Knesset member Ehud Olmert, hid in a grove of trees overlooking the Giv'at Sha'ul crossroads and waited in ambush for Kissinger's convoy, which was due to arrive from Ben-Gurion airport.

Later they sat on the road and began singing. Some of them linked themselves together with chains. Our correspondent says that the police at first tried politely to persuade them to leave, but when they refused, the police used force. Eventually, Dr Kissinger's convoy took another route--the En Kerem road. The convoy arrived at the King David Hotel an hour and a half after Dr Kissinger's plane had landed at Lod.

The talks between Dr Kissinger and his party and the Israeli team at the prime minister's house in Jerusalem are due to begin at this time. Dr Kissinger will report on his talks in Cairo and Damascus.

Kissinger, Allon on Latest Talks

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0500 GMT 14 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Dr Kissinger said at a press conference held last night after his meeting with the Israeli ministerial team that the meeting had been good, constructive and that it had been conducted in a friendly atmosphere. He reported to the team on his talks in Cairo and in Damascus, and said that at the moment no real proposals or lines are being discussed.

V. 14 Feb 75

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ISRAEL

In the wake of this exploratory visit, however, he can say that he will be returning to the region in the first half of next month.

Foreign Minister Yigal Allon expressed satisfaction toward Dr Kissinger's return visit in the area in order to continue his efforts of reaching political progress.

Today, Dr Kissinger will again confer with the Israeli team, and then he will have lunch with Mrs Golda Meir at noon. He will leave for Jordan in the afternoon.

Papers Assess Kissinger Visit

[Morning press review]

[Excerpt] Dr Kissinger is today concluding his current Middle East mission and is leaving behind no small number of big question marks. The morning papers express doubt whether the optimism that the U.S. secretary of state is trying to spread around is justified, the impression being that no real shift has occurred in Cairo's position.

The Jerusalem POST says that also in this visit of Dr Kissinger it is difficult to distinguish in the reports between fantasy and reality. Only in a few weeks shall we know if the optimism demonstrated by the U.S. secretary of state is in any way justified.

The impression at the moment is that Cairo's position does not facilitate the reaching of another partial settlement to be acceptable by Israel too. It appears that the debate focuses also on the time element of the settlement's duration, and also on the number of kilometers of Israel's withdrawal. The problem is, according to the Jerusalem POST, that Israel is asked to give up real things, like territories, while Egypt is asked to concede on things that can be cancelled by a handwave. Accordingly, the proper balance must be found between the forfeiture of territories on the one hand, and real progress toward a state of peace on the other hand.

DAVAR thinks the situation is vague, because both sides guard against revealing their bargaining positions. In the paper's view there is no sense in our scramble for peace, because the Arabs are at this stage not ready for peace. Israel too, is not yet ready for a far-reaching withdrawal made mandatory by an inclusive peace agreement. The only alternative, therefore, is the process of stages. We have to take care that in any partial settlement to be reached in the next stage, all Israeli security considerations in the area are safeguarded.

'AL HAMISHMAR contends that both the Egyptians and the Israelis have to moderate their demands so as to leave the door open for an interim agreement. This paper thinks that Cairo is not yet ready to sign an agreement of non-belligerency for an extended period, the practical interpretation of this being the removal of Egypt from the Arab confrontation camp. The paper justifies the approach according to which any interim settlement should be effected only after the Geneva conference, as in the course of such a conference Egypt is apt to renege on what it had signed.

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HAZOFE maintains that if Egypt has an interest in the stage-by-stage policy as formulated by Dr Kissinger, it must accept Israel's position which stipulates that in return for a partial withdrawal, nonbelligerency for a long period of time must be insured, separately from the issues of Syria and the Palestinians. The paper emphasizes that a formulation of a partial settlement must meticulously work out all the details, so that it would be difficult to evade its implementation, and so that no loophole would be left that would permit violations of the settlement.

OMER holds that despite our dependency on Washington's friendship, we mustn't agree to a far-reaching withdrawal devoid of real progress toward peace. A withdrawal not contributing toward the establishment of some sort of relations between Israel and the Arab countries, is neither likely to contribute profitably to the relations between us and the United States. Our power of resistance to new and frequent demands to be pressed upon us may otherwise be weakened.

