King Hussein of Jordan, who is now on a state visit here, said at a dinner here last night, tendered to him by the Foreign Press Association, that the “Palestine problem” must be resolved. “I really don’t know the solution,” he declared,” but possibly once a balance of strength is attained and existing fears are no more, this may be one way.”
The Arab monarch generally referred to Israel in guarded tones, but he warmed up when asked about Israel’s recent air attack against Syria. Asserting that such attacks should not take place, he said such actions by Israel “could bring about an explosion so serious as to make me hesitate to forecast its consequences. They could cause an explosion that would not benefit anyone in the area. We would have to take action if another Arab country were attacked.”
The king emphasized the fate of the Arab refugees on Israel’s borders, referring to their existence as “a tragedy.” “I don’t know the solution to the problem,” he reiterated, “but I hope for a just and honorable solution.”
King Hussein told the gathering that Jordan is doing its ‘utmost’ to prevent the crossing of infiltrators into Israel territory. He said the Palestine issue is being used to further outside interests, but it must be remembered that instability in the region could have serious consequences. This remark was taken to be directed against Egyptian President Nasser.
Asked whether he agrees with Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba’s views on the possibility of an Arab-Israel peace, King Hussein replied: “The Palestine problem is one in which Arabs must stand together until a just and honorable solution is found. If Bourguiba means to separate us, I am against him.” He added that the Arab League “is still a viable political body; we shall do our utmost to make it live despite difficulties.”
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.
