The Arab delegations at the United Nations Conference suffered their first defeat yesterday when they made an effort to secure a decision under which former mandates of the League of Nations, including that for Palestine, would automatically come under the trusteeship system, whether or not the modatory powers agree.
An amendment to this effect introduced in the trusteeship committee by the Egyptian delegation, which is the spokesman for all the Arab countries, was voted down overwhelmingly. New Zealand and Australia sided with Egypt, but the United States and Eritain opposed the amendment, pointing out that it would alter the whole concept of leaving trusteeships on a voluntary basis.
On the other hand, the Arab delegations gained considerable attention here today is a result of the French-Syrian conflict. This crisis is adding importance to the league of Arab States and to the demand of the Arab delegations that the league be recognized as a regional group by the UNCIO with nominal jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Middle East. The delegations of Syria and Lebanon issued a statement here declaring that their countries will not bow to French pressure and will insist is the removal of French troops. The statement emphasized that Syria and Lebanon place their reliance on the League of Arab States. (A strike of Arabs in Palestine in sympathy with Syria took place yesterday without any incidents.)
The delegation of the New Zionist Organization made public the text of a declaration signed by twelve members of the U. S. Senate urging that Palestine be proclaimed (##) Jewish state and that Jewish representatives be invited to join the San Francisco Conference.
The declaration was signed by Senators Owen Brewster, Republican, of Maine, Ityles Bridges, Republican, of New Hampshire; Harlan J. Bushfield, Republican, of South Dakota; Homer Fergason, Republican of Michigan; Joseph F. Guffey, Democrat, of Pennsylnia; Edwin C. Johnson, Democrat, of Colorado; William Langer, Republican, of North Dakota; Wayne Morse, Republican, of Oregon. James E. Murray, Democrat, of Montana; (##) H. Taylor, Democrat, of Idaho, Charles W. Tobey, Republican, of New Hampshire; and David I. Walsh, Democrat, of Massachusetts.
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