Palestine question – Jerusalem Municipal Commissioner’s return to US – Press release

UNITED NATIONS

Department of Public Information

Press and Publications Bureau

Lake Success, New York

Press Release PAL/193

21 June 1948

JERUSALEM MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER TO RETURN TO US

The following statement was issued today by Harold Evans, Municipal Commissioner for Jerusalem:

"In view of the present situation in Jerusalem under the truce and the fact that the problem of the future status of the  City is now under consideration by the Mediator, the Municipal Commissioner is of the opinion that no useful purpose will be served by taking up his duties in the Holy City at this time.  It is his belief that the fundamental purposes of peace and reconciliation in Jerusalem which prompted him to accept the appointment as Municipal Commissioner can be best achieved during this period by giving the Mediator a free hand to deal with the problem.  The problem of Jerusalem is a part of the general Palestine settlement.  The Commissioner therefore has recommended that he return to the United States.  The Secretary-General of the United Nations has concurred in this recommendation and the Municipal Commissioner will leave Cairo within the next few days."

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