Meeting with the Mayor of Bethlehem – UNCCP Cttee on Jerusalem’s 9th mtg – Summary record

UNITED NATIONS CONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR PALESTINE

COMMITTEE ON JERUSALEM

SUMMARY RECORD OF A MEETING WITH THE MAYOR OF BETHLEHEM

(NINTH MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE)

held in Bethlehem on 9 March, 1949

After an exchange of greetings, the CHAIRMAN explained to the Mayor the purpose of the visit and asked for a candid expression of views regarding the internationalization of Jerusalem as provided for in the Assembly’s resolution.

The MAYOR made a brief statement in reply, the main points of which were as follows:

1. The Arabs of Palestine had lost confidence in the ability of the international community to enforce its decisions.

2. Nevertheless, the Arabs of the Jerusalem area were overwhelmingly in favour of the establishment of an international regime for the Jerusalem area, believing that this was the only way to restore stability and normal life to the community.

3. Neither the Arab Higher Committee nor the Government of any Arab State might speak with authority for the Arabs of the Jerusalem area.