1973-11-19-SR.pdf

The CIA Middle East Task Force is disbanding, and future coverage of current events in the Middle East will be provided through the Intelligence Bulletin. Arab public opinion likely supports a renewal of hostilities, particularly if political and territorial objectives seem unlikely to be achieved through negotiation. Israel's semi-official newspaper Davar has outlined issues to be settled before a Middle East peace conference, including termination of the Arab oil embargo, a US-USSR agreement limiting arms deliveries, security guarantees, and navigation rights. The military situation remains quiet, with minor incidents on the Egyptian and Syrian fronts. Saudi Arabia has warned Japan of further oil cutbacks unless it breaks diplomatic relations with Israel. There are reports of secret discussions to establish diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union, and a Palestinian delegation has left for Moscow to discuss a common position on fedayeen participation in a peace conference and acceptance of a small Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.