The United States is willing to provide financial aid for resettlement of Arab refugees but the primary responsibility for working out a solution was placed on Israel and the Arab states today by Secretary of State Dean Acheson.
Secretary Acheson told a press conference that the United States is very concerned at the failure of some countries, which he did not name, to contribute their share to the $32,000,000 fund created by the U.N. General Assembly last November. The U.S. has contributed $12,000,000 to the fund and has an additional $4,000,000 ready, but it must first be matched by contributions from other countries, he said.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the U.S. desires a speedy solution of the Arab refugee question and considers such action essential to a lasting peace. He said that this government regards Israel and the Arab states responsible for arriving at an agreement. The U.S., he stated, has approached Jews and Arabs on the issue of repatriation and resettlement of the refugees. Until Israel and the Arabs have reached a decision on repatriation, it is not possible to estimate the financial assistance which will be required from the United Nations and other sources, he added.
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