FBIS Coverage of the Middle East Peace Talks: 1977 December

PPRO D FOR RELEASE HISTORI L COLLECTIONS DIVISION A 0-14 13NOV201
VII. 2 Dec 77 $ U N I T E D K I N G D 0 M Q l
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER ARRIVES 2 DEC, MET BY OWEN
ID021256Y London PRESS ASSOCIATD&N in English 1210 GM2 D 77 ID
[Text ] Israe prime minister Mr Menahem Begin lew into London today amid tight security
for the rst official visit to Bri ain by'anlraeli leader. He was met at Heathrow Air-
port by Foreign Secretary, Dr David Owen.
Mr Begin--the former terrorist leader who fought the British during. the Palestine troubles--
said after arriving: "I bring from Jerusalem a suggestion to renew the covenant signed
between the British and Jewish people 60 years ago on that unforgettable day, November 2,
1917." The Balfour Declaration expressed Britaints support for the setting up of a
Jewish state in Palestine.
Mr Begin also said he hoped to tell Mr Callaghan about the "dramatic events" during
President as-Sadat t s recent visit to Jerusalem. He said he was "gratified" to Mr Callaghan
for his invitation to visit Britain--the first time an Israeli leader has been asked to
visit the country.
Special Branch and Israeli security men mingled with officials and pressmen during Mr
Begin's arrival. The Israeli leader was greeted by 50 flag-waving children from the
Israeli embassy and was presented with a boquet of flowers by two of them--obed Hacohen,
11, and Elait Ezer, 10.
During his six-day visit he is expected to have about 12 hours of talks with Mr Callaghan
and other British ministers. Apart from briefing Mr Callaghan on President as-Sadat's
visit he is also expected to discuss the forthcoming Cairo peace talks, the Palestinian
question and Israelis relations with the EEC.
Dr Owen wished Mr Begin a "happy and enjoyable" stay in Britain. The Israeli leader re-
plied that relations between Britain and Israel "are good."
Mr Begin, accompanied by his wife, flew in on a scheduled El Al Boeing 707 flight which
arrived 20 minutes late. The aircraft taxied to a special VIP area in a corner of the
airport for the official welcome. After a short speech Mr Begin flew from Heathrow in a
helicopter of the queen's flight to Kensington Palace Gardens before moving on to his
first hotel.
It is the first time and Israeli prime minister has been officially invited to Britain. For
security reasons Mr Begin will be staying at a succession of hotels-for religious reasons
each will be 15 minutes walk from a synagogue.
His first official engagement will be tomorrow night after the Jewish sabbath ends--when
he will meet Mr Callaghan at 10 Downing Street for talks and a reception. Mr Begin is
expected back at No 10 on Sunday morning for talks with a number of ministers and for a
working lunch. On Monday, he will meet leaders of the Jewish community and on Tuesday will
see British MPs with special interests in the Middle East. On Wednesday he will hold a
press conference.
Mr Begin was to have come to Britain a few weeks ago but the trip was postponed because of
the dramatic visit to Israel by President as-Sadat.