Arabs in Jerusalem Suburb Vote for Ticket Sponsored by Mapai

Today’s national elections started here at six o’clock in the morning with a Sefardio Jew asking for the privilege of being the first voter. He was granted his request by the election committee at one of the station

The elections in Jerusalem passed in a Sabbath-like atmosphere, with all commercial enterprises and offices dosed for the day. The most picturesque election were visible at the Arab village of Abu Gosh, near Jerusalem, where the polling station was be flagged and gaily decorated. The entire Arab population of the village assembled in front of the station to cast their votes.

The Arabs in this village voted for the first time in their lives. Their were checked by a committee of five, including two Arab teachers. Most of the voters in Abu Gosh apparently cast their ballots for the Workers and Progressive Fellahin ticket sponsored by Mapai, although the chief of the village is a Sternist candidate.

ARRIVAL OF MEMBERS OF U.N. CONCILIATION GROUP OVERSHADOWED BY ELECTIONS

The arrival here last night of members of the United Nations Palestine Conciliation Commission was overshadowed by last minute election speeches made simultaneously by leading Mapai, Mapam and Mizrachi leaders in halls, movie theatres and other public places. Jerusalem’s Jews turned out to hear late pre-election campaigning by Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok, Dr. Moshe Sneh, leader of the United Party, and Rabbi Meir Berlin, member of the State Council and top Mizrachi leader.

Claude Deboissanger, French member of the conciliation body, and F. Wilkens. And J. Halderjan, American advisors to the U.N. commission, arrived in Jerusalem last night, while Hysseyid C, Yaltchin, Turkish member of the group, is due here Thursday. The Commission members were met by representatives of the U.N. truce observers at Halandia airfield In the Arab area and were conducted through the Jewish lines to Government House which will serve as official headquarters. The building will be jointly by ten Israeli and ten Transjordanian troops, under the command of Loriaux, of the Belgian Army.