Opposing an Anglo-American resolution regarding the Arab refugee question and Middle East peace here today, Israel Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett reiterated his government’s policy that outstanding questions between Israel and the Arab states can only be considered in the context of negotiations for a general and final peace settlement. He termed repatriation of any considerable number of the refugees impracticable and, from the point of view of Israel’s security, “a downright act of folly.”
He pointed out that Israel had already made a basic compromise in its position by offering to begin paying compensation for abandoned Arab lands into a reintegration fund, which is contemplated under a resolution already passed by the Committee. He said the appearance in the present resolution of the compensation question, with the setting up of an office under the Palestine Conciliation Commission established for this purpose, meant that Israel would be called upon to pay compensation twice over or to undertake uncoordinated commitments, which he said “my government cannot conceive.”
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