Mr. Arens met in Washington in mid March with President Bush and Secretary of State Baker. From the American leaders he heard that they expected Prime Minister Shamir to come to Washington in April with specific and definite proposals on how to reduce tension in the territories administered by Israel and how to start talks on a final settlement which will focus on Palestinian self-determination and Israel's security needs. Mr. Arens replied that Israel was prepared to identify Palestinian negotiators from the territories and talk also with King Hussein. It would under no circumstances talk to the PLO. In the following interview he felt that there was no crisis in Israel-American relations. Text:
Mr. Arens: "There is no crisis, not even a hint of one. I also don't believe that there are any understandings. My talks with the secretary of state and the president were good, friendly talks, with a great deal of agreement. I think that they constitute a good preparation for the prime minister's visit next month."
Q: Nevertheless, it seems that the U.S. believes that there is no choice but to talk with the Palestinians, and perhaps even with the PLO.
A: First of all, as to talks with Palestinians, there is no disagreement; this is our position as well. I presented it before I heard anything from the secretary of state about the U.S. maintaining contacts with the PLO; we have known this for some time. I must confess that I did not expect that during the meeting I would succeed in changing this stand. These are simply matters we knew about even before I arrived in Washington.
Q: Both you and the prime minister have expressed support for talks with Palestinian representatives from Judea, Samaria and Gaza. Do you believe that such people will talk with you without receiving PLO permission?
A: I think that we must still discuss the manner in which it will be possible to identify representatives of residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza with whom it will be possible to speak. I assume that discussions will be held in Israel on this issue, and I will also be able to respond to your question only after such discussions.
Q: But do you believe that such representatives can be found?
A: I am almost certain that they can be found. I know that there is a problem with the PLO and its attempt to threaten residents and use terrorism against them, or against anyone who is not prepared to express the PLO's stands. I think, however, that it is important to overcome this threat; I assume that we will succeed in overcoming it.
Q: According to reports from Washington, you received warnings or friendly advice from pro-Israel senators and congressmen to the effect that Israel is liable to lose out if it does not go in the direction the U.S. wishes.
A: Here, too, I would say that the picture is not one-dimensional. I felt unqualified support from many with whom I met, especially in the Senate. Of course, we received advice everywhere. Here and there, in the Congress, I sensed that some of them had an unpleasant feeling, that they considered it important to create an image of an Israel with somewhat more flexible positions, that we are under attack, and that it is important that we take initiatives in order to withstand these attacks. Some of this is good advice, and we should certainly pay attention to it.
Q: What will you recommend that Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir bring with him to Washington when he meets with President Bush in April?
A: I think that I ought to tell the prime minister before I tell Israel Radio.