Last Minute Newsjews and Arabs Agree to Demilitarization of Jerusalem, Bernadette Reiterates

U.N. mediator Count Folke Bernadotte today reiterated here that both the Government of Israel and Arab League representatives have agreed to the demilitarization of Jerusalem in principle. He added that the negotiations for demilitarization would not be allowed to influence the future statue of the city.

Bernadotte estimated that some 2,500 U.N. personnel would be required to supervise the demilitarized area and admitted that it would not be practical for either Jewish or Arab fighting men to be withdraw until the international police force was on the scene. In response to correspondents’ questions, Bernadotte also stated that “demilitarization actually means temporary partition of Jerusalem until the city’s ultimate status is decided.

Among other problems which Bernadotte discussed with local Jewish leaders was the supplying of piped water from the coast, supply convoys and the numerous sniping incidents. Shooting was heard throughout the day as Bernadotte attended conferences and when he spoke with newsmen at the French consulate.

A five-member Israeli Cabinet committee which arrived here today from Tel Aviv began discussions with local Jewish leaders on such problems as the relationship between the municipality and the community council and what type of representation the local inhabitants will have on the military administration of the city.

Aaron Zisling, Minister of Agriculture, declared that the members of the committee would do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the Jews of the city, but that discussions about Jerusalem’s future status must wait until the same problem had been thrashed out on an international plane. Other members of the committee, which will remain here until Thursday, are: David Remez, Minister for Communications; Itzhak Gruenbaum, Interior; I.M. Lewin, Social Welfare; and Rabbi Judah L. Fishman, Religion.