NASHA STRANA and HADASHOT ISRAEL warn that past lessons teach us that the Egyptians are quick to violate agreements signed only a short time previously. In each settlement, therefore, conditions should be stipulated that would insure Israel effective supervision on what is going on in the areas to be vacated by the IDF.

VIATA NOASTRA attributes Dr Kissinger's optimism to the plenitude of ideas that sprout from time to time during his rounds of talks--and that wither rapidly. The paper holds that something will grow from this abundance of ideas, nevertheless.

JEWISH ANTI-ZIONIST GROUP OFFERS TO JOIN WITH PALESTINIANS

London REUTER in English 1224 GMT 13 Feb 75 WA

[Excerpt] Jerusalem, Feb 13, REUTER--The Naturei Karta, a small organization of anti-Zionist Jewish religious zealots, announced today that it was ready to join a Palestine Arab government-in-exile.

Moshe Hirsch, secretary of the Jerusalem-based anti-Israel group thought to number a few hundred ultra-religious followers, said his group was ready to take up an offer reported to have been made by the Palestine Liberation Organization in Europe that it would welcome to its council any anti-Zionist Jewish groups.

The Naturei Karta regards the establishment of the State of Israel as a sacrilege, holding that the Jewish state can only be set up by the Messiah when He comes.

EGYPTIAN 'NIBBLING' POSES THREAT TO ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL

Tel Aviv MA'ARIV in Hebrew 13 Feb 75 pp 1, 2 TA

[By Ya'aqov Erez, MA'ARIV military correspondent]

[Text] The Egyptians have taken control of certain strategic areas in the UN buffer zone and established strongholds in them that fall into the category of expanded positions which have been completed east of the Suez Canal. This Egyptian "hibbling" operation in the UN buffer zone has been going on for some time already.

V. 18 Feb 75

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REPORTAGE AND COMMENT ON KISSINGER VISIT

Kissinger's Arrival in Aqaba

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 1600 GMT 14 Feb 75 JN

[Text] U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger and his accompanying delegation arrived in Aqaba this afternoon. Dr Henry Kissinger was received at Aqaba airport by Premier and Foreign Minister Zayd ar-Rifa'i; Staff Lt Gen Zayd bin Shakir; the governor of the Aqaba district; Aqaba's mayor; and a number of officials.

Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i accompanied the U.S. secretary of state from his plane to the platform in front of which a guard of honor presented its salute to the guest secretary of state. A band played the U.S. and Jordanian anthems.

Dr Henry Kissinger made a statement in Aqaba in which he said: It is a great pleasure to meet with my friends in Jordan in order to brief His Majesty King Husayn and Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i on the outcome of my tour in the area and to consult and exchange views with them on how peace can be achieved in the Middle East area, and also to hold discussions about the best means to consolidate the bilateral relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States.

The delegation accompanying Dr Kissinger includes U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Thomas Pickering; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Joseph Sisco; and a number of U.S. officials.

Husayn, Kissinger Hold Talks

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 1900 GMT 14 Feb 75 JN

[Text] His Majesty King Husayn received U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger this evening at his residence in Aqaba. The meeting was attended by Crown Prince Amir Hasan and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Zayd ar-Rifa'i.

At 1700, the official talks between the two sides began, with the Jordanian side under His Majesty King Husayn and the U.S. side under Dr Kissinger. The talks revolved around the efforts the U.S. secretary of state is making during his current tour to bring closer the chances of peace in the Middle East. The Jordanian and U.S. sides also reviewed the outcome of the talks Dr Kissinger has held in Egypt, Syria, and Israel and the views submitted by all sides. The talks also dealt with the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries and the possibility of increasing the financial, military, and economic support the United States is giving to Jordan.

Dr Kissinger said that he will make another tour of the Middle East next month to complete the efforts being exerted to achieve peace in the area, and that he will visit Jordan within the framework of this tour for discussions and consultations with His Majesty King Husayn and Jordanian officials in order to achieve peace.

Jordan Will Not Go to Geneva

Cairo MENA in Arabic 1115 GMT 15 Feb 75 JN

[Text] AL-AQABA, 15 February--Jordanian Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i has said that King Husayn has told U.S. Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger that Jordan will not participate in the Geneva conference when it convenes because it would be contrary to the resolution adopted by the summit conference in Rabat, and that the Jordanian king had emphasized that his country is not prepared to carry out any action or adopt any measure that conflicts with or is contrary to the Rabat Arab summit conference resolution.

