PEACE-MAKING IN MIDDLE EAST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22916, 7 April 1949, Page 4

PEACE-MAKING IN MIDDLE EAST

qpIE opening of peace talks between Israel and Syria marks another stage in the settlement of a thorny Middle East problem in which progress so far has been encouraging. Israel and her southern and south-western neighbours, Transjordan and Egypt, have reached agreement and armistice pacts have been signed. Tension has been relieved and in United Nations’ circles high hopes are held for the future. Israel has announced her willingness to enter into negotiations with the remaining Arab States. Six months ago even the most hold commentators would have hesitated to predict an early peaceful settlement. At one time there appeared to be a danger that a conflagration would engulf the whole of the Middle East. The avoidance of that has been a triumph for the United Nations. It has staked everything on its endeavours to find a solution and failure would have been disastrous, imperilling its very foundations. Count Bernadotte, chosen for his outstanding qualities as a negotiator, was given the task of reconciling Jews and Arabs which at that time seemed almost impossible of accomplishment. He made a good start but was murdered before he could progress far. Dr. Ralph Bundle, an American negro, was appointed as his successor.

Displaying the highest qualities of diplomacy, Dr. Bunche has so far met with extraordinary success. After the signing of the Israel-Transjordan armistice on Sunday the Arab representative thanked Dr. Bunche for having made the agreement possible. The Jewish leader also praised the mediator for his patience. The Security Council paid a tribute to him after the signing of the Egyptian armistice.

Dr. Bundle' has great natural charm. He speaks slowly and gently, and when he lias had hard things to say about the way in which the Palestine belligerents have ignored the repeated truce calls of the United Nations he has been moved more by sorrow than anger. Grandson of a slave, son of a Detroit barber, professor of political science, he has won distinction in brilliant company. Speculation on the attitude to the United Nations of Colonel Zaim, who seized power in Syria last week, has been quietened by the announcement that he will respect all Syria’s former engagements in foreign affairs. He has told Mr. Trygve Lie that Syria will adhere to democratic principles and respect the United Nations’ charter, charter.

Negotiations with Israel are reported to be proceeding smoothly, but in view of Syria’s previously strong line towards the partition of Palestine it is too early to accept this as an indication of immediate success. Nevertheless, whatever Syria’s true feelings may be, the facts are that her troops met with severe reverses in battle, thereby weakening chances at the conference table of dictating terms. Moreover, two of Syria's strongest allies, Egypt and Transjordan, have accepted the position in Palestine as a fait accompli.