British Leader Flies to Egypt, Jordan, Israel to Seek Conciliation

Richard Crossman, a leading Laborite member of the British Parliament, left today by plane for Egypt, Jordan and Israel with a view to discussing possibilities of reducing Arab-Israel tension. Mr. Crossman has an appointment with Egyptian Premier Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser, whom he will see prior to his visit to the other Middle-East countries.

The news that Egypt. Syria and Saudi Arabia yesterday formally agreed to put their armed forces under one commander has provoked great interest in London. This move is considered in British circles not only an act against the Baghdad Pact in which Britain is a partner, but also as an indication of the intentions of the Arab countries against Israel. Egyptian War Minister Maj. Gen. Abdel Hakim Amer was named commander of the joint Egyptian-Syrian-Saudi Arabian armies.

British authorities are especially watching efforts now being made by Egypt and Syria to line Jordan up with them, by offering financial aid to the Jordan Government to replace the funds which she receives from the British Government. So far Jordan has rejected these efforts. However, the Syrian radio announced last night that the King of Jordan had agreed to a meeting with the heads of the other Arab states for the purpose of discussing methods of “extricating Jordan from the clutches of foreign imperialism.”