The foreign ministers of eight Arab states met today in Cairo to discuss “the Palestine problem” and measures to prevent Israel from developing Jordan River waters for Negev irrigation.
Arab reports said it was possible the meeting would plan organization of a new “Palestinian Army” made up of Arab refugees. The army would fight for the “liberation” of territory now held by Israel.
Tunisia and Iraq, feuding with the United Arab Republic, boycotted today’s meeting. States represented were the UAR, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Morocco.
Simultaneously it was reported here today that King Hussein of Jordan is carrying on his own negotiations with King Saud, of Saudi Arabia, in an effort to get the latter to help him oppose Nasser’s plan for the creation of a “Palestine Army” from among the ranks of the Arab refugees.
According to one report, King Saud is contemplating inviting both Nasser and Hussein to come to his capital of Riyad and attempt to work out a compromise on the “Palestine Army” proposal.
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