Deputy Premier Yigal Allon of Israel said here today that there was the possibility of a separate peace between Israel and Jordan, “at least in theory.” Appearing on the NBC “Today Show,” Allon would not confirm press reports that he had secret contacts last week with emissaries of King Hussein of Jordan in London, reports that were denied by Allon’s office in Jerusalem at the time.
The Israeli leader said today, “In the past we had believed that if Egypt would not make peace with us, no Arab country could. Now we think no country should depend on another country and each country should decide independently if it is ready to negotiate.” In another interview today with CBS correspondent Marvin Kalb, Allon spoke of the possibilities of joint projects between Israel and Jordan in the territories now occupied by Israel. But he urged that “no premature peace initiatives be undertaken” by other powers.
Allon who is visiting the U.S. on behalf of the United Jewish Appeal and the Israel Bond Organization, lunched today with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and met with Defense Secretary-designate Elliot L. Richardson.
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