Sessions of the Arab League

This VERY PRELIMINARY listing of League sessions and actions has been derived from: Robert Macdonald, The League of Arab States, pp. 348-77 (which has been a tremendous inspiration to preparing this listing); Khalil, The Arab States and the Arab League: A Documentary Record; the chronologies given in each issue of the Middle East Journal; and the U.S. Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service Daily Report. I have adopted a pattern of numbering the sessions as follows: the regular March and October sessions are each numbered sequentially, intermediate sessions (including emergency sessions) are numbered with a Roman number (as in 17-I), and summit sessions are individually numbered (as in Summit-1). Muhammad Khalil has given the text of a few of the League resolutions in his valuable compilations and these are referenced in detail below. Other League resolutions from the first twelve years are given in a volume (not seen) published by the League Secretariat-General, Majma’at Qararat Majlis Jami’at ad-Duwal al-Arabiyya ("Collection of the Resolutions of the Council of the League of Arab States"); this volume covers 4 June 1945 to 17 November 1957.

I hope to see this preliminary listing expand and to see additional information (including the English-language text of resolutions) added.

Ed Haynes

• Discussion of dispute between Syria and Lebanon and France.
• Communiqué of 8 June demanded French withdrawal from Syria and Lebanon.
• Resolutions:
  • 1 (5 June 1945) On the Syria-Lebanon/France dispute - declared that the Arab League must be involved in any solution
  • 2 (6 June 1945) Declared support for Syria and Lebanon in their struggle with France

• Resolutions:
  • 7 (5 November 1945) Established funding quotas for the League: Egypt 42%, Iraq 20%, Syria 16%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Lebanon 6%, Yemen 6%, and Jordan 3%
  • 14 (27 November 1945) Adopts Cultural Treaty
  • 16 (2 December 1945), "The Boycott of Zionist Goods and Products" (Khalil, 2:161) - plans made to establish a committee to enforce the boycott
  • 17 (4 December 1945), "The Representation of Palestine on the Council of the League" (Khalil, 2:161-62) - accepted up to three representatives from Palestine

• Planning for common Arab citizenship.
• Planning for common Arab financial institutions.
• Planning for common Arab agricultural development schemes.
• Resolutions:
  • 23 (25 March 1946) Congratulated Syria and Lebanon on their independence
  • 24 (25 March 1946) Congratulated Jordan on its independence
  • 25 (25 March 1946) Supported the Egyptian demand for the withdrawal of British troops from Suez
  • 27 (28 March 1946) Formed a corporation with capitalization of £E1 million to purchase Arab land in Palestine
  • 29 Declared that the Council alone had the right to select the delegates from Palestine
  • 38 Decision to initiate formal liaison with UNESCO
  • 41 (6 April 1946) Decision to urge Italy to move toward Libyan independence
  • 45 Support for Indonesian independence
  • 50 (10 April 1946) Decision to locate the company which would purchase Arab land in Palestine (Res. 27) at a location outside of Palestine

• Resolutions:
  • 59 (10 June 1946) Decision that the Arab League should be a part of future discussions on the status of Libya
  • 62 (11 June 1946) Charged the Secretary-General to follow the activities of the Libyan commission of inquiry
  • 63 (11 June 1946), "Arab Countries not Represented in the League" (Khalil, 2:145) - Arab governments to help secure freedom for other Arab States outside the League
  • 64 (11 June 1946), "The Question of the Protectorates" (Khalil, 2:179) - Recommended that both Yemen and Great Britain find a solution to their disputes
  • 68 Call to make the boycott of Israel a major issue in all Arab League member States, to make it a part of the "creed of the Arab nations."
  • 70 (12 June 1946), "Boycott of Zionist Goods and Products" (Khalil, 2:162-63) - Boycott program to cover all Arab countries
  • 72 (12 June 1946) Urged each member State to enact legislation which made the sale of land to Zionists a crime
  • 80 (12 June 1946) Created a Higher Arab Executive for Palestine in an effort to unify the various Palestinian factions
  • 82 (12 June 1946), "The Higher Arab Executive Committee" (Khalil, 2:162) - Establish the body to coordinate efforts with regard to Palestine

• Secretary-General directed to request the British act to halt Italian immigration to Libya.
• Members urged to inform U.S. government that interference in Palestine was resented by the Arabs.
• Boycott of Jewish goods extended to land transfers.
• Note on North Africa prepared for France.
• Political Department of the Secretariat made responsible for U.N. affairs.
• Council approved draft of model treaty between Arab States and foreign nations.
• Resolutions:
  • 83 Recommended recognition of Indonesia
  • 123 (10 December 1946) Acknowledges contacts between the Government of Spain and the Arab League in an effort to resolve the situation of Spanish Morocco
  • 136 Asks the Spanish Government to further elaborate the anticipated changes of administration in Spanish Morocco
  • 138 Charges the Secretary-General to seek explanations of Spanish plans for reforms in Spanish Morocco
  • 140 (12 December 1946), "Jewish Terrorism in Palestine" (Khalil, 2:163-64) - Secretary-General to send note to the British calling for an end to Zionist terrorism
  • 142 (12 December 1946), "Rejection of Palestine Partition Plan" (Khalil, 2:164) - Reaffirmation that Palestine is a part of the Arab motherland
  • 143 Request that League members press for an end to Italian immigration to Libya

• Session attended by a Spanish delegation.
• Plans for common Arab citizenship, including common passports, deferred to member governments.
• Discussion of relations between Syria and Jordan.
• Resolutions:
  • 146 (23 March 1946) States League support for Egypt
  • 148 Affirmation of support for Egypt in its struggle with Great Britain
  • 155 (24 March 1947) Supported Libyan independence
  • 157 Secretary-General directed to assure League involvement in any resolution to the Libyan situation
  • 167 Member States urged to coordinate efforts and positions during the upcoming U.N. debates on Palestine

