Direct peace talks between Israel and Jordan were resumed today, it was reported in well-informed circles here this afternoon. Jordan, it was learned, is requesting Haifa as an outlet to the Mediterranean, with a “corridor” to the port in which Arab refugees from Palestine should be settled.
The Israel Government, it was understood, has rejected this demand, but is offering Jordan a passage through Israel territory to the port of Gaza, which is in Egyptian hands. For the time being, this counterproposal has been rejected by Jordan. The final decision, it is believed here, will depend on the outcome of the present talks between England and Egypt and whether the British Government succeeds in persuading Egypt to hand over the city of Gaza to King Abdullah of Jordan.
The British-controlled Near East radio said in a broadcast today that Jordan is now more than ever anxious for peace with Israel. The main aims of Jordan, the broadcast said, are: to establish commercial links with Israel, to get a free passage through Israel territory to the Mediterranean and to reach a compromise with Israel on the status of Jerusalem.
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