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This was contained in statements made by the premier in Al-Aqaba at the end of Dr Henry Kissinger's visit to Jordan.

The Jordanian premier said that the U.S. secretary of state conveyed to King Husayn an invitation from U.S. President Gerald Ford to visit the United States for negotiations on the situation in the area, and that the king has accepted the invitation, for which a date will be fixed later.

Zayd ar-Rifa'i further said that King Husayn reviewed with Dr Kissinger the situation in the area and the possibilities for peace and war. He said that King Husayn emphasized his conviction to the U.S. secretary that the situation in the area will explode if Israel does not begin to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. Moreover, the Jordanian king stressed that peace in the Middle East will not be achieved except by full Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories.

Zayd ar-Rifa'i said that King Husayn expressed the hope that the United States will exert more pressure on Israel. He said that King Husayn explained Jordan's attitude toward the Geneva conference, namely, that Jordan considers that the PLO's participation is essential and fundamental, so that the PLO will represent the Palestinian people and defend their rights and demands [words indistinct].

Ar-Rifa'i added: We also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly the financial, economic and military aid which the United States is giving Jordan. He said that Dr Kissinger will visit the area again in the second week of next month, and we have welcomed this visit to Jordan.

Before leaving, Dr Henry Kissinger made a statement to journalists at Al-Aqaba airport. He expressed his profound gratitude to His Majesty King Husayn and to Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i for the warm and friendly reception accorded him in Jordan. He said: "The accompanying delegation and I feel that we are among very good friends."

Kissinger further said that he reviewed with his majesty the king and the premier the Middle East situation and the results of his current visit to the area. He said: "I have asked his majesty the king to allow me to return to Jordan during the next few months in order to study ways to peace in the area."

Dr Kissinger expressed his gratitude to King Husayn for extending an invitation to him to visit Jordan again.

## Papers Assess Kissinger Visit

### Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 0500 GMT 16 Feb 75 TA

#### [Press review]

**[Excerpt]** AL-URDUN believes that the conclusion Kissinger has drawn from his talks with Jordanian officials is the same which he drew from his talks in Damascus and Cairo. This result is summed up in the stress placed on the call for Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories. The paper says: King Husayn's warning in his talks with Dr Kissinger regarding the inevitability of a new flareup in the Middle East if Israel does not begin to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories presents a clear and definite conclusion to the American secretary of state at the end of his tour in the region.

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The Jordanian stand expressed by King Husayn was in complete harmony with the general Arab stand which rejects any procrastination or delay in real progress toward peace--progress which requires Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories. What the American secretary of state heard here in Amman was exactly what he has heard in Damascus, Cairo, and Riyadh. The emphasis of the need for Israeli withdrawal requires that the United States exert more pressure on Israel to compel it to give up its attempts to perpetuate occupation, waste time, and hinder the peace efforts. AL-URDUN concludes: In the period before Dr Kissinger returns to the region the American administration is expected to adopt practical attitudes which would lead to genuine steps to promote settlement.

AS-SABAH says that Israel is trying to deal with every country separately in the talks, and that at the present stage it is trying to isolate Egypt from the front of Arab solidarity because it feels that Arab solidarity is the sharpest weapon which it has to confront. Therefore it is seeking to find partial solutions with each Arab country separately, or at least to find a solution on one front and then go to Geneva or to any other peace conference from a position of strength.

AL-URDUN CALLS FOR SETTLEMENT OF ALL ARAB FRONTS

Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 0500 GMT 15 Feb 75 TA

[From the press review]

[Excerpts] The Jordanian papers have followed with interest the political efforts carried out by Dr Henry Kissinger to achieve progress toward solving the Middle East crisis. The prominent headlines and the political commentaries define the nature of the talks conducted by the American envoy with the parties to the Middle East conflict. The commentaries compare the prospects of success of the American secretary of state's mission with the difficulties confronting him on his present trip.

