The idea of solution of the Arab refugee problem through Arab-Israel agreement–suggested by a number of delegations at the United Nations General Assembly–was rejected today by Ahmad Shukairy, Saudi Arabian Minister of State for United Nations Affairs. Speaking at the General Assembly’s Political Committee, which is now debating the Arab refugee question, he said that “solution by agreement is a barren slogan.”
“Those who speak of solution of the refugee problem by agreement deny the right of the refugees to repatriation,” he declared. He insisted on the “right” of the Palestine refugees to return en masse to Israel. (See page 2 for Israel’s stand on the Arab refugee problem.)
“It is a problem of religious discrimination,” he shouted. “It is discrimination against Moslems and Christians. My home lies within 300 yards of the armistice line but I cannot go to it because I am a Christian. Being a Jew is the only visa. My home is offered to any Jew in the world. Be he from Tokyo or Warsaw or any western area. It is the question of Jew against Gentile or rather of Zionist against anti-Zionist.”
Preceding Mr. Shukairy, Dr. Izzat Tannous, representative of the so-called Palestine Refugee Committee, also made a plea for “complete repatriation” of all the refugees, voicing his appeal in purely personal terms. In his speech, Dr. Tannous accused Israel of breaking pledges to the United Nations prior to its admission to membership. As soon as he concluded, Mr. Comay took the floor and told the Committee that such allegations were “complete fabrications.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
