John G. Blandford, Jr., new head of the United Nations Relief and Works agency today called on Israel Ambassador Abba Eban for a discussion of the Arab refugee situation. Blandford told of his hope for the re-integration of Arabs in Arab countries.
Later, at a press conference, Mr. Blandford said the Arab nations have agreed, contingent on three conditions, to the United Nations program for the re-integration of “870,000” Arab refugees in Arab countries. The three conditions are: 1. “the Arab nations will not be expected to contribute large funds to the program; 2. they want evidence of the sustained interest of the international community in the program; 3. the rights of repatriation and compensation will not be prejudiced.
Mr. Blandford said the program will take from three to five years at a cost of an additional 150 million dollars. He said he believes that three Arab countries may contribute to this program. The Agency hopes to build complete villages adjacent to work opportunities in areas in Arab states where work can be found, he stated.
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