The conference of British diplomatic representatives assigned to twelve Middle East countries opened here today at the Foreign Office. Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin officially welcomed the ministers and ambassadors and then turned over the chairmanship of the parley to Foreign Undersecretary Hector McNeil.
No fixed agenda has been laid down, it was learned today, and the parley will have an informal character–the diplomats will exchange views rather than attempt to reach clear-cut decisions. A Foreign Office spokesman today said that no official announcement would be forthcoming during the parley as to what was happening. He also expressed doubt that any official statement would be forthcoming at the conclusion of the discussions. Other authoritative sources refused today to give any additional information about the talks.
It was also confirmed that King Abdullah of Transjordan will visit London next month. He is scheduled to leave his capital August 18 and arrive here after Mr. Bevin returns from the holiday which he will start tomorrow.
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