Bevin Hopes Conditional Acceptances of U.N. Cease-fire Will Not Stymie Peace Talks

Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin, commenting in the House of Commons today on the acceptance by both the Israelis and Arabs of the U.N. cease-fire, said he hoped there were no detailed conditions which would present the cease-fire from operating.

“I am glad the reports indicate that both parties have accepted the four weeks cease-fire and have agreed that discussions should proceed with the mediator,” he declared. “There are indications that there are qualifications in the acceptance, but I am not yet in possession of the full qualifications of both sides. In any case I am sure I voice the feelings of the House when I say we hope there are no detailed conditions which will prevent the cease-fire operating and discussions proceeding.”

Britain, he stated, will give the utmost assistance to the U.N. mediator in his arduous and difficult role. “I am convinced,” he added, “that a large majority of Arabs and Jews would welcome the prospect of a just and lasting peace. If the two peoples can live together, this will play a great part in the sorely-needed economic development and progress of the Middle East.”

Bevin asserted that Britain’s subsidy to Transjordan will be continued. He explained that Transjordan had not invaded any territory allotted to the Jewish state and said Tranajordan was invited by “fellow Arabs” in the non-Jewish area of Palestine to enter the territory set aside by the U.N. for an Arab state.

Furthermore, Gen. John Glubb Pasha, Arab Legion commander, severed his connection with the British Colonial Service on May 15 and remained in the employ of the Transjordan Government, Bevin declared. His position is different from that of the other Britons who fought with the Legion until last week and were “seconded” to return to Transjordan where they are now serving as instructors, he stated.