Palestine question – Organization of armed militias – Press release

UNITED NATIONS

Department of Public Information

Press and Publications Bureau

Lake Success, New York

Press Release PAL/118

29 January 1948

UN PALESTINE COMMISSION WILLING TO ARRANGE

FOR ORGANIZATION OF ARMED MILITIAS

IN JEWISH AND ARAB STATES

The United Nations Commission on Palestine today agreed that it would be willing to make arrangements for the organization of armed militias in the Jewish and Arab states at the earliest possible time, without awaiting the termination of the British Mandate.

The Commission agreed to accept the offer of the Jewish Agency for Palestine to undertake with the assent and assistance of the Commission necessary steps between now and the termination of the Mandate, looking to the establishment of a militia for the Jewish state.

The Commission emphasized that exactly the same assistance would be extended with respect to the formation of a militia in the Arab state if the opportunity were offered.

SENATOR VICENTE J. FRANCISCO (Philippine Republic) was delegated by the Commission to negotiate various points with the Mandatory Power, and if necessary, with the Jewish Agency.

The Commission also delegated Mr. EDUARDO MORGAN (Panama), to undertake negotiations with the Mandatory Power and the Jewish Agency with respect to the disposition of Jewish immigrants now detained by the British in Cyprus.

The Commission agreed to meet only once a day henceforth.  Meetings will be at 2:00 p.m.  Tomorrow, however, the Commission will meet at 2:30 p.m. and will begin discussion of the provisions of its special report to the Security Council on the question of establishing and maintaining security in Palestine

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