• Material and moral support pledged for Palestine.
• Report of the Boycott Committee approved, procedures tightened.
• Draft of Arab Army agreement approved.
• Resolutions:
  • 179 (9 October 1947) Supports Libyan independence
  • 181 (9 October 1947), "Defending Palestine" (Khalil, 2:164-65) - Reassertion of the necessity for military preparations along Arab borders
  • 182 (25 October 1947) Reiteration of complete support for Egyptian claims against Great Britain
  • 185 £E 15,000 appropriated for liaison with the U.N.
  • 198 League Cultural Committee to advise Arab delegations to UNESCO Conference, Beirut
  • 205 Discusses possible unification of currency
  • 206 Council approves economic cooperation with the U.N.

• NO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF DECISIONS.
• Council debated policy on military intervention in Palestine, deciding against formal intervention unless the U.S. and U.K. intervened militarily.

• Yemen absent.
• Palestine present.
• Council approved plan for political, military, and economic measures to be taken in response to the Palestine crisis, including withholding petroleum concessions and other possible sanctions against countries aiding the Zionists.
• Mission to Yemen investigated the murder of Imam Yahya.
• Plan approved for the All-Arab News Agency.
• Syrian plan for Arab collective security discussed.
• Recommendation for unification of trademarks and commercial documents.
• Resolutions:
  • 208 (22 February 1948) Supported Libya independence
  • 211 Council declared support for Moroccan independence
  • 213 Funds allocated to fight famine in Tripoli and Tunis

• Rejection of partition plan for Palestine.
• Cable to U.N. Security Council urging immediate halt to Dutch military actions in Indonesia.
• Resolutions:
  • 218 Council protested to the U.N. against the el-Doweima massacre

• Resolutions:
  • 231 (17 March 1949), "Demanding the Return of Palestinian Refugees to Their Homes" (Khalil, 2:165) - Council affirmed policy supporting return of all Arab refugees to Palestine and the safeguarding of their property
  • 232 League members at U.N. given freedom to determine proper course with regard to Ethiopia’s claim to Eritrea
  • 235 (19 March 1949) Calls for establishment and maintenance of direct telephone communication between the Arab States
  • 238 (21 March 1949) Called for cooperation to achieve Libyan independence at U.N. discussions of that issue
  • 240 Secretary-General authorized to assist in the formation of a Libyan delegation to the U.N.
  • 241 Council sends letter to Jawaharlal Nehru pledging Arab cooperation with Asian bloc in their common interests

• Agreement in principle on a collective security organization.
• Decision made to reduce power of the Secretariat by requiring consultation before the announcement of policy decisions by the Secretary-General.
• Proposed plan for Syrian and Iraqi unity deemed an internal affair and not subject to Council action.
• Arab delegates at the U.N. urged to support independence for Libya.
• Resolutions:
  • 245 (27 October 1945) Established rules and regulations on nationality and citizenship
  • 246 Calls for eradication of illiteracy and promotes adult literacy programs
  • 250 Declared that any member State negotiating with Israel would be in violation of Article 18 of the Arab League Pact
  • 251 (27 October 1949) Calls for negotiation to achieve a draft treaty on civil aviation
  • 256 Formation of a permanent Palestine Committee

• Egypt nominated to ICAO Council.
• Egypt nominated to ECOSOC.
• Policy of liberation, not conquest, of Palestine approved.
• Defense security pact initialed.
• Temporary Council boycott of Jordan because of Jordan’s acquisition of Eastern Palestine.
• Resolutions:
  • 286 Policy on Arab representation on U.N. Secretariat approved, urges the strengthening of Arab-Spanish ties of friendship
  • 288 Policy toward Spain confirmed
  • 289 (1 April 1950) Called for direct Yemeni-British negotiations and for a solution which would safeguard Yemen’s rights
  • 290 Council reaffirmed the status of the League as a regional organization; U.N. members to request inclusion of matter in agenda for U.N. General Assembly
  • 291 (1 April 1950), "The Yamanite-British Negotiations" (Khalil, 2:179) - Direct negotiations approved between Yemen and the U.K. and League members requested to assist in this process
  • 292 (1 April 1950), "Peace with Israel" (Khalil, 2:165-66)
  • 300 (8 April 1950), "Ships Carrying Contraband Goods and Immigrants to Israel" (Khalil, 2:166)
  • 312 (13 April 1950) Called for severance of relations with any Arab State which engaged in relations or contacts with Israel
  • 313 Urges the improvement of Arab-Spanish friendship
  • 314 (13 April 1950), "Separate Peace with Israel" (Khalil, 2:166-67) - Member states prohibited from unilateral peace with Israel
  • 318 (13 April 1950) Stated that the presence of Arab Armies in Palestine was only temporary and that when Palestine was liberated they should be withd rawn and control of the land returned to its rightful owners (Jordan was the sole dissenting vote)
  • 320 (13 April 1950), "The Policy of Arab States Towards the Question of Palestine" (Khalil, 2:166) - Boycott of Israel extended

• Special session called to discuss steps against Jordan due to her unilateral annexation of Eastern Palestine; Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria support expulsion, while Iraq pressed a compromise position (later accepted) which viewed Jordan as the "trustee" of the area.

