Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas-Home had lavish praise tonight for the “sincerity” of Egypt’s offer to make peace with Israel and said it should be matched by an Israeli commitment to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. In remarks prepared for delivery at the Anglo-Arab Association dinner, Sir Alec declared that Egyptian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Riad who visited London recently “left us in no doubt of the sincere desire of his government for an honorable peace in the Middle East.” He continued, “The UAR government has felt able to give clear, unequivocal and specific commitments on the nature of peace which the UAR would undertake to keep. Dr. Jarring now seeks from Israel a matching commitment on withdrawal within the terms of Resolution 242.” The Foreign Minister observed that “Everyone understands the need for physical security for Israel and it is the task of statesmanship to find answers that will give confidence.” He want on to say that “Egypt has risen to the occasion by its public and absolute commitment to live at peace following a negotiated settlement.” Sir Alec said that Britain would do all it can to advance peace, notably through the Four Power discussions on guarantees.
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