United States official sources said today they considered it “highly unlikely” that President Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Macmillan discussed such questions as the migration of Eastern European Jews to Israel or new Egyptian restrictions on transit of Israel cargo through the Suez Canal. These or similar issues of immediate concern to Israel were not included in the Eisenhower-Macmillan review of Middle East problems, officials indicated.
Neither the White House nor the State Department would formally divulge details of the Middle East agenda of the meetings which terminated here today after a final White House call by Macmillan. But both U.S. and British official sources provided a picture showing the Iraqi situation in the forefront and Israel far in the background. (Reports from Washington in today’s press in London said the Israel-Arab relations were discussed by Eisenhower and Macmillan.)
The main emphasis of the talks on the Middle East pertained to a formula to stem Communist influence in Iraq, it was learned. Both the United States and the United Kingdom are seriously concerned over Communist penetration in Iraq. In this context, the question of a new western relationship with President Nasser of the United Arab Republic was discussed.
In view of the arrival here today of Jordanian King Hussein, sources said it was probable that the Jordan question was also reviewed by Eisenhower and Macmillan. King Hussein may receive a U. S. commitment for an increased flow of American military equipment for his forces as a result of his current discussions here.
Vice President Nixon today welcomed the king at an airport ceremony accompanied by full military honors. The king arrived aboard a U. S. military airplane from San Francisco. He and Jordanian Prime Minister Samir Rifai will meet with President Eisenhower and authorities of the Departments of State and Defense.
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