Armistice agreements between Israel and the Arab states “may not be worth the paper they are written on,” Rep. Emanuel Celler of New York warned today in a statement criticizing Dr. Ralph J. Bunche for asking permission to resign as United Nations acting mediator for Palestine.
Rep. Celler said in a prepared statement that “unfortunately, reports reach us that the military phase of the conflict is not over.” He questioned Dr. Bunche’s reasons asking for an end to his task. Dr. Bunche had asked that his functions be transferred to a United Nations commission, explaining that the military phase of the conflict had ended and that real peace has descended upon Palestine.
“It would be tragic indeed if the United Nations, upon the advice of Dr. Bunche, twiddles its thumbs and assumes a do-nothing attitude,” Rep. Celler said. “Despite the paper armistices, the conciliation and mediation processes must continue.”
“Under the guise and subterfuge of treaty agreements, Britain has now lifted the arms embargo to Arab nations. Vast quantities of small arms are pouring into Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Transjordan and Lebanon, soon to be followed by heavier equipment and artillery. Against whom will these arms be used? Only against Israel in a holy war.”
Rep. Celler quoted a number of warlike expressions in the current Arab press, stating that the Arabs are biding their time.
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