Paul A. Porter, American member of the U.N. Conciliation Commission for Palestine, reported today to President Truman on the efforts to reach an Arab-Israeli peace which the Commission is now making in Lausanne.
Secretary of State Dean Acheson indicated at his press conference this morning that Mr. Porter may terminate his services with the Commission next month. Asked for details, Mr. Porter, emerging from the Waite House, said he did not want to talk about his personal plans until he finished his assignment. Asked if he would consider his assignment ended in September, Mr. Porter replied that this would depend on developments at Lausanne.
Mr. Porter expressed the hope that the talks at Lausanne would develop favorably. He insisted that his report to President Truman was “routine” and said he was obliged “to make some kind of report.” Well-informed comment here has been that Mr. Porter is discouraged and returned to Washington either to quit or attempt to work out an emergency solution as a last resort.
Secretary Acheson conferred with Mr. Porter later in the afternoon at which time they reviewed the entire situation. It is believed here that the scene of the Arab-Israel peace talks may shift next month to Lake Success. Mr. Porter indicated today that the U.N. General Assembly could continue the functions of the Commission after September.
Mark Ethridge, former U.S. representative on the Conciliation Commission, is now in Washington conferring with high officials on the Lausanne situation, it was learned today. Mr. Ethridge is Mr. Porter’s predecessor.
Late in the afternoon it was officially stated that the State Department’s view is that Secretary Acheson’s inference at his press conference today should not be interpreted as meaning that Mr. Porter is to quit as United Nations Palestine Commission conciliator. Well-informed sources close to the Department said that the Department does not see any dissolution of the Conciliation Commission.
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