Acting Secretary of State James E. Webb said at a press conference today that the United States has contacted Israel on the Arab refugee problem both through formal machinery and outside of it. He said that the United States is anxious to leave no stone unturned to secure peace and has used its influence toward that end.
Mr. Webb emphasized that the State Department wants Israel and the Arabs to take the broadest possible view of the Arab refugee problem to secure lasting peace rather than temporary advantages on small matters.
Asked if the United States has urged Israel to readmit Arab refugees, Mr. Webb at first declined comment, saying that the problem is complex and is being discussed at the proper forums at Lausanne. He added, however, that the United States has used its influence on all parties to subordinate their particular desires for the broader aims of peace.
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