Anglo Israeli link to stay

The Conservative Government will not recognise the PLO's claim to be sole representative of the Palestinians, assures Prime Minister Mrs Margaret Thatcher.

She said that there would be no question of “condoning the continuing links of elements of the PLO with terrorism.”

The Prime Minister was replying to a telegram from Councillor Frank Gibson and Mrs Queenie Weber, of the Anglo-Israel Friendship League of Finchley.

Mrs Thatcher, who is president of the league, said: “I hope this will help to reassure you and your members of our continuing adherence to a balanced policy in the Middle East, aimed at a just and lasting settlement providing genuine peace for all the peoples of the area.”

The letter said: “There is, of course, no question of abandoning our total commitment to Israel's future and the maintenance of our traditional friendship.”