Dulles Reports to U.N. Assembly on U.S. Proposals to Israel, Arabs

Secretary of State John Foster Dulles informed the United Nations General Assembly today of the American policy statement on the Arab-Israel issue enunciated by him last month. He emphasized that the statement contained definite proposals which, he said, have been supported by the British Government and by government of other countries, and concluded by pointing out that some of these proposals would eventually come up before the United Nations, if there was a favorable response to them from Israel and the Arab countries.

The Secretary of State made this declaration in the course of a speech at the UN General Assembly which marked the opening of the Assembly’s general debate. He said:

“In the Near East the situation remains troubled. It has been difficult to assure the sanctity of the armistice lines established in 1948 under the auspices of the United Nations to end the fighting between Israelis and Arabs. The United States desires to pay high tribute to those who, during these troubled days, have been serving the United Nations, and particularly to General Burns of Canada and his associates.

“On August 26 of this year I addressed myself to certain fundamental aspects of this situation. I said that if the parties desired a stable settlement, they could, I thought, be helped from without. I had in mind financial assistance in relation to the problem of Arab refugees, and of irrigation projects which would enable the people throughout the area to enjoy a better life. I also spoke of the importance of bringing greater security to the area.

“I said that if nations from without the area made clear their readiness to contribute to these three essential aspects of a settlement, it might then be more possible to bring order, tranquility, and well-being to the area itself.

“President Eisenhower authorized me to say that he would recommend participation by the United States in these monetary and security commitments, if this were desired by the governments directly concerned and on the assumption that action wherever feasible should be on an international basis, preferably under the auspices of the United Nations.

“The United Kingdom immediately associated itself with these United States suggestions. A number of other countries have also indicated their support. If there is a favorable response from the Near Eastern countries, many aspects of this problem would eventually come to the United Nations for its action at some future session.”

Commenting on Secretary Dulles’ address, Israel sources here said that on the whole the speech was a constructive and balanced statement on the Middle East. These sources were happy to hear that the United States was ready to enter into monetary and security arrangements.