United Nations Secretary-General Trygve Lie’s appeal for troops to fight in Korea has not yet been considered by the Israel Cabinet but will probably figure at the coming week’s regular session, Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett today told a specially convened press conference for the foreign correspondents stationed in this country.
Mr. Sharett declared that he anticipates that “the most relevant consideration which will guide the Cabinet’s decision is the fact that the Arab countries obstinately and persistently refuse to conclude peace, while the troops of two of our neighbors are still located outside their borders.” He reiterated that Israel’s stand on Korea is based on its adherence to the United Nations.
(At Lake Success this week-end, an Israel spokesman said that it is not likely that his government could send troops to Korea. Every man capable of bearing arms is needed in Israel, he added.)
Commenting on the tri-partite policy on arms to the Near East, the Foreign Minister pointed out that the threat of a second round of warfars is implicit in the prevailing situation with the Arabs refusing to conclude peace. He added that the Jewish state is engaged in exploring the possibilities of acquiring arms.
ISRAEL WITHDRAWS OFFER TO ACCEPT 100,000 ARAB REFUGEES
Turning to the question of the Arab refugees, Mr. Sharett stressed that they must now settle in their present countries of residence and that Jsrael is prepared to contribute financially toward this settlement from funds available in payment for land abandoned by Arabs in Israel. However, he pointed out that this could be done within the general framework of the peace negotiations.
He stressed that the Israel Government’s offer to accept the return of 100,000 Palestine Arab refugees is no longer valid. He asserted that it had been made at a certain stage and within a specific context of conditions prevailing at that time. Conditions are changing daily in Israel and the country is gradually filling up, he continued, therefore Isreal can no longer be bound by its original offer.
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.
