A resolution urging Israel and the Arab states “to engage without delay in direct discussions of all questions outstanding between them” was recommended today by the members of the U.N. Palestine Conciliation Commission to the U.N. Special Political Committee which began discussion on the Commission’s report.
The resolution also suggests that the Conciliation Commission be directed by the U.N. General Assembly to establish an office that would make arrangements for the assessment and payment of compensation to refugees and continue consultations with the states concerned on measures for the protection of the rights, property and interests of the refugees.
Lord MacDonald told the Special Political Committee that it was “the considered view of the United Kingdom delegation that the Arab refugees would have a happier, more prosperous and more stable future were the bulk of them to be resettled among their brethren in the Arab countries.” He added that non-returning refugees should receive adequate compensation for the property they had abandoned in Israel, and noted Israel’s “constructive” suggestion–that compensation be paid into the projected reintegration fund.
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