Premier David Ben Gurion, addressing the final session of the State Council of the Provisional Government of Israel late last night, reviewed the achievements of that body since its inception last May 14 when the state of Israel was proclaimed.
The Israeli Premier, who heads the list of 46 Mapai candidates elected to the Israeli Constituent Assembly which opens in Jerusalem on Monday, stated that to date 38 countries had granted recognition to Israel; 145,000 immigrants reached the Jewish state since May 14; 32 new settlements were established; and democratic elections were held. “The name of Israel rose throughout the world,” Ben Gurion declared, “and every Jew everywhere is proud of it.”
In connection with the general amnesty for political prisoners approved by the State Council, it was revealed that of 54 parsons now serving sentences imposed by civil courts, all but four will be freed under terms of the amnesty. Of 32 persons serving sentences meted out by military courts, 29 will be released, while of 83 persons now awaiting trial, 15 will not be released.
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