• Jordan absent.
• Council approved plan to consider Jordan the "trustee" of Eastern Palestine.
• Collective security pact signed on 17 June by all except Jordan and Iraq.
• Resolutions:
  • 321 (12 June 1950) Acknowledges receipt of the information that East Palestine had been annexed by Jordan
  • 323 Cooperation with the U.N. on refugee matters
  • 325 (12 June 1950), "Co-Operation between the Arab States and U.N.R.W.A." (Khalil, 2:167-68) - Cooperation with UNRWA approved

• Council adjourned to await return of Arab delegations from the U.N. General Assembly.

• Revised collective security pact signed without Jordan.
• Egyptian government charged with necessary action to secure Libyan independence.
• Resolutions:
  • 331 (2 February 1951) Called for independence of a unified Libya
  • 332 (2 February 1951), "The Arab League and the Cause of World Peace" (Khalil, 2:147-48) - Council confirmed support for world peace, pledging support for principles of the U.N.

Session: 14
Date: March 1951
Place: Damascus, Syria
Chair: Jordan

• Resolutions:
  • 340 (17 March 1951) Calls on France to move toward Moroccan independence
  • 342 Developments in Libya discussed, note sent to U.N.
  • 343 Developments in Morocco discussed, note sent to France

• Resolutions:
  • 354 (19 May 1951) Allowed Arab States to attend obligatory international conferences, even if an Israeli delegation as also present
  • 356 (19 May 1951), "The Attitude of Arab States towards International Conferences and Organizations in Which Israel Participates" (Khalil, 2:168-69) - Policy established governing the attendance of Arab delegations at meetings attended by Israel, discussed preferential inter-Arab trade practices
  • 357 Boycott Office established under the Secretary-General
  • 359 Approval of eastern Economic Council, education of Arab refugee children
  • 360 Cooperation with the U.N. on refugee matters

• The session was addressed by John Blandford of UNRWA.
• The Council approved the proposal to make Arabic an official language of the FAO.
• Approval of invitation for the Secretary-General to attend the 67th session of the U.N. General Assembly.
• Resolutions:
  • 383 Policy of Arab Representation in the U.N. Secretariat discussed
  • 385 (10 October 1951) Calls on France to move toward a fair settlement of the Moroccan situation and suggests the matter be brought before the U.N.
  • 387 (10 October 1951) Policies on Libya and French North Africa Confirmed; commitment to place the case of Morocco on the agenda for the U.N. General Assembly, desire to cooperate with the U.N. in refugee matters
  • 388 (10 October 1951) Called for unity of the Nile Valley and the complete evacuation of British troops
  • 389 Cooperation with UNRWA reaffirmed
  • 390 Reaffirmation of support for Egypt against Britain
  • 403 (13 October 1951) Called for the independence of a unified Libya

• The meeting adjourned immediately after convening.

• Lebanon nominated to the U.N. Security Council.
• Lebanon raised the question of holding public meetings of the League Council.
• Formal proposal advanced for an Arab Court of Justice.
• Discussion of West German reparations to Israel.
• Resignation of Secretary-General ‘Azzam.
• Resolutions:
  • 405 Education of Arab refugee children
  • 424 Request that the German government reparations to Israel be extended to assist Palestinian refugees
  • 425 Approval of invitation for Secretary-General to attend 7th U.N. General Assembly session
  • 427 (14 September 1952), "The Question of Transferring the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Jerusalem" (Khalil, 2:169-70) - Arab governments urged to continue diplomatic efforts to prevent the transfer of the Israeli foreign ministry to Jerusalem, established means of serving summons and executing powers of attorney throughout the Arab world
  • 428 The question of Arab representation in the U.N. Secretariat to be raised in the 5th Comm., General Assembly, established procedures for inter-Arab execution of judgments
  • 429 Established inter-Arab extradition agreements
  • 435 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 437 Education of Arab refugee children
  • 443 Calls for eradication of illiteracy and promotes adult literacy programs
  • 450 Calls for cooperation with international organizations in coordinating cultural policy
  • 457 Calls for increased exchanges of professors and students
  • 460 Cooperation with the U.N. on refugee matters, call for an increase in U.N. funding for Palestinian refugees
  • 461 (13 September 1952) Allows Arab States to participate in international conference with Israeli delegations in attendance
  • 462 (23 September 1952), "The Palestinian Refugees" (Khalil, 2:170-71) - Policy toward Palestinian refugees to be based on the principle of their eventual return
  • 463 (23 September 1952), "Regional Conferences Attended by Israel" (Khalil, 2:171) - Policy of boycotting conferences attended by Israel extended to NGOs
  • 464 Arab U.N. delegations to unify efforts and Arab U.N. delegations to forward reports to the League
  • 466 (23 September 1952) Established boycott against companies having branches in Israel
  • 469 (23 September 1952) Called for the establishment of a Palestine Department within the Secretariat
  • 470 Approval of £E 10,000 for propaganda at the U.N.
  • 471 Palestinian Department established in the Secretariat and given supervision on the Boycott Office
  • 473 (23 September 1952), "The All-Palestinian Government" (Khalil, 2:171)
  • 482 Boycott extended to foreign companies with branches in Israel

