Debate on Arab Refugees Enters Fourth Week Today at U. N. Assembly

The debate on the Arab refugee problem in the General Assembly’s Special Political Committee enters its fourth week here tomorrow. Indications today pointed to the possibility that at least another week will pass before any action is taken by the committee for extension of the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The mandate expires next June 30.

Israel’s position regarding the Arab refugees, which thus far has not been announced during this year’s debate, is expected to be heard at tomorrow’s session, when Israel’s representative to the committee, ‘Michael S. Comay, will make a formal address. At least two more Arab spokesmen are expected to precede Mr. Comay tomorrow. They are Ahmad S. Shukairy, of Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Izzat Tannous, secretary of the so-called Palestine Refugees Committee.

After tomorrow’s meeting of the committee, the group is expected to suspend the debate on the refugee problem, going on to other items on the agenda until the end of this week or early next week. Meanwhile, efforts will be continued behind the scenes to work out a resolution on UNRWA that will be acceptable to the United States delegation. The U.S.A., which pays 70 percent of the UNRWA funds, wants continuance of UNRWA but insists also on concrete steps looking toward a possible solution of the overall refugee problem.

During the week-end, the Soviet Union’s delegation chairman, Arkady A. Sobolev, spoke in the refugees debate, backing the Arab position fully on complete “repatriation” of the refugees into Israel. Mr. Sobolev also called for extending UNRWA’s mandate for five years, as demanded by the Arab spokesmen. It was noted, however, that Mr. Sobolev did not offer any USSR contribution to UNRWA. His Government has never contributed toward UNRWA expenses.