Middle East Defence Plan Maintained

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26560, 24 October 1951, Page 7

Middle East Defence Plan Maintained

(Ji.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 820 p.m.) LONDON, October 23. In spite of Egypt’s refusal to become a member, Britain, France, the United States and Turkey intend to push on speedily with the creation of a Middle East Command headquarters. With the intention of strengthening their forces these Powers have approached the Arab League countries seeking their support. The League members concerned are Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the Lebanon, Jordan and Yemen. It is reported that the question of whether Israel should be approached is still being considered.

xv uv ©v, iv is saiu, wuuiy yiuuauij antagonise the Arab states, but to refrain might be regarded as a slight to the most friendly state in the area. Most diplomatic correspondents, however, do not hold out much hope of immediate support from the league. They recall that the Arab countries all supported Egypt’s action in abrogating her treaty, and they say that Egypt is much the richest and most powerful member of the league. It is understood also that the question of a base for Middle East headquarters remains undecided. With such an ideal site as Egypt at present out of the question, speculation centres on Cyprus. Here again is a difficulty because of local clamour for a different political status for the island. Talks on the structure of the new command will probably take place in Washington shortly when the North Atlantic Treaty Standing Group sessions will be resumed with Turkish and Greek officers attending for the first time. . The recommendations from these meetings come before the N.A.T.O. Council which will meet in December. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph" says: “Success for any Four-Power approach to the League will depend largely on whether their conviction that there is no need for them to be associated with the Middle East defence organisation will be overcome by the realisation of thi increased prestige gained from membership, to say nothing of military and other help that would be available to them as to other members of the command. “Even if they were persuaded, however, there would still- remain the difficulty of Israel.” The correspondent adds that the Arab League is likely to launch a strong diplomatic offensive against the West whep the United Nations General Assembly meets in Paris in November. This w'll be chiefly directed “to liberate the Arabs inNorth Africa.” The correspondent says: “It is expected that Britain will be challenged about her ’occupation* of the Canal Zone, Sudan, Libya, and Tripoli; and France on her ‘domination’ of Fezzan Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. “The League will also attack the Unitea States for supporting Israel, which the Arabs consider a threat to their countries.”