• Council convened at the level of Arab diplomatic representatives in Cairo.
• Membership application for Libya approved.
• Support for Egypt reaffirmed in its conflict with the British over their Suez Canal military base.
• Discussion of West German reparations to Israel.
• Discussion of the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles to the Middle East.
• Lebanon proposed that public meetings of the League Council be held; this was approved in principle, but shelved.
• Boycott activities were extended to Cyprus.
• Resolutions:
  • 484 Dispatch of delegation to Germany to negotiate distribution of reparations payments to Israel
  • 485 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 492 Education of Arab refugee children
  • 494 Regarding social cooperation
  • 518 Urged caution with regard to imports from Cyprus to ensure that goods are not of Israeli origin
  • 520 Urged member States to pressure friendly nations to sever airline links with ISrael, called for severance of oil links with Israel
  • 521 (9 March 1953) Suggests postponement of discussion of issues related to Algerian independence
  • 522 Cooperation with the U.N. on refugee matters, established uniform policy of issuing travel documents to Palestinian refugees
  • 523 (9 April 1953), "The North African Questions" (Khalil, 2:155-56)
  • 528 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 529 Regarding social cooperation
  • 543 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 546 Regarding social cooperation
  • 547 Regarding social cooperation
  • 549 (9 April 1953) Established the Arab Postal Union (APU)
  • 551 (9 April 1953) Called to move toward the integration of inter-Arab land and air communications links
  • 552 (9 April 1953) Called for activities to restorer the Hejaz Railway Line to service
  • 554 (9 April 1953) Called for talks to establish a joint Arab shipping company (proposed by Lebanon)
  • 555 (9 April 1953) Called for talks to promote inter-Arab riverine navigation
  • 556 (9 April 1953) Established the Arab Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Union
  • 558 (9 April 1953) Urged friendly foreign governments to avoid commercial and trade contacts with Israel, extended boycott to any companies having any branches in Israel, shipping and airline companies were encouraged not to include any Israeli destinations in their routes, urged moves to integrate Arab basic industries
  • 560 Established Arab League relations with Ethiopia
  • 568 (4 April 1953) Called for support for Egypt and a settlement of the dispute

• Representatives of North African areas in attendance.
• General statement of support for Egypt in conflicts with Britain.
• General statement of support for Palestine.
• General statement of support for the implementation of the Arab Collective Security Pact.
• General statement of support for Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia and for the including of their cases in the agenda of the U.N. General Assembly.
• General statement of support of programs to relieve the suffering of Arab refugees.
• Allocation of £E 90,000 for information activities.
• Resolutions:
  • 571 (9 May 1953), "The General International Situation" (Khalil, 2:149) - The League Council resolved to contribute its full share to peace and security based on the principles of justice, freedom, and sovereignty, in accordance with commitments under the Arab League and the United Nations, call for the U.N. to increase support for Palestinian refugees
  • 577 (9 May 1953) Established funding quotas for the League: Egypt 40%, Iraq 17%, Syria 13.5%, Saudi Arabia 15.5%, Lebanon 6%, Yemen 3%, Jordan 3%, and Libya 2%

• Continue support to bring the Moroccan and Tunisian questions before the U.N.
• Allocated £E 1,000,000 to assist Jordan in defending against Israeli border attacks.
• Approved the resolutions of the Economic Conference held at Beirut, Lebanon.
• Approved the Trade Agreements Treaty.
• Approved the Payments Treaty.
• Resolutions:
  • 581 (7 September 1953) Expresses support for the struggle of the Moroccan and Tunisian people for independence
  • 583 (7 September 1953) Calls on member States to work through embassies in their capitals to achieve independence for Morocco and Tunisia
  • 584 The Council protested the exile of Mohammed ben Yusef (of Morocco) and supported Moroccan political aims; it continued its efforts to submit the Moroccan and Tunisian questions to the U.N. General Assembly
  • 585 (7 September 1953) Calls on member States to work through their diplomatic representatives around the world to achieve independence for Morocco and Tunisia
  • 588 (7 September 1953) Called for lowering on inter-Arab tariff and trade barriers and agreed that all Arab Sates should grant each other "Most Favored Nation" trading status
  • 589 The Council reviewed the agenda for the 8th U.N. General Assembly and urged the Arab states to unify their stands, to cooperate with other Afro-Asian states, to support Arab candidates for U.N. posts (Iraq for the Security Council), and to cooperate with other Afro-Asian delegations to support a single candidate for the presidency of the General Assembly, called for severance of oil links with Israel
  • 592 Supported the continuation of the U.N. Commission on Libya

• Called for stronger diplomatic ties, political exchanges, and cultural ties with the Latin American bloc.
• Supported Yemen and Egypt in their disputes with the British.
• Discussed the proposed alliance of Turkey, Iraq, and Pakistan.
• Disapproved the invitation from the U.N. Secretary-General for Jordan to meet with the Israeli U.N. delegation.
• Resolutions:
  • 595 (11 January 1954) Linked cooperation with the West to a solution to the Egyptian dispute with Britain
  • 596 (19 January 1954) Expressed support for Yemen and stated intent to send an Arab League mission to Yemen to reinforce this support
  • 598 (1 January 1954), "Aggression by the British Authorities against the Yamanite Regions Known as the Protectorates" (Khalil, 2:179-80)
  • 599 Set up a relief fund for North African children
  • 600 (1 January 1954), "The Projects Relating to River Jordan and Its Sources" (Khalil, 2:171-72) - Discussed the Jordan River development project
  • 601 Called for severance of oil links with Israel
  • 605 (21 January 1954), "Co-operation between the States of the Arab League and the States of the Asian-African Bloc" (Khalil, 2:149) - Called for stronger diplomatic ties and political exchanges with the Afro-Asian bloc
  • 609 Urges the improvement of Arab-Spanish friendship
  • 612 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies, approved committee recommendations expressing the need for such a body
  • 618 Calls for the standardization of Arabic scientific terminology
  • 621 Calls for a standardization in the Arabic translation of foreign words
  • 625 Calls for the granting of educational scholarships to Arab of Muslim students from non-Arab countries
  • 628 Calls for increased exchanges of professors and students
  • 633 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 634 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 635 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 636 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 637 (January 1954) Calls for implementation of those portions of the Cultural Treaty calling for the establishment on national cultural offices in other member States, calls for cooperation with UNESCO in this project
  • 638 Calls for the creation of an Arab encyclopedia
  • 640 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 668 Calls on friendly foreign states to refrain from recognizing Israel
  • 669 Calls on friendly foreign states to refrain from maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel
  • 674 Established standardized penalties for violators of boycott regulations regarding Israel
  • 677 (27 January 1954) Allows Arab athletic teams to attend international competitions attended by Israelis, but required that they not compete directly with Israeli athletes
  • 680 Called for establishment of supervisory office in Cyprus to oversee Arab imports from Cyprus to ensure non-Israeli origin of goods
  • 685 (27 January 1954) Regarding German reparations payments to Israel
  • 690 Established Arab League relations with Turkey
  • 692 Established Arab League relations with Kuwait and Qatar
  • 693 Established standardized penalties for violators of boycott regulations regarding ISrael
  • 696 Called for establishment of supervisory office in Cyprus to oversee Arab imports from Cyprus to ensure non-Israeli origin of goods
  • 711 Established uniform policy of issuing travel documents to Palestinian refugees
  • 728 Education of Arab refugee children

