Israel to Apply for U.N. Membership Immediately; Favorable Security Council Action Seen

On the eve of Nov. 29, exactly one year after the United Nations General Assembly adopted the historic decision to establish an independent Jewish state in Palestine, Israel is about to submit its application for U.N. membership.

Whether the formal application will be mode tomorrow–on the first anniversary of the Assembly’s partition resolution–or later in the week, the Israeli delegation has decided to apply without delay, it was learned here today. The Israelis are confident of achieving the necessary seven votes in the Security Council.

Member states expected to vote in favor of the membership application are Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Frances, the Soviet Union, the Ukraine and the United Sates. While Argentina has in the past not displayed particular friendship for Israel’s cause, universality of membership is known to be the keystone of Argentine policy in the U.N.

Canada, Colombia and the United States have all spoken strongly in favor of Israel’s admission, during the debate on Palestine in the Assembly’s Political Committee. It appears certain that neither Britain nor China will vote against Israel’s admission, thus eliminating the threat of a veto. There is speculation here, however, that Syria might walk out if the Israeli application should be considered before Jan. 1 when Egypt will succeed to the Middle Eastern seat on the Council.

The Council will have to act promptly if Israel’s admission is to be ratified by the present Assembly session, which is scheduled to adjourn Dec. 11. Approval by the Assembly requires a two-thirds majority of the member states present and voting.