AL-URDUN emphasizes the importance of Israeli withdrawal from the three Arab fronts. It says: Judging from what has been achieved so far in Dr Kissinger's mission in the region--and from the statements regarding the talks in Cairo, Damascus, and Tel Aviv-- it appears that the issue is being limited to achieving Israeli withdrawal from Sinai and to concentrating on accompanying this step with separate political steps with one Arab side at a time. There appears to be an effort to concentrate on separate settlements--settlements which the Israeli policy seeks to achieve.

AL-URDUN adds: The attempt to concentrate efforts on only one of the confrontation fronts and on only one part of the whole issue may draw us into the complications of long-term stages which would lead the situation into a deadlock. The attempt here is to create a split in the unified issue and consequently in the wall of Arab solidarity. Hence, the solution of only one part of the issue while leaving the other parts possibly to the Geneva conference is not what is wanted. What can achieve positive results is unity of action on all fronts and the linking of any settlement with all the Arab fronts in the realization of the ultimate aim of the complete liberation of our occupied land and the regaining of our usurped rights.

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## AR-RA'Y STRESSES NEED FOR ARAB SOLIDARITY

### Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 0500 GMT 18 Feb 75 JN

> [Excerpt] Press reports speak of the likelihood of the convocation of a conference in Amman to be attended by a number of Arab leaders. Writing editorially on this theme, the newspaper AR-RA'Y says this morning: While the confrontation forces should figure as the first objective of such coordination, it should not be confined to the confrontation forces alone, but should also include the supporting Arab states which have become an added objective of the conflict and of interwoven international interests in addition to the major role they play in the development of events.

It is important for all the Arabs concerned, above all Amman, Cairo, and Damascus, to be able to face the coming stage with a stable position not likely to be breached or dissipated or to transgress the clear-cut realities of Rabat. Maximum solidarity and unified action are important. Jordan will always devote attention to this solidarity and coordination, because this country has had and will continue to have an Arab face and an Arab heart which do not change.

### AS-SADAT, AL-ASAD REPORTEDLY WILL VISIT JORDAN SOON

### Baghdad Domestic Service in Arabic 1130 GMT 17 Feb 75 JN

> [Text] Egyptian President Anwar as-Sadat and Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad will visit Jordan at the end of this week, according to informed sources in Beirut. The sources added that the two presidents will discuss with King Husayn developments in the situation in the Arab area, particularly after the recent tour of U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger which included occupied Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

## AR-RIFA'I PRESIDES OVER JORDAN-U.S. ECONOMIC TALKS

### Amman Domestic Service in Arabic 1400 GMT 14 Feb 75 JN

> [Text] At noon today Premier Zayd ar-Rifa'i presided over the session of economic talks held between the Jordanian and U.S. sides at the Aqaba Port Department. On the Jordanian side, the talks were attended by the governor of the Jordanian Central Bank, Muhammad Sa'id an-Nabulsi; the head of the National Council for Planning, Dr Hanna Awdah; the director of the Budget Department, Farhi 'Ubayd; and Dr Michel Martu. On the U.S. side, the talks were attended by State Department Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Charles Robinson; his assistant; the U.S. ambassador in Amman; the U.S. economic attache; and the head of the economic aid section at the U.S. Embassy in Amman.

During the talks, the Jordanian side reviewed the economic situation in Jordan in light of the implementation of projects of the 3-year development plan and also the basis for the 5-year development plan, including the primary projects in the domains of mining, agriculture, and tourism, and the scope of the current 5-year plan.

The Jordanian side also reviewed the general financial situation, the investment policy of the private sector, and the economic facilities granted to local and foreign investors in light of the law encouraging investment and outer trade, monetary, and banking policies.

The U.S. side asked about some prominent aspects of the 5-year plan, particularly the primary mining projects as well as the project for developing and improving the ghawr.

V. 18 Feb 75

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CONTINUED REPORTAGE ON KISSINGER MIDDLE EAST TRIP

Kissinger Remarks on Talks

Jerusalem International Service in English 1130 GMT 14 Feb 75 LD

[Text] Dr Henry Kissinger has ended his last round of talks with the Israeli negotiating team. He had no statement for reporters. Earlier, it was indicated that the meeting would be spent in planning the secretary of state's next visit to the region in mid-March. This morning's talks began with a private breakfast meeting between Dr Kissinger and Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin.

