News Brief

BRITAIN WELCOMES U.S. DECISION TO GIVE ARMS TO IRAQ

Foreign Office sources today welcomed the United States decision to supply Iraq with free arms. It was indicated that the United States had kept the British Government fully informed of developments in the situation.

The same sources were unable to confirm a Washington report that most of the arms supplied by the United States would actually be manufactured in Britain and purchased by the U.S. as part of its offshore procurement program. Only a year ago the British Government opposed any American aid to Iraq. The British have been equipping Iraq under a 25-year treaty which expires next year.

The Times of London today carries an interview with Israel Premier Moshe Sharett quoting him as stating that among all the great powers Britain in particular is “seriously involved” in the Israel-Jordan border dispute, because of its treaty commitments to Jordan. Noting that while Britain could not possibly wish to see the border situation degenerate into anarchy, the Israel Premier is reported as stating that this could happen if the Israel-Jordan armistice agreement loses its validity.

Mr. Sharett stressed that he did not believe that Britain has attempted “fervently” to get Jordan to honor the armistice pact. “One would expect the British Government, ” the Times quoted him as saying, “to use all their influence at Amman and in the Security Council to secure compliance with Article XII and other fundamental provisions of the armistice agreement. The fact that to all appearances the Jordan Government believes that in repudiating its express obligations it can rely on Britain’s support is deeply disturbing, ” the Premier added.