Kissinger backed by Saudis

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33665, 15 October 1974, Page 19

Kissinger backed by Saudis

(N Z.P A.-Reuter—Copyright) CAIRO, October 14. The United States Secretary of State (Dr Henry Kissinger) buoyed by unexpected support from Saudi Arabia, reported to Egyptian leaders today on the likely next course for Middle East peace negotiations. Dr Kissinger, who arrived from Riyadh late last night, planned to wrap up the loose ends of his six-day jet plane diplomacy with talks in Syria and Algeria later today. The Secretary of State reported agreement with Israel yesterday on the principles and procedures that might be followed in the next stage of Middle East peace talks—but both United States and Israeli officials said afterwards most key issues had yet to be decided in detail.

Dr Kissinger received a pleasant surprise in Riyadh when King Feisal supported his “tremendous efforts” for peace in the Middle East and his attempt to cut world oil prices by co-operative action. “Saudia Arabia is following a policy on oil which bespeaks a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of the world community,” the Saudi Foreign Minister (Mr Omar Sakkar) told reporters as Dr Kissinger was about to leave Riyadh. “As part of the world, we want to build the world and not destroy it.” “We sincerely hope and it is our prayer that all of the oil-producing countries will

come round to following the policy cf Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Arabia has previously tried and failed to persuade its fellow members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to lower prices. American officials are convinced that the Saudis, the world’s largest

exporters of oil, will not cut prices unilaterally. But in winning such outspoken support for his policies from Mr Sakkar — who speaks for King Feisal — Dr Kissinger may have achieved the most important goal of his trip. Almost all the young Israelis who tried again to illegally settle the occupied west bank of Jordan were removed by police and soldiers. After last week’s unsuccessful attempts, about 100 members of the National Religious Party (N.R.P.) set out early this morning to establish a new Jewish settlement north-east of Jericho despite a Government ban. The would-be settlers, who believe that all of Biblical Palestine belongs to the Jewish people, apparently intended their latest effort to coincide with the visit in Israel of Dr Kissinger. They fear that the occupied areas, captured bv Israeli forces in 1967. will be returned to Jordan as part of a settlement Dr Kissinger is trying to promote between Israel and Jordan. Soon after the young people reached their destination. Israeli troops started to round them up and send them back to Jerusalem in buses especially brought in for the occasion. Thev were all taken to the city’s main police station where their names were noted.