King Hussein of Jordan said today in a tribute to both President Ford and the United States in its bicentennial year that Middle East peace mainly depends upon them and American principles of justice. Neither leader gave any inkling of practical steps they might discuss during their exchange of greetings in the formal welcoming ceremonies for the Monarch and Queen Alia at the White House that began their three-day state visit to Washington.
Ford, warmly welcoming the King as “a sincere and loyal friend” of America and hailing “the special relationship” that has existed between the two countries during five presidencies, told the throng gathered for the ceremony that their discussions will be about bilateral and regional concerns “and how to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.”
Without mentioning the Middle East itself or referring in any way to the area, Hussein said, on concluding his remarks: “Once again we are at the crossroads between war and peace. If we are to achieve peace it will depend in a large measure on your enlightened leadership. Mr. President, in upholding the principles of justice which have prevailed during your two hundred years of statehood.”
After the ceremony, the King and. President held their first meeting and later Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger hosted a lunch for the royal visitors at the State Department. They will be guests at a state dinner tonight at the White House.
King Hussein and Queen Alia arrived in Washington yesterday aboard the Jordanian royal aircraft. The King’s schedule includes meetings with the Senate Foreign Relations and House International Relations Committees at a luncheon at the Capitol tomorrow and a meeting with the ambassadors of all the Arab countries represented in Washington Thursday morning at Blair House where the guests are staying. He will then proceed to Chicago to begin a private visit that will take him to various cities.
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