U.S. Delegation at U.N. Indicates Opposition to Delay on Israeli Membership Bid

The American delegation at the United Nations today Indicated that it is opposed to any further delay in the admission of Israel into the world body. This sentiment was expressed in order to counteract maneuvers by certain countries unfriendly to Israel who are interested in having the U.N. postpone consideration of the Israeli application until the next session of the General Assembly in September.

Delegations of countries friendly to Israel are making an effort to secure an early decision on the Israeli application by the Assembly. They intend to ask the Political Committee to start hearings on the Israeli bid immediately after the question of the Italian colonies is settled. At present the Israeli petition is listed last on the agenda of the Political Committee.

Fernand Van Langenhove of Belgium, chairman of the Political Committee, today indicated that he has no intention of changing the order of the agenda. However, such a change could be secured by a majority vote of the Committee itself.

The appeal by Pope Plus XII for the internationalization of Jerusalem has strengthened the anti-Israeli bloc since some of the Latin American delegations which are friendly to Israel may now be prevented by their governments from voting favorably on the Israeli application.

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, acting U.N. mediator, today returned to the United States. In a statement to the press, he said that he assumed that this was his last trip to the Middle East on the Palestine issue and that he was looking forward to relief from his responsibilities as acting mediator. Speaking of the situation in Palestine, he said that tensions have been reduced greatly and that the armistice agreements are working well with a minimum of supervision. He added that he is preparing a report on the Palestine military situation for the Security Council.