There are some positive signs that the PLO is in fact being more forthcoming. In a littlepublicized speech before the UN Security Council last month. the PLO came amazingly close to recognizing Resolution 242. which is the basis for the Mideast negotiations. It said it wanted to build a nation and " establish normal relations with everyone in the world" (our emphasis) and the "conditions" for achieving this were total Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people. and a "Just solution of the Palestinian refugee problem." These elements are close to the phrases of 242. "When these conditions are met. peace can be established very soon thereafter." the PLO statement concluded. Peace. in other words. with Israel. This strikes us as encouraging.