UN Resolution on Middle East Criticized in Canadian Parliament

The Arab-sponsored resolution on the Middle East which was adopted last week by the emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly failed to reach the crux of the problem in the Middle East–agreement between Israel and the Arab countries, it was reported in Parliament here today by Sydney Smith, Minister for External Affairs. His view was supported by Lester Pearson, former Minister for External Affairs, who won the Nobel Prize for peace.

Mr. Smith, who returned from the United Nations session, told the Parliament that there was “reason to hope that the cordial relations now established between the Arab states will be carried forward into their individual and collective relations with non-Arab states of the region.”

He said he had deduced this from “remarks of some of the Arab leaders representing several of the Arab countries” and that he looked upon that possibility “as a result which can logically flow” from the Assembly deliberations. He added that “in some measure I expect it from activities which the Secretary General will shortly undertake in this area.”

(The New York Times reported today from Beirut that the adoption by the General Assembly of the Arabs’ resolution to settle their family quarrels is bringing the problem of Israel back into the spotlight. “Comment here indicates some minds are turning toward the idea that the Arab agreement will make it possible to liquidate the conflict with Israel not through peace but through superior strength by union among the Arab countries,” the report says. “Along with applause for the resumption of friendship among the Arab states there are suggestions that now is the time to think again of crushing Israel.”)