Catholic Church circles are preparing a “minimum plan” for a solution of the Jerusalem problem which would be acceptable to the Vatican, it was learned here today. Although details of the plan are not available, the following broad outlines are laid down in the proposal:
1. A permanent United Nations committee should be appointed to deal with the Holy Places. Both Israel and Transjordan would be subject to direct orders from the committee on all matters concerning the Holy Places.
2. Both governments would sign concordats with the Vatican and other denominations to protect the religious groups’ extraterritorial rights in Jerusalem.
3. The Holy Places will not be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of either government.
4. An inter-consular committee would be appointed to supervise the Holy Places. The Catholics would have a majority on such a body.
5. Two Christian representatives would be appointed to both the Jewish and Arab municipalities established in Jerusalem, regardless of the number of Christians living in the area of the respective municipalities.
6. Free access to the Holy Places would be guaranteed.
It is not yet known whether this plan will be submitted to the U.N., but what is evident is the line of reasoning which seeks to establish a system of extraterritoriality in effect in this city under Turkish administration until 1911.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the Russians have shown increased interest in Jerusalem affairs. It is recalled here that a number of the Holy Places belong to the Russian Orthodox Church.
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