Bunche Announces “very Good Progress” Made at Israeli-transjordan Armistice Parley

“Very good progress” was made at the Israeli-Transjordan armistice negotiations which were resumed here today, following a five-day lull since the last meeting between the two delegations. This estimate of the results of the session was made by acting U.N. mediator Ralph J. Bunche in a communique issued after the meeting.

The comnmnique revealed that the meeting had lasted two hours and had been devoted chiefly to a discussion of the remaining points at issue concerning the armistice lines, such as those in the Latrun and Hebron areas and the sectors south of the Dead Sea. Dr. Bunche also disclosed that the joint military sub-committee will meet tomorrow to clear up “outstanding points in the reduction of forces.”

Both delegations were reported as conciliatory at today’s session, and succeeded in clearing up a number of minor points. The question of the presence of British troops at Aqaba was apparently not raised. The military sub-committee at its next meeting is expected to deal with the implementation of agreements for the reduction of the respective forces and with the withdrawal of their equipment to a point well behind their lines.

Spokesmen for both delegations today declared that the “gap between the two approaches have been narrowed.” They added that many of the divergencies which existed before the lull in negotiations have now been eliminated. However, both of them refused to disclose whether the Latrun problem had been settled and what issues still remain to be cleared up.

The Israeli spokesman also stated that the lull was very good and useful Since the Trans Jordanians brought back clearer instructions and we know where we stand.” He refused to mate any statement when asked whether it was expected Armistice treaty would be signed next week.