HUSSEIN HITS AT EGYPT

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 13

HUSSEIN HITS AT EGYPT

“Rulers Tools Of Communism”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) AMMAN, November 13. King Hussein of Jordan said at Amman today that the present rulers of Egypt and Syria were the “tools of international communism” who, through a campaign of propaganda and subversion, were trying to spread communism in Jordan too.

King Hussein, at a press conference, added that this propaganda campaign was having exactly the opposite effect to what was intended on Jordans large refugee population. The Jordan Army and people, he said, were united as a solid group behind the Government. The independent newspaper. “Al Difaa,” today condemned Syria and Egypt for conducting a “propaganda campaign of lies” which it claimed was aimed at subverting Arb interests. The newspaper alleged in a front page leading article that the campaigns were meant to distract the attention of the people from the internal affairs of the two States. Another independent daily, “Falastin,” said that everybody was aware of the Egyptian radio's lies. No "bloody demonstrations” had taken place in Jordan —“as reported by liars.” Demonstrations had taken place against misleading campaigns and in support of King Hussein's policy, “Falastin” said.

King Hussein, who called the conference on the eve of his twenty-second birthday celebrations tomorrow, said that his enemies, since their unsuccessful attempt to overthrow him last April, had been trying to do the same again.

They had tried all methods, including lies and rumours, and had sent people into Jordan to shake the people's loyalty. They had also provided money to foment disturbances and terrorism, he said.

It was quite clear that Egypt and .Syria did not intend to pay their promised subsidies for Jordan’s economy as arranged by the Arab “solidarity agreement” signed in February, after Jordan's termination of her treaty with Britain.

“The agreement is not worth the paper it is . written on,” he said.

He said Jordan wanted to follow a policy of positive neutrality, which meant not participating in any form of military agreements or pacts. Jordan was happy to accept any aid which was provided without strings. The present American aid was without strings, he added.