A letter by Begin during the visit of the German Chancellor Adenauer to Israel. Germany had already provided reparations, but even those in favor of reparations had declared that they would never forgive or forget what Germany did to the Jews under Nazi rule. And many Nazis were not only still at large, but in government positions. Begin accuses the government of having Adenauer as a guest, and says that Adenauer is no guest of the Israeli people’s.
During a visit to Britain, Begin responds to an op-ed in “The Times” accusing him and Etzel of being terrorists and of carrying out a massacre at Dir Yassin. Begin is willing to speak about the revolt; however, the British government owes the Jews an explanation for its refusal to allow the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust. Etzel fighters fought valiantly and morally, trying to avoid civilian casualties and giving warnings of their attacks beforehand. After the British were defeated and the Arabs attacked and carried out massacres. Etzel initially resisted counter-attacking, but eventually took the offensive after their pleas for peace went unanswered. To relieve the siege on Jerusalem, Etzel and Lechi conquered Dir Yassin. Etzel gave advance warning for civilians to leave, forfeiting the element of surprise. The battle was intense, resulting in many casualties on both sides. Begin and Etzel regretted all civilian casualties, but maintain that no massacre took place.
A short, handwritten letter thanking friends for being faithful during trying times and providing moral strength to the Etzel. Better times lie ahead.
A press conference held during one of Begin’s visits to meet with President Carter. In it, he discusses the structure of the Geneva Peace Conference and fields questions regarding PLO participation and what to expect before, during and after the conference.
Prime Minister Begin addresses the Israel Bonds gala and discusses the recent success in defeating the PLO in southern Lebanon. He mentions the great lengths Israel went to avoid inflicting civilian casualties on the Lebanese population, as well as the technological superiority of Israel’s air and ground forces over the Syrian opposition.
