U.N. Commission Optimistic on Paris Talks for Arab-israel Peace

The United Nations Palestine Conciliation Commission today announced that non-aggression pledges formulated separately by the Arab states and by Israel “have contributed to the creation of a favorable atmosphere for the present discussions and to the promotion of a return of permanent peace in Palestine.”

The American chairman of the Commission, Ely Palmer, said that he was aware of the disparity between the goodwill declarations of the Arab states and of Israel; however, he emphasized that “these declarations constituted a basis for consideration of the comprehensive proposals made by the Commission for a solution to the Palestine problem.”

The members of the Commission held a meeting this afternoon and announced later that they will shortly meet formally with the Arab or Israeli delegations. During the last ten days only informal individual contacts have been maintained.

It was learned last night that the Israeli delegation sent a letter earlier in the day to the Conciliation Commission stating that Israel could not accept the view of the Commission that the “goodwill” declaration by the four Arab states creates a basis for further negotiations aimed at bringing about a permanent Arab-Israeli peace. The Israeli delegation emphasized its readiness to co-operate with the Commission, but urged the Commission to secure from the Arabs a genuine declaration of goodwill.

Israel’s goodwill declaration submitted to the Commission provided for the conclusion of a full-fledged non-aggression pact with the Arab countries. The Arab declaration confined itself to reaffirming the provisions of the present armistice “not to resort to military force in the settlement of the Palestine question and to respect the right of each party to its security and freedom from fear of attack by armed forces of the other.”