Bernadotte’s Proposals Give Negev to Arabs, Western Galilee to Jews

Leading New York newspapers, commenting on Count Bernadotte’s suggestions for resolving the Palestine dispute, which were made public at United Nations headquarters yesterday, expressed the opinion that these suggestions will undoubtedly become the subject of heated controversy. “But,” the New York Times said, “as that controversy can be conducted with words instead of bullets, there will remain hope that a final solution may be found permitting both sides to live in peace.”

The New York Herald Tribune’s editorial expressed the hope that “the broad-gauge and statesmanlike manner in which the U.N. mediator advanced his suggestions, will inspire both sides to extend the truce and continue discussions.” The editorial emphasized that Bernadotte’s alterations in the original partition decision “are not in favor of Israel.”

The “suggestions” offered by Bernadotte called for: inclusion of the whole ## part of the Negev in Arab territory; inclusion of the whole or part of Western Galilee in Jewish territory; and inclusion of the city of Jerusalem in Arab territory, with municipal autonomy for the Jewish community and special arrangements for the protection of the Holy Places. They also proposed consideration of the status of Jaffa at a future time, establishment of a free port at Haifa and establishment of a free airport at Lydda. In addition to the territorial proposals, the mediator also suggested the following as a basis for further discussions: redefine Palestine in terms of the territory included in the original Mandate and make two nations — one Arab and one Jewish ## of the area, with the boundaries to be determined by negotiations; establishment of a union between the two to promote common economic interests and maintain common services — including customs and defense — and formation of a central council to take over these central functions and authorities; and after two years of unrestricted immigration the Arabs may appeal for restrictions, with the U.N. Economic and Social Council to arbitrate — if the union cannot settle the problem — on a basis of the country’s “economic absorptivity.”

Also, religious and minority rights would be guaranteed by the U.N. and the Holy Places protected. Refugees from Palestine would be allowed to return and regain possession of their homes and property.