British Radio in Cyprus Advises Arabs to Start Direct Peace Talks with Israel

For the first time since Palestine hostilities broke out, the British have publicly advised the Arabs to meet with the Jews at a round-table conference to mate peace, suggesting that Count Folke Bernadotte’s plan be used as a basis. The Israeli Government has long sought direct negotiations with the Arabs for peace settlement.

The British advice was broadcast today from the so-called Near East Arabic radio which is operated in Cyprus by representatives of the British Foreign Office, although it purports to be an Arab mouthpiece. The broadcast defended Britain against charges of betraying the Arabs by backing the Bernadotte proposals, asserting that they would give the Arabs “more of Palestine than they will ever get by war” and “would put a stop once and for all to Jewish expansionism.”