HUSSEIN WARNS: Danger Of War “Immense”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 11

HUSSEIN WARNS: Danger Of War “Immense”

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) BEIRUT, January 6. King Hussein of Jordan has issued a warning that the danger of open warfare in the Middle East is “immense,” and has urged the great Powers to take a closer look at the situation in the interests of world peace.

“Israel has shown itself ready to challenge the world’s will,” he said. “If the situation deteriorates further, it will affect the peace of the world, and I hope the great Powers will take a closer look at what is happening here, not only in their own interests but in the interests of world peace.”

“The dangers are immense as to the future,” King Hussein added.

Surrounded by security guards he was speaking at Beirut Airport, the target eight days ago of an Israeli reprisal raid. He had earlier flown in from Amman -at the controls of his own Caravelle to have talks with the Lebanese leader. President Charles Helou, on his way to London for medical treatment. King Hussein said the situation had been discussed in the light of the latest Israeli threats. Israel’s Warning Israel issued another warning yesterday that it would strike back against Lebanon if that country permitted Arab; guerrillas to operate from its territory. From Jerusalem it is reported that Israeli and Lebanese officials have held border meetings to discuss ways of'

moderating the tension in the area, the New York Times News Service reports. Authoritative sources in Jerusalem say that Israel warned the Lebanese during the most recent meeting of the consequences of continued shelling from Lebanese territory by Arab commandos. According to the sources,: the Lebanese did not respond: to the Israeli words of caution. Hopeful Sign However, the border has been quiet for three days after a week of intermittent rocket and artillery exchanges. The border rendezvous meetings were the latest in a series of informal discussions that have taken place between Israeli and Lebanese officials since the six-day Arab-Israeli war of June, 1967. The maintenance of these contacts in recent days—even during the severe deteriora-

tion of Lebanese-Israeli relations after the Israeli raid on Beirut Airport—was regarded as a hopeful sign. The border contacts had been rumoured in recent months, but their existence was confirmed only tonight—and even then, unofficially. ‘ It is understood that these [diplomatic channels were 'used in addition to the direct i contacts made elsewhere along the border, possibly at! Rosh Hanikra.