Editorial Note
The Security Council voted on the United States draft resolution and the British amendments on May 22. Paragraph two of the United [Page 1029] States proposal, which called the situation in Palestine a threat to, and a breach of, the peace, within the meaning of Article 39, received 5 votes in favor, with 6 abstentions. The paragraph was not adopted, having failed to secure 7 affirmative votes. Colombia, France, the Ukraine, and the Soviet Union joined the United States in voting for this paragraph (SC, 3rd yr., No. 72, page 54). For the text of the resolution adopted later the same day, see infra.
Ambassador Austin made a statement before the Security Council prior to the final vote on the resolution, in which he expressed the belief of the United States that the resolution was “not wholly adequate to accomplish what is required in Palestine.” He noted also that “The United States will vote for this amended resolution solely as it contains a call made to the parties to issue a cease-fire order within thirty-six hours after the stated time.” He concluded that if the parties did not promptly comply, the Security Council would have to consider further action (SC, 3rd yr., No. 72, page 65).