• Jordan Valley scheme discussed.
• Council approved plan for new Secretariat building.
• Resolutions:
  • 741 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 742 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 746 (11 March 1954) Transferred administration of the blockade on Israel to the Military Secretariat of the League
  • 750 (2 April 1954) Reiterated League support for Yemen
  • 753 (3 April 1954), "The Report of the League’s Mission to Yaman" (Khalil, 2:180) - The Yemen Mission thanked; support pledged to the Imam
  • 755 (5 April 1954) £E 15,000 appropriated for relief of North African refugees, addresses German reparations payments to Israel
  • 756 Education of Arab refugee children
  • 757 (5 April 1954), "American Financial Grants to Israel" (Khalil, 2:172) - Protest to the U.S.A. regarding aid to Israel
  • 758 (5 April 1954), "Supervision of the Implementation of the Convention Regarding German Reparations to Israel" (Khalil, 2:172) - Negotiations to be continued with West Germany over reparations to Israel
  • 759 Policy on UNRWA project for Arab refugee education discussed
  • 761 Regarding social cooperation
  • 762 The Council supported Political Committee Recommendation of candidates for WHO Executive Board, including Syria for the WHO regional group
  • 768 Supporting cooperation with UNESCO
  • 770 The Council offered assistance to Pakistan in the diffusion of Arab culture and language
  • 772 Regarding the Institute of Higher Arab Studies
  • 773 (5 May 1954) Established regulations governing change of citizenship from one member State to another
  • 774 Harsh sentences for Tunisian and Moroccan nationalist leaders protested
  • 785 (6 April 1954), "Aggression of Israel against the Armistice Regions of Palestine" (Khalil, 2:173) - Council approved military action to resist Israeli aggression in demilitarized zones
  • 788 The Council supported Political Committee Recommendation of candidates for ILO Executive Board

• Arab U.N. delegations authorized to decide on best candidates for U.N. committees.
• U.N. delegations urged to press the issues of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia by all possible means.
• Request for the transfer of UNRWA functions to the Arab States rejected.
• Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Jordan urged to seek membership in the ILO.
• Discussion for proposal for the translation of U.N. documents into Arabic.
• Member States encouraged to use their good offices toward the resolution of the Cyprus dispute.
• Support given to Indonesia in their dispute with the Dutch over New Guinea.
• Council reaffirmed its decision to seek a peaceful settlement of the dispute between Aden and Yemen.

• The Council discussed the extension of the Arab Collective Security Pact to defend the Arab States from foreign aggression.
• The North Africa question was discussed.
• The Israeli diversion of the Jordan River was discussed.
• Examination of the smuggling of oil into Israel.
• Talal Hussein was appointed as the Chairman of the League Cultural Committee.
• Resolutions:
  • 829 (11 December 1954), "The Asian-African Conference to be held in Djakarta (Khalil, 2:149-50) - Approval of proposed Afro-Asian conference in Jakarta

• Discussion of the national status of political refugees.
• Discussion of Libya’s request for economic assistance.
• Discussion of the dispute between Yemen and Great Britain.
• Decision to raise the question of Arabs in Israel before the U.N. General Assembly.

• Decided to urge NATO not to allow France to use military force to crush the North African uprisings.
• Support advanced for Greece in the Cyprus dispute.
• The Jordan River development plans were referred to a technical committee.
• The Arab League flag was adopted.
• Information Offices were approved for Latin America and East Asia.
• Postponed the question of the Palestinian refugees.
• Resolutions:
  • 1018 (1 October 1955), "Posts in the Secretariat of the United Nations" (Khalil, 2:150) - Studied the U.N. agenda and made nominations for vacant U.N. posts
  • 1020 (14 October 1955), "Application of the Imama of Oman for Admission to the League of Arab States" (Khalil, 2:177) - Discussion of Oman’s application for membership
  • 1030 (14 October 1955), "The Preservation of the Properties of the Palestinian Refugees" (Khalil, 2:173-74) -
  • 1031 (14 October 1955), "A. The Grant of Loans to Palestine Refugees on Their Usurped Properties in Israel; B. The Agreement for the Release of Funds and Schedules of the Palestine Arabs; C. A Proposal for the Formation of a United Nations Agency for Taking Care of the Palestine Refugees’ Properties in Israel, and of Another Committee to Claim Their Rights and Make Compensation for Their Losses; D. The Projects of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and Those of Other International Organs for Settling the Palestine Refugees" (Khalil, 2:174-75) -
  • 1035 (14 October 1955), "The Algerian Question" (Khalil, 2:156) - Discussed the question of Algeria
  • 1036 (14 October 1955), "The Question of Morocco" (Khalil, 2:156) - Discussed the question of Morocco
  • 1037 (14 October 1955), "The Attitude of the French Authorities towards the Offer of Arab Assistance to the Distressed People of Algeria and Morocco" (Khalil, 2:157) - Discussed French policies in North Africa
  • 1075 (15 October 1955), "The Question of Commercial Treaties between Israel and Foreign States, and the Unification of the Measures Which Should Be Taken by All the Arab States in Connection with This Question" (Khalil, 2:175) -

• Sudan was admitted as an Arab League member, 19 January.

