We are naturally concerned. because it is a problem of the world. Discussions are going on between the Arab world and Israel as to a solution. and the United Nations Commission is taking a proper and natural interest. Egypt proposes that Gaza. the territory adjoining Egypt. now in possession of the Israeli. shall be taken by Israel. along with 250.000 Arab refugees. That was the Egyptian proposal. if we are correctly informed. The Israeli agreed to that. agreeing to take the 250.000 Arab refugees. a rather large order. certainly. At that point the representatives of the United Nations. under. as we are toldand I think it is clear. from the recordsthe leadership of the United States State Department. vetoed that settlement. saying. "No. you must settle the whole question of the 800.000 Arab refugees." Mr. President. it is a peculiar situation. because it was only 2 years ago. as the Members of this body well know. that the State Department was saying that it was utterly impossible to take 400.000 or 500.000 Jewish refugees from Europe into Palestine. That was the whole basis of the British mandatory veto and of the attitude of our own Government. namely. that Palestine could not absorb that many refugees. Yet. now. when 50C.000 Jewish refugees in Europe are on their way to Palestine. at the rate of 30.000 or more a month. and are being absorbed by Israel. in spite of the declaration of our State Department that it was impossibleand as the report of the committee during the past week on the International Refugee Organization shows. they are going there under their own steam and assistance. with what help we are able to givesuddenly our State Department assumes the position that Israel must take not only 500.000 or 600.000 Jewish refugees from Europe. but also must absorb 800.000 displaced persons. Arabs. from the Middle East. I believe that is a tragedy and a travesty. and I believe the State Department in sponsoring such a policy is displaying the same devious and indefensible attitudes it has displayed in the past in yielding to their importunities.
Keywords matched
Refugee refugees