Israel-Arab relations and the situation of the Palestinian Arab refugees emerged today as hotly debated issues during the first day of a two-day Mediterranean Seminar on international problems.
Mazan Ansary, a member of the executive committee of the General Union of Palestinian Students in Cairo, raised the problems of the Arab refugees who, he said, were “violently expelled by the Jews from their own land and homes.” He asked whether Italy would recognize a Palestinian Government-in-Exile if one was formed.
Professor Franco Casadio, director of the Italian Society for International Organizations, replied on behalf of the sponsors of the Mediterranean Seminar, which is being held in the Palazzo Venezia, the former residence of Mussolini. He said Italy could not recognize a government without territory because this would endanger existing friendly relations with other countries.
Benami Shillony of the Hebrew University, the official delegate of the National Union of Israel Students, emphasized that Israel did not declare war on the Arabs but on the contrary was attacked by Arab states in repudiation of United Nations resolutions. He said that the Arab refugees were not chased out of Israel but left voluntarily, expecting to return as victors.
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