Office of the Historian

Statement by the President1

February 24, 1949

I am immensely gratified over the news from Rhodes that the Representatives of Egypt and Israel have signed an armistice agreement. This act is a tribute to the restraint and statesmanship of the two governments. I wish, also, to congratulate the United Nations Mediator, Dr. Ralph Bunche, whose untiring efforts have so greatly contributed to the success of these negotiations.

I hope that now a formal armistice has been agreed upon between Egypt and Israel, this pattern for peace will be followed rapidly in the conclusion of similar agreements between Israel and the other Arab States. The general armistice will then, I trust, lead to the attainment of permanent peace, thus freeing the talents of these Near Eastern peoples for constructive work in the development of their respective countries. As a Member of the Palestine Conciliation Commission, the United States stands ready to assist the parties to the rapid conclusion of a just and honorable peace.2

  1. Released to the press by the White House on February 24; reprinted from Department of State Bulletin, March 6, 1949, p. 302.↩
  2. The Department, on February 24, sent a joint telegram to Tel Aviv (No. 113) and to Cairo (No. 202), stating that it was “greatly encouraged by Egyptian-Israeli armistice concluded at Rhodes and particularly by the public and cordial association of Egyptian and Israeli delegations in normal negotiation relationship.” (501.BB Palestine/2–2449)↩