Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, today indicated to the U.N. General Assembly that France was open to a compromise on the Jerusalem issue. In a statement of policy in which he devoted a considerable portion to the Palestine case, M. Schuman said that the important thing is to reach an agreement on the protection of the Holy Places, rather than overemphasize legal obstacles. The solution, he said, should be “acceptable to all.”
The Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Dr. D.U. Stikker, took an almost identical stand. Dr. Stikker also said his government was concerned with the safeguarding of Holy Places and that since this cannot be left only to the governments concerned, the Dutch delegation favors a permanent international “supervision.” He added: “If no such agreement would be reached, internationalization of Jerusalem and its surroundings would have to be seriously considered.”
The general reaction to the French and Dutch pronouncements on the Jerusalem issue were that they constitute the first important break in the developments which heretofore were moving into an uncompromising groove and provoking Israel apprehension. The belief now is that France can become the rallying point for the kind of compromise which the Israel Government has repeatedly welcomed.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
