New Approach To Palestine Problem

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1948, Page 5

New Approach To Palestine Problem

PARIS, Nov. 1 (Rec. 8.15 p.m.)—According to United Nations officials moves have begun for a new approach to the Palestine problem, which it is hoped, would save the Security Council’s face. It would permit the Arabs and Jews to negotiate their own settlement.

Mr. Bunche privately circulated Security Council members with the plan which provides, firstly, settlement of outstanding truce problems; secondly, an armistice with terms including demobilisation of the Jewish and Arab armies; thirdly, an ArabJewish agreement to negotiate a permanent peace, either directly or through the United Nations. Mr. Bunche sounded out both Arabs and Jews on the nroposals but their reactions have not been disclosed.

An Egyptian spokesman, alleging continued truce violations by Israeli forces, said Jews yesterday fired on Egyptian positions at El Hejdel, says the Associated Press and Reuter's correspondents. The Egyptians returned the fire. The spokesman also declared that two Jewish planes raided and machine-gunned an Arab refugee camp.

LONDON, Nov 1 (Recd 12.30 am). —The Arab Liberation Army ordered "shortening of its lines” in northern Palestine after a heavy Jewish attack supported by planes, tanks and armcured cars, which is stated to have given the Jews complete control of Galilee, according to Reuter's Damascus correspondent. Messages from the Arab Liberation Armv state the Jews attacked from east, west and south ia the Nazareth area and Jewish planes bombarded ‘‘peaceful villages.” The reports add that aircraft demolished great numbers of villages. Arab Liberation Army troops evacuated advance nosts and withdrew to new defence lines.

Reports say that United Nations observers witnessed the attack.

The Syrian Prime Minister, Jamil Mardam Bey, said he was awaiting the results of the Security Council debate and discussion of the Arab League Council. He claimed the Jews had violated the truce on all fronts "without any reaction in the international committee.”

(N.Z.P.A. —neuter—Copyright) LONDON, Nov 1 (Rec. 12.30 a.m.) —An article in the Egyptian independent newspaper “Al Ahram,” broadcast by Cairo radio, attacked other Arab States for leaving the Egyptian Army to bear the brunt of the Palestine fighting alone “Where are the Arab aTmies?” it asked ' Only the Egyptian Army is fighting while the others remain passive and unmoved."

The article added that unless the Arabs united again and faced the enemy on a common front they would not command the respect of the world and the Security Council