New York Press Greets Palestine Truce; Hopes It Will Lead to Independence of Israel

All New York newspaper today published editorials greeting the achievement of a truce in Palestine. The New York Times end the Herald Tribune–leading U.S. newspapers–emphasized in their editorials that the truce must lead to a peace based on the continued existence of the state of Israel.

Expressing the hope that a final settlement of the Palestine problem may now be achieved, the Times said:” Whatever settlement may be proposed, there can no longer be any doubt that it must be based on the continued existence of the state of Israel. That state now has behind it not only the sanction of the United Nations, as expressed in the partition resolution, and of the recognition accorded to it by the United States, Russia and other nations; it has likewise stood the test of battle in defense of its sovereignty and independence. The very proclamation of the truce issued by Count Bernadotte takes automatic account of that fact by specially addressing itself to the “Governments” of both the Arab states and of Israel, which are the parties to the truce. Nothing can now undo that historic accomplishment. There remains the danger that both the truce and the following negotiations may be wrecked by extreme elements on both sides, intent on achieving their own specific ends. It will be the responsibility of all Governments to keep these elements in check.”

The New York Herald Tribune in its editorial declared: “It has long seemed probable that there could be no settlement in Palestine until a direct trial of strength had been made. The trial has been joiner; and the willingness on both sides to still the gunfire suggests that both sides have read the answer and will ultimately accept the verdict. At last there exists a real basis for peace–for a peace which must certainly include an independent Israel, but which will equally protect the Aral states against the more extreme trends of Jewish nationalism.”

The New York Sun editorial stated: “A truce is not peace, but it can be the avenue to peace, and the world must retain enough optimism to hope that the ceasefire order which takes effect in Palestine tomorrow will be in force far beyond the limit of four weeks. The unconditional acceptance of the truce by Israel and by seven Arab states is a promising beginning, even though four weeks is a perilously brief period for settling differences which have endured for years and which have led to bloodshed.”

The New York World-Telegram commented: “Agreement on a Palestine truce will be welcomed by men of good will everywhere. It should do more than stop the bloodshed and destruction of holy places. It provides a chance for settlement of the dispute. Even though that chance is meager, the United Nations authorities must do everything meanly possibly to take advantage of the 28 days of lull in the fighting. Without placing our hopes too high, we have a right to be encouraged by the attitude of both Jew and Arabs which permits this truce.”

An editorial in PM said today that “in the stillness of the cease-fire, the United nations need only examine its own conscience and abide by its own unexpunged decision: The right of Israel to its place in the family of nations.”