Arab Delegation Calls on Secretary Stimson, is Told to Urge Moderation on Palestine Arabs

Secretary of State Stimson today received an Arab delegation who came to Washington in an effort to present the Arabs’ version of the situation in Palestine. Secretary Stimson after hearing the statement presented by Ameen Rihani, delegation head, made the following statement later issued to the press from the Stae Department:

“I am glad of an opportunity to speak with you concerning the tragic events which have been taking place in Palestine. I am confident that you share the deep regret which is felt by this government and by all American citizens for the loss of life and the suffering which has accompanied those events. I am gratified to note that order is being rapidly and completely restored, and while it would not be proper for me to comment upon the views which you had set forth concerning the future of Palestine, it is entirely fitting that I should emphasize my conviction that the cause of civilization, because of better understanding among peoples of different races and religions, is never served by violence and recrimination.

“It is my earnest hope that, as soon as order has been fully restored, the competent and responsible authorities, animated by a sincere desire to do justice to all parties concerned, will be able to bring about peace and cooperation.

“If you, the delegation, can play a part in emphasizing those qualities of moderation and thoughtfulness which are so needed in any approach to the pressing problems of Palestine, you will have served an eminently useful and an eminently American purpose.”

The delegation, all the members of which are said to be American citizens, was composed of Ameen Rihani, a Syrian writer for periodicals on matters regarding the Near East, Peter S. George, Elias Joseph, Geoge Sadak and Frank C. Sakran, representing the Palestine National League, the New Syria Party and the Young Men’s Moslem Society.