JEDDA: King Faisal of Saudi Arabia plainly but emphatically told President Nixon last night [June 14] and today that neither peace in the Middle East nor cooperation between their two countries could be assured unless Israel vacated all Arab lands, including Jerusalem, and restored the rights of Palestinians. Although President Nixon played cool to the Saudi assertions, yet he promised that his country would continue to “strive” for the Middle East “solution”. …

King Faisal left President Nixon in no doubt about his country’s resolve in a forthright speech at a State banquet last night, shortly after the American leader flew in from Egypt. The King also made clear it was the United States responsibility — “As the most powerful nation in the world” — to persuade Israel to quit all Arab lands in the interest of a just and lasting peace. King Faisal [told] the President, the injustice and aggression which were wrought upon the Arabs of Palestine are unprecedented in history, for not even in the darkest ages had the population of a country been driven out of their homes to be replaced by aliens. “We believe there will never be a real ... peace … unless Jerusalem is freed. …” — News agencies

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2024