Also met long-standing UK conditions for high-level contact with
hence Waldegrave/Arafat meeting 13 January
PLO:
No objection in principle to Howe/Arafat meeting: can take place when both sides judge it useful. Focus meanwhile on practical measures to prepare for international conference.
Important that PLO leaders support Arafat's line:
dissenting
statements, eg on armed struggle, only fuel Israel doubts,
བ བ ད ད ད ས ས ས ས ས ས པ 1:|
suspicions. Other Arab states should reinforce message of readiness for peace with Israel.
Ball now in Israeli court. Positive response needed. Understand Israeli reservations about PLO and security concerns. But PLO's professed interest in peaceful solution seems sincere; can be tested
only through face-to-face negotiations.
Opportunity for Israel not a trap.
Should not denounce PLO out
of hand. Nothing to lose by negotiations.
British role
No plans for UK or EC initiative. US best placed to help bring parties together. No intention of preempting US role.
But instability in ME of great concern to Europeans.
historic
UK's
responsibility for Palestine close links with
Israel and many Arab states.
Therefore maintain close contacts with parties and others concerned; aim to urge peace process forward; encourage
participation in international conference.
..
Ready to play our full part in consultations at UN and/or among the Five if others agree. But must persuade US (not bounce them)
that this a practical way forward.
Contact Point (NENAD)
Hugh Salveson 270 2456
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