• Abd el-Krim, Rif leader, appeared before the Council to urge a boycott of France.
• A decision was made to establish annual celebrations of Bandung Day on 18 April.
• Decisions made on U.N. nominations and on joint U.N. action with other Afro-Asian bloc nations.
• The boycott of Israel was strengthened.
• Iraq requested an inquiry by the Military Commission (under authority of the 1950 Security Pact) into Israeli aggression.
• The Hammarskjold mission was discussed.
• Establishment of Information Offices in Brazil, Geneva, and Argentina.
• Representatives to be sent to Karachi and New Delhi by the League.
• Resolutions:
  • 1108 (29 March 1956), "The Support for the Algerian People and the Deprecation of France’s Aggression" (Khalil, 2:157)
  • 1127 (12 April 1956), "The Imama of Oman" (Khalil, 2:177)
  • 1131 (12 April 1956), "The Question of Algeria" (Khalil, 2:158)

• Resolutions:
  • 1199 (12 August 1956), "The Support of Egypt’s Decision to Nationalize the Suez Canal" (Khalil, 2:151) - The League formally supported Egypts’s actions regarding the Suez Canal
  • 1200 (13 August 1956), "The Solidarity of the Arab States with Egypt" (Khalil, 2:151-52) - The League pledged solidarity with Egypt

• Resolutions:
  • 1201 (15 October 1956), "The Attitude of Certain Western States towards Egypt’s Decision to Nationalize the Suez Canal" (Khalil, 2:152-53) - Pledged support for Egypt under the terms of the 1950 Collective Security Pact in the event the U.N. refused to act in the face of international aggression against Egypt
  • 1207 (22 October 1956), "The Question of the Imama of Oman" (Khalil, 2:177) - The situation of Oman was discussed

• Algerian nationalist leaders appeared before the Council and received its support.
• The Council reasserted the right of Palestinians to return to their homes.
• Resolutions:
  • 1293 (21 March 1957), "The Situation after the Withdrawal of the Forces of Aggression from Egyptian Territory" (Khalil, 2:153) - The council reaffirmed Egypt’s policy with regard to the Suez Canal, including the exclusion of Israeli shipping
  • 1328 (30 March 1957), "The British Aggression on Yamanite Territory" (Khalil, 2:180) -
  • 1334 (30 March 1957), "The Zionist Attempts to Compel the Jews in Foreign Countries to Migrate to Palestine" (Khalil, 2:175)
  • 1336 (30 March 1957), "Israel’s Attempts to Compel Its Resident Arabs to Exchange Their Properties for Properties of Jews Residing in the Arab States" (Khalil, 2:175-76) - Rejected schemes to resettle Palestinians
  • 1373 (24 April 1957), "The Report of the League’s Mission to Yaman" (Khalil, 2:181) - Report from the Yemen mission (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen)

• Resolutions:
  • 1378 (12 August 1957), "The Question of the Imama of Oman" (Khalil, 2:178)
  • 1385 (4 September 1957), "The Present Financial Position of the Secretary-General" (Khalil, 2:145)

• Jordan did not attend.
• Arab U.N. representatives were instructed to support Greek Cypriots in their demands for self-determination.
• The Oman question was to be referred to the U.N. Security Council.
• Approval given for an Arab committee of experts to attend the Conference on the International Law of the Sea, Geneva, 1958.
• Arab diplomatic representatives in West Germany reported on the state of German-Israeli relations.
• The Council pledged support and assistance to Algerian refugees.
• The plan for Arab economic unity was studied

• Funds were voted to support the provisional Algerian government.
• The partition of Algeria was opposed.
• The Council recommended that the U.N. take action supporting independence for the Cameroons.
• Israeli border violations were studied.
• Support was given to the Sheikh of Bahrain against Iranian claims to the island.
• Discussions were initiated with the U.N. Secretary-General regarding the distribution of Arab staff members.

• A special session called on complaint of Lebanon against the UAR.
• The session adjourned without decision.

• Tunisia was admitted to League membership.
• The Tunisian delegation walked out, after accusing the UAR of dominating the League for its own purposes.
• Algeria was admitted to League membership.
• The plan for an Arab Common Market was studied.
• Resolutions:
  • 1539 (18 October 1958), "Annual Budget for Aiding Algeria" (Khalil, 2:158-59) - The Council voted to assess US$34,000,000 for the support of the provisional Algerian Government

• The Council approved nominations from U.N. bodies.
• The Council urged the consolidation of Afro-Asian ties.
• The Council approved the League sending missions to African countries.
• The dangers of Israeli expansion were studied, focusing on the problem of the immigration of European Jews.
• A protest was drafted regarding Italian trade with Israel.
• Plans were made to coordinate Palestine policy.
• Refugee problems were examined.
• Aid was pledged to Oman against the British.
• Approval was accorded to the report on the resolutions of the Geneva Conference on Laws of the Seas.
• Plans were studied for increasing the number of League offices in world capitals.

