Reports were received here today that Saudi Arabia has decided to establish coastal artillery installations on the islands of Tiran and Sinafir controlling the strategic Strait of Tiran and access to the Gulf of Akaba.
The islands, owned by Saudi Arabia were fortified by Egypt under agreement until Israel lifted the blockade last autumn. The reports said that King Saud recently reached a new agreement with the Egyptian War Minister, Maj. Gen. Abdul Hakim Amer, to refortify the islands. A question exists here to what attitude the United States will take in view of the American desire to retain friendly relations with King Saud.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.