Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

Statement Released by the Department of State¹

undated

The appointment of Paul A. Porter as United States Representative of the United Nations Palestine Conciliation Commission was announced by the White House on July 16, 1949.² Mr. Porter recently served as Chief of the American Economic Mission to Greece with the personal rank of Ambassador.

The Palestine Conciliation Commission is charged with the task of facilitating settlement of all issues outstanding between Israel and the Arab States under the General Assembly resolution of December 11, 1948. This government attaches great importance to a speedy solution of these issues and offers its unqualified support in the fulfillment of the Commission’s task.

This government welcomes the resumption of the Lausanne meetings, which represent a further advance in the direction of peace between Israel and the Arab States. The recent discussions at Lausanne were of material benefit in clarifying the respective positions of the two parties. In the opinion of the United States as a participating member of the Commission, the groundwork has now been laid for constructive negotiations in which both parties must cooperate to the full if the area of disagreement is to be progressively narrowed and a final settlement obtained.

1. Reprinted from Department of State Bulletin, July 25, 1949, p. 98. This source Joes not indicate the date of release.
2. The American Delegation at Lausanne was notified of Mr. Porter’s appointment in Unpal 186, July 16, which also informed that Mr. Porter planned to leave the United States immediately for Lausanne (501.BB Palestine/7–1649).