Last night the secretary summed up the situation following his discussions in Jerusalem, Cairo and Damascus:

[Kissinger--recorded] I wanted to report to you that the Israeli negotiating team and my colleagues and I had a very good and constructive session this evening. I reported to the Israeli negotiating team about my visits to Cairo and Damascus. [words indistinct] I not bring, as a result of these visits, any concrete proposals, plans or lines but rather a continuation of the considerations that were part of my exploratory mission. I plan to return to the Middle East by the middle of March, and I will meet again with the Israeli negotiating team tomorrow morning to prepare for the next visit. The talks were conducted in a very friendly atmosphere, and I consider them fruitful and profitable.
[end recording]

Dr Kissinger is due now to have lunch in Tel Aviv with former Premier Golda Meir. This afternoon he leaves for Jordan.

Kissinger Departs for Jordan

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 1400 GMT 14 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Dr Henry Kissinger has taken off from Ben-Gurion airport for Al-Aqabah. The U.S. secretary of state and his wife will be the guests of the Jordanian royal couple, and Dr Kissinger and his party will hold talks there. Our correspondent Yizhaq Feller reports from the mobile radio unit at Ben-Gurion airport: [begin recording]

[Feller] The luncheon at Mrs Golda Meir's house lasted longer than expected. Here at the airport several people, including Dr Kissinger's deputy Joseph Sisco, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yigal Allon, and U.S. Ambassador Keating, had to wait for Dr Kissinger. At about 1530 the U.S. secretary of state's bullet-proof vehicle arrived at the airport.

[Kissinger--recorded, in English] On behalf of all of my colleagues and myself I would like to thank the Israeli Government, especially the negotiating team, for the very warm reception we've had here. When I came on my official visit a few days ago, I pointed out that I was here...

[Feller] The U.S. secretary of state began his statement: On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I would like to thank the Israeli Government, especially the negotiating team, for the very warm reception we have had. When I came a few days ago, I stressed that my visit was exploratory, to see whether it is possible to establish a common basis for the talks to be held later on. I am glad that the talks I have held here and in other capitals will enable me to return in another few weeks for more concrete talks. For the time being, I am very satisfied with my visit here--a visit which has strengthened the close link which already exists between our two countries.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yigal Allon replied, saying that it was impossible to expect more from such a short visit, which was mainly devoted to exploratory talks, as Dr Kissinger has put it. I hope, Mr Allon added, that in the future this visit will be recognized as an important start toward new political initiatives in our area--an area which is very much in need of progress toward a peaceful solution. Therefore, I hope that all the capitals which you visited this week will look forward to your next visit without jumping to conclusions as to what the results will be. However, all of us have to do our utmost to enable your mission to be crowned with success.

Dr Kissinger's party boarded the plane; Kissinger embraced Allon, and the U.S. Air Force II plane flew to Al-Aqabah where the party will meet with Jordanian King Husayn within a quarter of an hour. [end recording]

Rabin on Kissinger Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Television Service in Hebrew 1827 GMT 14 Feb 75 TA

[Interview with Prime Minister Yizhaq Rabin--live]

[Text] [The interview is preceded by a report by CBS correspondent Marvin Kalb] [Question] This is the report which many U.S. citizens saw and heard today about the second part of Dr Kissinger's visit in our region. Mr Prime Minister, has this visit of Dr Kissinger met your expectations?

[Answer] I would like to disassociate myself from a report of an American to Americans and to deal with reporting as much as possible to us, the people of Israel. Dr Kissinger's visit this time was designed not to lead to negotiations. It was designed to explore the positions of the parties as to what extent there is a possibility of, and room to continue searching for, a settlement between Egypt and Israel--a partial settlement that would constitute a progress toward peace. As a result of this Dr Kissinger carefully observed that during his talks with the Egyptians, I assume, and certainly with us, that he would remain within the framework of examining thoughts and positions, presenting the international picture, and presenting the American picture, but not engage in concrete negotiations. Therefore, there was no room for exaggerated expectations in this visit. The next visit, which will take place in the first half of March, will deal more with the negotiations themselves.

[Question] Nevertheless, during the talks a map was brought into the room. Did you talk about a 30- to 50-kilometer withdrawal?

