Independence for Palestine was demanded today by the Syrian delegate at the United Nations Trusteeship Committee, while the delegate from Mexico, which has often led the way for the Latin American countries, announced the regret of his government that more trusteeship agreements have not been submitted. He expressed the hope that the mandatory powers will do so in the future.
Although he did not mention Palestine, the remarks of the Mexican delegate left little doubt that Palestine was one of the countries he had in mind. He later declined to confirm or deny that he was referring to Palestine, but implied that he meant it.
In calling for the independence of Palestine, the Syrian delegate told the Trusteeship Committee that Palestine fought for its “national sovereignty” in World War I. He quoted the covenant of the League of Nations as promising the “provisional independence after a mandatory period,” and argued that under the U.N. charter there is “no other alternative” except either to free all mandates or to place them under trusteeship without delay.” He welcomed the independence of Transjordan and hoped it would be allowed to join the United Nations.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
