The situation in Palestine is satisfactory, except for Jerusalem, and the chances for mediation have improved slightly, U.N. mediator Count Folke Bernadotte today told newsmen before leaving here for his Rhodes negotiations headquarters.
The mediator, who came to Paris to discuss technicalities of the truce, the problem of Arab refugees and the possibility of radiation with U.N. Secretary-General Trygve Lie, asserted that he would welcome direct Jewish and Arab negotiations for an agreement on Palestine. He revealed that he has prepared a report on the Palestine situation for the General Assembly, which will begin meeting hero on the 23rd of the month, and is expecting to remain in Rhodes to continue negotiations, but will come to Paris to make a personal report, if requested.
He said that three months ago there was only “one percent” of a possibility for mediation between the belligerents, while there is now two percent. He revealed that the U.N. staff in Jerusalem is today attempting to arrange for the evacuation of belligerents from the Red Cross enclave in southern Jerusalem. If no agreement is reached in this matter, he declared, it will be referred to the Security Council.
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