Arrangements for returning to Jerusalem – UNCCP’s Ctte on Jerusalem 16th mtg – Summary record

COMMITTEE ON JERUSALEM

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE SIXTEENTH MEETING

held in Beirut on 1 April, 1949 5 p.m.

The Committee’s sixteenth meeting was mainly devoted to discussion of arrangements for its return to Jerusalem, in accordance with the desire expressed by the Commission. There were three reasons for that return: first, the moral value attaching to the Committee’s presence in the city; second, eventual negotiations with Mr. Comay concerning internationalization of the city; third, talks with representatives of the various faiths. The CHAIRMAN expressed his intention of accompanying the Commission to Tel Aviv, and his willingness to be represented by the Turkish Consul in Jerusalem for purposes of the interviews with representatives of the various religions; he wished, however, to be present at the discussions with Mr. Comay.

Since there still existed some doubt of the exact day on which the Commission would proceed to Tel Aviv, the Committee decided to postpone a decision regarding its own departure until the following day, when the Commission would have taken its own decision. Arrangements would then be made, either for the Committee to accompany the Commission, or, if the Commission’s departure were delayed, for the Committee (excepting the Chairman) to proceed immediately to Jerusalem.