[Answer] First of all, the map was on the wall before the talks had started--and this as a general background. During the talks we did not engage in the drawing of lines. As is known, the ministerial team was equipped with the government's decisions. The government decisions clearly determined what the team should talk about with Kissinger, with the main aim being to seek ways to advance toward an interim settlement between Egypt and Israel. The government decision speaks about the possibility of territorial concession between 30 to 50 kilometers that do not include the passes and the oilfields. Of course, in return for limited withdrawal, a not so large political quid pro quo should be expected. At any rate, it is clear that the intention is to get a political quid pro quo for any interim settlement.

V. 18 Feb 75

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I will not ignore the fact that my statements on the ABC network were in the back of Dr Kissinger's mind, and also perhaps in the mind of the Egyptian president. It is known that I expressed my personal view--and this has not yet been approved by the Cabinet--that in return for Egypt's renunciation of war against Israel, renunciation of a state of war, publicly and in a binding manner, Israel would be prepared to consider the demilitarization of the passes and leaving the area of the oilfields in Abu Rudays. But this would be done only when Egypt announces publicly and in a binding manner that the war has ended between it and Israel, and the renunciation of war is not linked with what will happen between Israel and each one of the other Arab states. That is to say, a total renunciation of war will lead, in my opinion, to the possibility of demilitarizing these areas.

[Question] The problem is also a problem of concepts. The public in Israel in the past few months has been bombarded with various concepts--beginning with "peace," "nonbelligerency," and "other settlements." Perhaps the time has come to try and clarify what is meant by the concept of nonbelligerency. What does Israel mean when it talks about nonbelligerency?

[Answer] I would say this: In my view, peace is much more than not maintaining a state of belligerency of war. I believe that war with neighboring states is first of all--as long as they are still in a state of war--the ending of the state of war, and furthermore the building of a system of relations of peace, relations of peace have a positive element of cooperation, the readiness of one side to help the other. Therefore, to me peace is much more than the disappearance of the state of war. Therefore, in the stages of progress toward peace I distinguish between only the termination of the state of war--which basically means, as I have already said, that there is no further use of force or threat of the use of force in Egyptian-Israeli relations. [as heard] This for me is a state of nonbelligerency. I assume that there are jurists and international law, but basically the most important thing in every international contract is what one state makes an undertaking toward another in clear and concrete terms.

[Question] If you will permit me, during the foreign minister's visit to the United States, the press reported--I do not know if this is precise--that Mr Allon had pointed out what the elements are which Israel would have liked to see as the signs of nonbelligerency. I wanted to ask you whether these are things which Israel will insist on. He defined the components as follows: The physical components: demilitarized zones, the determination of the size of the forces of the parties, the insuring of the maintenance of the demilitarization, supervision arrangements [words indistinct] etcetera. The political sphere: the absolute renunciation of economic and diplomatic war. The legal sphere: a mutual written undertaking to finalize the understanding regarding the rest of the components.

[Answer] Allow me not to enter into details. As I have said earlier, the ministerial team presented the government's decision. The government's decision is known. The quid pro quo for the government's decision must be in significant political terms. As I have said earlier, I assume that my statements on the ABC network were in the back of the minds of President as-Sadat and Dr Kissinger. That is to say, two possibilities have been created--a limited possibility and a broad possibility. It is clear that in return for a limited possibility the political quid pro quo is more limited. As for the broader possibility, the quid pro quo is unequivocal--a declared termination of the state of belligerency, the state of war, between Israel and Egypt.

V. 18 Feb 75

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[Question] Will Israel definitely insist on a written agreement?

[Answer] The basis for any settlement between Israel and Egypt is first of all an Egyptian-Israeli settlement or agreement--a settlement that would be written and signed by the two sides as part of the Geneva conference, since we often distort the concept which is called the Geneva conference. I have no doubt that an interim settlement between Israel and Egypt would also be part of the Geneva conference, just as the disengagement agreements were also within the framework of the Geneva conference.

[Question] Do you agree with me that there is one basic difference between the Kissinger talks, for example, and the Geneva conference, and that is that the Russians are not involved in the Kissinger talks?

