Israeli sources predicted today that King Hussein would not win American backing for any peace plan that calls for the return of all or part of East Jerusalem to Jordan. The sources noted that the Jordanian ruler, who goes to Washington next month for a meeting with President Nixon, hinted this week that he would consider a peace settlement if Jordan gains control over the Moslem and Christian holy places in Jerusalem. The sources said such a plan would be rejected by the U.S. which has always been a firm supporter of the concept of a united Jerusalem.
The sources said that the likelihood that Hussein would visit Cairo before going to Washington precluded his discussing the possibilities of a separate peace with Israel with the Americans. The sources said they had no knowledge of reports in the Arab press that the U.S. had asked Hussein to postpone his visit until after Premier Golda Meir meets with Nixon. Mrs. Meir is scheduled to go to Washington March 1.
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