Dr. Alberto Gonzalez Fernandez, the recently appointed United Nations representative to Jerusalem, is scheduled to leave New York today to assume his post in this city, U.N. press officer Hamilton Fisher announced here.
Mr. Fisher pointed out that it was incorrect to refer to Dr. Fernandez as a “Commissioner” since he is “merely the United Nations representative” to see that the present status quo in the city is maintained and that no further violations such as the transfer of government agencies here are permitted. The press officer also explained that Dr. Fernandez will contact both the Israel and Transjordan authorities to arrange for free access to the Holy Places and to see that water and electricity are distributed in both parts of the city. He stated that Dr. Fernandez’ job is of a temporary nature until such time as the General Assembly decides the fate of Jerusalem and appoints a permanent commissioner for the city.
Referring to the economic survey mission, he said that its plans were not yet laid, but that it is hoped that the first group of investigators will leave this week for various Arab capitals. Mr. Fisher also admitted that an attempted census of the Arab refugees had proven impossible to complete. He intimated that Gordon R. Clapp, head of the economic survey mission, envisages alleviation of the refugee situation in the form of public works schemes rather than a dole.
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