[Answer] My approach to the concept called the Geneva conference is apparently different from yours, or from what is accepted occasionally, inaccurately. The Geneva conference's objective is to lead to peace or progress toward peace between Israel and the Arab states. Within the framework of the concept called the Geneva conference, the sides can undertake different forms of negotiations, since Egyptian-Israeli relations are not necessarily similar to Syrian-Israeli relations. What is suitable on the Egyptian-Israeli level does not necessarily have to be identical to what is suitable on the Syrian-Israeli level. Everything that is presented as a bilateral agreement between an Arab state and Israel must be formalized and acquire a legal, declared status within the framework of the Geneva conference. In the first stage, there were disengagement agreements. If it is possible to achieve an interim settlement between Israel and Egypt, this too must be part of the Geneva conference. If at a later stage we will be able to achieve a contractual peace agreement with any one of the neighboring Arab states, it, too, will have to be part of the Geneva conference. For some reason or another, the public has gotten the idea that the Geneva conference is a sort of symposium or meeting of all the parties in the presence of the big powers and the UN representative, and the parties talk in a manner which was once acceptable at the United Nations. I am afraid that such a meeting of the Geneva conference without prior preparation and without knowing for what reasons the parties are going to the conference will eventually lead to an aggravation of positions and a deadlock, with all the consequences entailed in this. We have no reason to be afraid of this, but we have every reason to search in directions which would perhaps insure for us much better results, results that would advance us toward peace.

[Question] If you say we have no reason to be afraid of such a conference, is there no fear that on entering the hall we will find the PLO representatives, among others?

[Answer] As is known, in the letter of invitation to the Geneva conference it was clearly agreed that the addition of an organization, body, or state, which was not among the first parties to be invited to the Geneva conference, requires agreement of the participants. Therefore, there is no possibility of inviting any body which was not included in the list of those invited to the first session of the Geneva conference without prior discussion with us. The terrorist organizations were not invited. Israel's position is clear and unequivocal: We will not conduct negotiations with them.

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[Question] When speaking about agreements, you did not mention the element of time, reports say that Israel is prepared to compromise to reach an agreement for a period of a year and a half, on the premise that there are two years to the U.S. elections. Do you have anything to say in this regard?

[Answer] So many inaccurate reports about the details have been published, if we have to start denying every one of them I think I will have to occupy the television screen for a long time. Since you have asked about this report of 18 months, let me say that there is no support for it in reality from the standpoint of the Israeli position.

[Question] We began the interview with the expectations which you had from this visit of Dr Kissinger, and you, of course, went on to the part expected in his forthcoming visit. Do you expect movement in the negotiations at that time?

[Answer] I have learned that I am not one of those to whom the gift of prophecy was given after the destruction of the temple. Therefore, I prefer to determine for myself toward what end it is necessary to strive and to act. I am not sure we will achieve this. We are not seeking an interim settlement at any price and under any conditions. The Israeli positions are clear today. Only a settlement that will serve Israel, promote peace, not affect the security of Israel will be acceptable to us. Since we are talking about a meeting which will take place within 3 or 4 weeks, there is no sense in prophesying what will happen in it. Let us wait calmly and confidently, knowing our strength and our will, and see what the results will be.

[Questioner] Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister.

## Allon on Kissinger Visit

Jerusalem Domestic Service in Hebrew 0805 GMT 15 Feb 75 TA

[Text] Foreign Minister Yigal Allon took time off for an interim summation of the situation in a special interview granted to our political correspondent, Shalom Quital. [recording]

[Question] Mr Allon, you have just left visiting secretary of state. What is he taking with him from Israel?

[Answer] There is no doubt that he is leaving with a feeling that Israel has an interest in an interim settlement with Egypt and that it would even be interested in the signing of a peace treaty. But in the present circumstances, it is definitely possible to strive toward an interim settlement without abandoning the idea of peace and to continue to hold on to those bargaining positions needed in the more distant future to offer sufficient incentive to hold negotiations for peace itself.

[Question] Do you think he left Cairo with a similar feeling?

[Answer] Judging from what he said--not only in his talks with us, but also publicly-- he believes that Egypt is also interested in an interim settlement and that it does not want to continue the warfare. Naturally, this desire will have to be expressed when we enter into talks about the terms of the agreement. And it is still a long way to that.

[Question] Does not the fact that he is coming here for an additional visit indicate that he already sees signs of a settlement emerging on the horizon? There are gaps, and now they have to be bridged--but is there already some kind of settlement emerging?