The United Nations today paid tribute to Dr. Chaim Weizmann at a meeting of its Political Committee which assembled this morning to begin the ninth day of the general debate on the Korean situation.
Opening the session, Ambassador Joao Carlos Munitz of Brazil, chairman of the Committee, said he had been “painfully surprised” to learn of the death of Chaim Weizmann. He said he was sure he was interpreting the feelings of the committee when he expressed “sorrow and sympathy” and he hoped the Israeli representative would convey the feelings of the committee to the Israel Government and people.
Israel delegate Arthur Lourie said that the chairman’s word of tribute to the late President of Israel would be received with deep appreciation by the government and people of Israel and by Jewish people everywhere. It had been the fortune of Israel, during the years of its national regeneration, to find in Dr. Weizmann a leader who was “in the historical sense one of the greatest figures of our age, ” said Mr. Lourie. He had been a scientist and a statesman, but he had also been a humanist deeply concerned with the universal principles of right and wrong, of liberty and human dignity, he added.
Mr. Lourie then recalled that Dr. Weizmann’s last appearance in the international forum was when, at the third regular session of the General Assembly, he had pleaded for Israel’s statehood in the Ad Hoc Political Committee. “We shall mourn his loss as one of the decisive figures in our long history. We are grateful to you, Mr. Chairman, for your words of recognition and respect, “Mr. Lourie declared.
U.N. ASSEMBLY HONORS WEIZMANN’S MEMORY;ARABS ATSENT
Later in the day the United Nations General Assembly marked the passing of Dr. Chaim Weizmann, by standing for a minute of silence. The president of the Assembly, Lester B. Pearson of Canada, expressed the profound sympathy of the nations at the death of the Israeli leader. He spoke of him as a great humanitarian, scientist and statesman and requested that the delegation of Israel convey to the Government of Israel and Dr. Weizmann’s family the condolences of the Assembly. All the Arab delegates were absent from their seats.
U.N. Secretary General Trygve Lie yesterday sent the following message to Ambassador Abba Eban, head of the Israel delegation at the United Nations: “Please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of Dr. Weizmann, President of Israel. I have today sent the following message to His Excellency Moshe Sharett, Minister of Foreign Affairs: ‘Please convey to the Government and the people of Israel my deep regrets at the passing of the great founder and first President of Israel, Dr. Chaim Weizmann. Dr. Weizmann’s name will always be held in profound respect as that of a statesman of rare vision and courage. The example of his life will be an inspiration to all those who strive for a better world.”
Members of the Israel delegation will not appear at any United Nations meeting tomorrow morning, during the hours of the funeral of Dr. Weizmann, it was announced here today.
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