• Iraq, Jordan, and Tunisia were absent.
• The Council approved recommendations of the meeting of Arab experts held in Sofar, Lebanon, 8-18 August 1957.
• The agenda was approved for the Casablanca Conference.

• Tunisia and Iraq were absent.
• The Council called for an international U.N. commission to study the refugee situation in Algeria.
• The NATO powers were urged to cease support of France in North Africa.
• Diplomatic representations were to be made to Afro-Asian states urging recognition of the Algerian government.
• The League voted $34,400,000 to support Algeria.
• Proposals were studied to modernize the League charter.
• The question on Oman was discussed.
• The question of Yemen was discussed.
• A protest was drafted regarding French atomic bomb tests in the Sahara.
• A twelve-mile maritime limit was approved for Arab states.
• Lebanon was supported for the presidency of the FAO.
• Little progress was made on any coordinated policy on Palestine.

• Tunisia and Iraq were absent.
• The Syrian-Israeli border clashes were discussed.
• The proposed diversion of the Jordan River by Israel was discussed.
• The provisional Algerian government was urged to send representatives to all League meetings; previously, they had sent only observers.
• Potential conflict between Jordan and the UAR regarding an autonomous Palestinian state.
• Iraq and Tunisia were threatened with expulsion for their repeated boycotts of League sessions.
• A commission of five experts, presided over by the Secretary-General, was established to developed a program for unified action on Palestine.
• Other business was postponed.

• The Council debated the organization of a proposed Palestinian government.
• French atomic bomb tests in the Sahara were denounced; sanctions against France were proposed.
• Study was given to the situation in Yemen and to its relations with Britain.
• The Council called for Arab volunteers to fight in Algeria.
• The Arab cultural program was examined.

• Iraq rejoined the Council.
• Tunisia remained absent because of a dispute with the UAR.
• The Council approved efforts to help Arab volunteers join Algerian forces.
• Efforts in the U.N. General Assembly aimed at ending the Algerian war to be renewed.
• NATO nations were urged to cease support of France in Algeria.
• Arab League members were urged to call off press and radio campaigns aimed at one another and to work, instead, for solidarity.
• Approval was given to an Economic Council resolution on unannounced crude oil price reductions.
• The validity of laissez passer for refugees was extended by two years.
• Lebanon was supported as a candidate for membership on the Human Rights Commission.
• Iraq was nominated to the Atomic Energy Agency executive board.
• A draft agreement between the League and the Arab Postal Union was approved.

• Tunisia rejoined the Council; all members were present for the first time since 1958.
• Adoption of secret Arab League plan to prevent Israel from diverting the Jordan River waters to the Negev; the reported policy of forceful action was regarded as a reversal of prior League policies.
• Decision to strengthen actions to weaken Israeli diplomatic inroads in Africa.
• Arab policy toward Iran and Cyprus reviewed in the light of Israeli relations there.
• Official Arab League delegation to be sent to U.S. President J. F. Kennedy to explain Arab policies.
• Pressure to be brought to bear in and out of the U.N. for a resolution of the Algeria situation.
• Arab states to oppose French atomic testing and French nuclear science assistance to Israel
• Endorsement of Mongi Slim of Algeria as U.N. General Assembly president.
• Questions of Oman and Palestinian refugees to be raised before the 15th U.N. General Assembly.
• Arab opposition to U.N. membership for Mauritania to continue.
• Approval of nomination of Dr. Mustafa Kamil Yasin to U.N. International Law Committee.
• Fuad Amoun (Lebanon) supported for membership on World Court.
• Iraq and Tunisia supported for seats on the WHO Executive Council.
• Approval of joint Arab League-UNESCO training center for senior education officials, to be established in Beirut.
• Discussion (without action) or proposed amendments to the Arab League charter.

• Algerian delegation attended.
• Discussion of the Algerian situation.
• Discussion of the Israeli diversion of the Jordan River waters.
• Discussions of Israeli activities in Africa.
• Discussions on Israel-Cyprus relations.
• Opposition to Mauritanian membership in the U.N.
• Approved the program and budget for the 3rd Arab Games, Casablanca, Morocco.
• Proposal discussed for an Arab encyclopedia.
• Proposal discussed for a League-sponsored conference on narcotics.
• Decisions reached on League support for nominees for U.N. offices.
• Morocco supported for membership in executive board of the IAEA.

• Special meeting to consider Iraq’s threat to annex Kuwait.
• Kuwait admitted to membership, 20 July; adhered to Collective Security Pact and the League economic schemes.
• Iraq walked out of the Council in protest.
• Resolution on the Kuwait crisis: (1) Kuwait to request withdrawal of British troops; (2) Arab League to support Kuwaiti membership in the U.N.; and (3) Arab League to take necessary steps to safeguard Kuwaiti independence.

• Iraq absent.
• Council approved secret plan to counter "Zionist aggressive activities."
• Council called for closer ties with African states to counter Israeli activities there.
• Economic problems referred to the upcoming meeting of the Economic Council.
• Council recommended that members review their relations with South Africa because of its racist policies.
• Support given UAR for membership in the U.N. Administrative Tribunal.
• Support for Lebanon for reelection to FAO executive council.
• Supported Lebanon for the executive council of the ICAO.
• Approved the recommendations of the 4th session of the Permanent Information Committee.
• Supported the establishment of the Arab Federation of War Veterans and encouraged the establishment of national veterans’ bodies.

• No report available.
• Met during the U.N. General Assembly session to discuss a unified policy on Palestine.

