Split Between U.S. and Arab Bloc on Palestine Refugee Issue Widens

The wide split between the United States and the Arab bloc on the Palestine Arab refugee problem burst into the open here today after seething behind the scenes for more than a week.

Genoa S. Washington, American relegate to the General Assembly’s special political committee, introduced this morning a resolution on the Arab refugee problem after admitting that his delegation had been unable “to reach full agreement with the interested Arab governments” on the disputed draft. It was the first time since the Arab refugee problem has been under consideration here, dating back to 1948, that a resolution was introduced without the consent of the Arab governments.

The resolution calls on the UN to continue support of the UN Relief and Works Agency for the refugees and also asks the Arab countries where the refugee camps are located to cooperate with UNRWA. The resolution further mentions the aim of repatriating or compensating the refugees, but refers also to one other method of solving the problem–reintegration of the refugees in the “host” countries. The draft makes it clear that fundamentally the refugee problem is one that should be solved by Israel and the Arab governments.

Idab Daoudy of Syria complained to the committee today that the resolution introduced by Mr. Washington represents “the views of the co-sponsors only and is not acceptable to us in its present form.” America’s co-sponsors for the resolution are Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines.

After hearing from Mr. Daoudy that the Arab bloc is not satisfied with the resolution, the committee adjourned until tomorrow morning, presumably to give the Arab representatives time for further consultation with their home governments.