Jewish Agency Reiterates Stat on Trusteeship, Truce; Answers Truman’s Statement

The attitude of the Jewish Agency and of the Arab states towards President Truman’s statement supporting international trusteeship for Palestine and calling for an Arab-Jewish truce was outlined here today by he spokesmen of the two involved parties.

A spokesman for the Jewish Agency said that Dr. Abba Hillel Silver had made ##t quite clear at yesterday’s meeting of the Security Council that the Jews of Palestine categorically reject any plan to set up a trusteeship regime for the country even for a short period of time.

With regard to the question of a truce, the spokesman emphasized that the position of the Agency remains the same as outlined in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Trgyve Lie on March 17. This letter pointed out that the moment Arab aggression eases, Jewish armed resistance will also terminate.

“There must, of course, be a clear understanding that the cessation of Arab aggression will also include the stoppage of preparations for future aggression, the evacuation of foreign forces, and the prevention of further incursion of armed bands into Palestine, ” The letter continued. “It is assumed that any arrangement for a truce will be carried out within the framework of the implementation of the resolution of the General Assembly and in strictest conformity with the timetable provided in that resolution. “

Faris El Khoury of Syria, chief Arab spokesman, said it was his opinion that the Arabs would be ready for peace if the Jews would agree to abandon partition and seek another solution of the Palestine problem. Camille Chamoun of Lebanon endorsed El Khourys stand.