• Council met to consider Syria’s withdrawal from the United Arab Republic; examined UAR allegations that Syria had displayed bad faith and been involved in fraudulent activities.
• Readmitted Syria to Arab League membership, 29 October.
• The League rejected UAR allegations against Syria and assigned Secretary-General Hassouna to mediate between Syria and UAR.

• Iraq absent.
• Discussed Israeli plans for diverting the waters of the Jordan River.
• Decided to call an emergency session of the Joint Defense Council in this regard.

• Iraq and Kuwait absent.
• Oman and Algeria represented.
• Discussion of the Israeli diversion of the Jordan River.
• Discussion of problems along Jordanian-Israeli borders.
• Discussion of Israel’s bid to join the European Community.
• Discussion of Arab ties with Africa.
• Confirmed Arab support and aid for Algeria and vowed to increase pressure for a settlement there.
• Decision to open Arab League offices in Jerusalem and Lagos.
• Supported Morocco for the U.N. Security Council.
• Supported the UAR and Lebanon for the executive council of ICAO.
• Supported Tunisia for election to the WHO executive council.
• Supported Sudan for the executive council of UNICEF.
• Supported Jordan for the U.N. Budget and Administrative Affairs Consultative Committee.

• Emergency session.
• Promised the Algerian Provisional Government "continuous and unlimited support."

• Iraq absent.
• Algeria admitted to membership, 16 August.

• Iraq absent.
• The Council convened to hear Syria’s complaint of UAR meddling in its internal affairs.
• Syria accused that UAR was working covertly with the USA to liquidate the Palestinian refugee problem.
• The UAR walked out of the Council session on 31 August.
• Since the UAR was not present to defend itself, the meeting adjourned, but the session remained officially open.
• In 1963, the League decided to remove all minutes of this session from the official records.

• Iraq and UAR absent.
• Confirmed the appointment of Secretary-General Abdel Khalek Hassouna for a third five-year term, 15 September.
• Discussed Palestinian issues before the U.N. General Assembly.
• Discussed League nominations for U.N. posts.
• Approved the recommendations of the Israel boycott conference.
• The session remained open, reconvening in New York, NY, USA, during the U.N. General Assembly session.

• Jordan absent.
• The UAR ended its boycott of the League.
• New governments in Syria and Iraq announced their support for the League.
• The Council denounced the Israeli campaign against German scientists in the UAR and (1) called on member states to make diplomatic representations to the West German government, and (2) called for special meetings of the Joint Defense Council to deal with the issue.
• Syria withdrew its complaint against the UAR and records of the August 1962 session (in Shtura) were expunged.
• The Council reaffirmed support for the Yemen republic.
• The Council approved nominations of permanent Yemen and UAR delegates to the Council.
• French nuclear testing in Algeria was condemned.
• The financial situation of the League was discussed.

• Jordan attended; the first time in years that all members were present.
• The meetings were overshadowed by ongoing Arab Unity talks Iraq-Syria-UAR-Algeria.
• Major efforts at improving the financial situation of the League.
• No public report available.

Session: Summit-1
Date: January 1964
Place: Cairo, UAR
Chair: Iraq

• First Arab Summit Meeting, called by UAR.

• Second Arab Summit Meeting.

• Boycotted by the "rejectionist" states, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, Libya, and PDR Yemen.
• Emergency session called to discuss Israel’s invasion of Lebanonand the Arab Deterrent Force in Lebanon.
• Discussed the need for Arab solidarity and debated the best means to close Arab ranks against Israeli aggression.
• Proposal from AR Yemen to hold an Arab summit to restore Arab solidarity and consider Israeli aggression.

• Resolution to withdraw Arab ambassadors from Egypt.
• Resolution to recommend severance of political and diplomatic relations with Egypt.
• Resolution to suspend Egypt’s membership in the League from the date of its signing a peace treaty with Israel.
• Resolution to make the city of Tunis, Tunisia, the temporary headquarters of the League

• Reelected Secretary-General Chedli Klibi for another five-year term.

• Emergency Session.
• Boycott by 17 of the 21 active League members; boycotting: Syria, Lebanon, PDR Yemen, and Algeria.
• Egypt barred.
• Reaffirmed the Fez Conference.
• Condemned Iran for its war with Iraq.
• Formed a committee to resolve Jordan-Syria and Syria-Iraq relations.
• Formed a committee to resolve Iraq-Libya and Libya-Palestine relations.

• Warned that "threats and troop movements" against Libya could have "disastrous" consequences; warning clearly directed at the U.S.A.

• Arab Summit.
• Jordan called for readmission of Egypt to the League.
• Support for Iraq in its war with Iran.
• Discussion of the Lebanese situation.
• Collective aid to Jordan, Syria, and Palestine ended.

• Emergency Arab Summit.
• Palestine denied sole control over funds coming to it from the Arab League.
• Promise of "all necessary help" for the Intifadah.
• Reiterated League support for an international peace conference for Palestine under U.N. auspices.

• Reelected Secretary-General Chedli Klibi for another term.

• The Foreign Ministers agreed—in principle—to relocate the League headquarters back to Cairo.

• Emergency session.
• Voted to move League headquarters back to Cairo; this step was opposed by Tunisia and Morocco.

• First regular meeting back in Cairo.
• First session since the beginning of Gulf War II where all League members were present.

• The League unanimously elected Ismat Abd al-Majid as Secretary-General

• Emergency session.
• Resolved to ask the U.N. to suspend sanctions against Libya until the International Court of Justice could rule on the extradition of suspects in the bombing of Pan American flight 103.

• Established a committee (Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania) to negotiate between Iraq and Kuwait; both Iraq and Kuwait disapproved of this.

Last revised 6 April 1998, Ed Haynes
http://haynese.winthrop.edu/mlas/ALSessions.html
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