Transjordan has drafted a seven-point program for negotiation with Israel, it was reported here today in informed circles. The program, which is said to be opposed in part by Britain, provides:
1. A permanent peace settlement for Jerusalem directly between Transjordan and Israel; 2. Settlement of the Latrun pocket held by Transjordan on the Tel Aviv### Jerusalem road; 3. Settlement of the status of the Ruthenberg electric power stations on Transjordan territory; 4. Freedom of movement on the Jerusalem-Jaffa road, with free port facilities for Transjordan in Jaffa. This point also presupposes the return of Lydda and Ramleh to the Arabs; 5. Freedom of access to the Holy Places in the Old City of Jerusalem; 6. Return of Arab refugees to Jerusalem and Israel; and 7. Compensation for refugees not returning to their homes in Israel.
The main difference between Britain and Transjordan concerns the future of the refugees and Jerusalem. The Transjordanians desire to press only for a token return of refugees to Israel, preferring to settle the refugees within Abdullah’s kingdom, which would swell the country’s population and give it some claim on Israel for Arab reparations and compensation.
The British fear that a separate agreement would isolate Transjordan from the other Arabs and destroy the last important point which the Arab states have in common. Over Jerusalem, the divergence Is the same. The British fear Transjordan’s isolation, while the Transjordanians prefer to take the Old City, rather than gamble on getting more by holding out.
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