LONDON: Israel’s reported possession of the technique and equipment to produce atom bombs might bring about a radical transformation in the current strategic and political ideas concerning the Middle East. This view is shared by informed observers here in the Great Britain. In spite of the French protestations, they believe that Israel’s remarkable progress in the nuclear field would not have been possible without shipments from France to the Jewish state of pitchblende from which uranium can be derived, and invaluable technical information for the manufacture of “cheap” atomic bombs, which French nuclear scientists developed following the Sahara tests.

Certain senior diplomats here are also of the view that the possession by small states, like Israel, of atomic weapons might well complicate an international agreement on disarmament. Moreover, this development could enable the prospective nuclear powers, like Israel and the communist China, to exercise some measure of “political blackmail” in their dealings with their neighbours and the rest of the world.

It is noteworthy that Israel secured from France, in addition to the technical assistance for manufacturing atomic weapons, modern jet aircraft that can deliver nuclear bombs. The Mirage jet aircraft, which is a high-speed fighter as well as a light bomber, has been sold by France to Israel in substantial numbers.

India has also been trying to secure the Mirage jet aircraft from France, but so far it has not succeeded. The reason is supposed to be mainly financial.

Berubari belongs to Pakistan: Nehru NEW DELHI: Moving for consideration of the Lok Sabha two bills seeking to amend the Indian Constitution for implementation of the Indo-Pakistan border agreement, Prime Minister Nehru said it had been a “frustrating experience” for him. Mr Nehru spoke for over 90 minutes to convince parliament that the agreement was not only to the advantage of the country as a whole but also to the advantage of the people of West Bengal, who have been worked up by “the opposition to oppose the agreement”.