Goldmann Hails Algerian Cease-fire; Lauds Decision on Algerian Jews

Satisfaction at the achievement of a cease-fire in Algeria was expressed here today by Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, who said he was “deeply gratified” by the decision of the Algerian leaders to accord to the Jews of Algeria the same right of option as European Frenchmen in deciding on their future status.

During recent months. Dr. Goldmann has had meetings in Paris with both the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Couve de Murville, and M. Louis Joxe, the Minister for Algerian Affairs, on the future of the 130, 000 Jews in Algeria. “In common with men of good will everywhere we have received the news of the cease-fire in Algeria with the deepest satisfaction. ” the WJC leader said today. “It represents the triumph of statesmanship and patient diplomacy over the gravest difficulties, and both parties to this agreement have achieved an understanding which is of far more than regional significance.

“The World Jewish Congress, to which the Algerian Jewish community has been affiliated for many years, is naturally concerned about the fate of this community which faces distinctive problems of its own,” Dr. Goldmann pointed out. “We are deeply gratified by the decision of the Algerian leaders to recognize for the Jews of Algeria the same right of option in determining their future as is being granted to European French citizens in their country. I know that our appreciation of this act of human insight and statesmanship will be shared by Jews throughout the world, who will attach special importance to the recognition of the right of emigration for Algerian Jews implicit in the agreement.

“The new Algeria will inevitably face many problems. It is our sincere hope that all its inhabitants, irrespective of race or creed, will now unite in the support of every effort to bring violence and bloodshed to a speedy end, and find a new hope in the development of a common national purpose and a renewed community of interest. “