Egyptians, Indians Confer on Pressing Tito ‘solution’ at United Nations

Dr. Mahmoud Fawzi, one of Egypt’s top diplomats, concluded a series of strategy talks here today with members of the Indian Government on how to advance the Tito plan for settlement of the Arab-Israel dispute in the United Nations General Assembly.

Proposals advanced in President Tito’s name by the Yugoslav diplomats were accepted by Egypt as a basis for a solution but were rejected by Israel which had not been consulted in their formulation. Under the Tito plan, Israel would withdraw to its pre-June 5 borders; the Arab states would make a general declaration of adherence to United Nations charter provisions on the sovereignty of member states without, however, mentioning Israel by name; Israel would be given transit rights through the Strait of Tiran and ships flying the flags of other nations — but not that of Israel — carrying cargo for Israel, would be permitted through the Suez Canal.

Meetings of the Egyptian, Yugoslav and Indian foreign ministers will be held at the United Nations. it was decided, to work out plans to advance these proposals.

The Indian Government has been under strong pressure with regard to its Middle East policy. The continued closure of the Suez Canal is complicating the supply of food to meet grave shortages in the country and the parliamentary opposition has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of the government’s pro-Arab stand.

Dr. Fawzi was reported by Indian journalists to have expressed displeasure over the attitude of the opposition parties in Parliament which have attacked the government for a one-sided approach to the Middle East situation and have been extremely critical of the barrage of threats from the Arab leadership to bring about the destruction of Israel. The Egyptian envoy was reportedly told in reply that such talk served no purpose and that some basis of accommodation had to be found to resolve the situation.