Riad Says Big Four Could Play Decisive Role in Efforts for Mideast Settlement

Egyptian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Riad summed up his London visit at a press conference today by saying that he shared completely the view of his British counterpart, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, that the Big Four could play a decisive role in the efforts for a Middle East settlement, Riad described Anglo-Egyptian relations at present as very friendly. He said he reciprocated fully the cordiality towards Egypt expressed by the British Foreign Secretary. (Riad arrived in Paris today for a series of meetings with French leaders. French political sources believe the government, having backed the Arab cause in recent years, feels it is entitled to know more about Egypt’s long-range intentions.) Regarding Israel, Riad said her withdrawal from occupied Arab territory must precede any settlement. He said Egypt would be willing to accept a Four Power guarantee of frontiers resulting from a settlement with Israel. Regarding Egypt’s request for a $38.4 million loan to pay for equipment for the pipeline on the western side of the Suez Canal, a decision is expected by month’s end. There is still no agreement between the Foreign Office, which is in favor of the loan and the Treasury which is opposed to it.