Supporters of U Thant

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S-0861-0006-08-00001

Expanded Number S-0861 -0006-08-00001

Title items-in-Peace-keeping operations - Middle East - supporters of U Thant

Date Created 08/04/1967

Record Type Archival Item

Container s-0861 -0006: Peace-Keeping Operations Files of the Secretary-General: U Thant: Middle East

Print Name of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit Interview with Ambassador Gideon Rafael -"Maariv" 8.4, 1967

Questions Do you think that the Secretary General of the United Rations was mistaken in his handling the UKEF problem and its withdrawal from Egyptian soil?

Answer! " I have said already and I am repeating? The Secretary General tried to control the situation and failed hut he can not be blamed for it. I oppose the tendency which triejs to/ put the blame for what took place in the Middle East on the Secretary- Beneral. U Thant is not responsible for the crisis in the Middle- East. The ones to blame are; Hasser, and the Soviets who have incited him to do it. PRESS-RELEASE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS * 33 136 EAST 67th STREET, NEW YORK 21, N. Y. . May 24 ,19 67

SOVIET GOVERNMENT'S STATEMENT

The following is the text of the Soviet Government's Statement on the situation in the Near East. A situation, giving rise to anxiety from the view point of the interests of peace and international security, has been taking shape in the Near East in recent weeks. After the armed attack by Israeili forces on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic on April 7th this year, Israel's ruling circles continued aggravating the atmosphere of military psychosis in this country. Leading statesmen, including foreign minister Eban, openly called for large-scale Israeli "punitive" operations against Syria and the striking of "a decisive blow" upon her. The defence and foreign policy committees of the Knesseth (Parliament) on May 9th granted the Government powers for military operations against Syria. Israeli troops moved to the frontiers of Syria were alerted. Mobilization was proclaimed in the country. It is quite clear that Israel could not act in this way if not for the direct and indirect encouragement it had for its position from certain imperialist circles which seek to bring back colonial oppression to Arab lands. These circles regard Israel in the present conditions as the main force against Arab countries which pursue an independent national policy and resist pressure from imperialism. Israeli extremists apparently hoped to take Syria by surprise and deal a blow at it single-handed. But they miscalculated. Showing solidarity with the courageous struggle of the Syrian people who are upholding their independence and sovereign rights, Arab States—the United Arab Republic, Iraq, Algeria, Yemen, Lebanon, Kuwait, Sudan, and Jordan—declared their determination to help Syria in the event of an attack by Israel. The United Arab Republic, honouring its allied commitments for joint defence with Syria, took steps to contain the aggression. Considering that the presence of U.N. troops in the Gaza area and the S inai Peninsula would give Israel in this situation advantages for staging a military provocation- against Arab countries, the U.A.R. Government asked the United Nations to pull out its troops from this area. A number of Arab States voiced their readi- ness to place their armed forces at the disposal of the joint Arab command to repel Israeli aggression. As is known, the Soviet Government warned the Government of Israel in connection with the April 7th armed provocation, that it will bear the responsibility for the consequences of its aggressive policy. It appears that - 2 - a reasonable approach has not yet triumphed in Tel-Avive. As a result Israel is again to blame for a dangerous aggravation of tension in the Near East. The question arises: what interests dees the State of Israel serve by pursuing such a policy? If they calculate in Tel-Avive that it will play the role of a colonial overseer of the imperialist Powers over the peoples of the Arab East, there is no need to prove the groundlessness of such calculations in this age when the peoples of whole continents have shaken off the fetters of colonial oppression and are now building an independent life. For decades the Soviet Union has been giving all-round assistance to the peoples of Arab countries in their just struggle for national liberation against colonialism and for the advancement of their economy. But let no one have any doubts about the fact that should anyone tryto unleash aggression in the Near East he would be met not only with the united strength of Arab countries but also with strong opposition to aggression from the Soviet Union and all peace-loving states. It is the firm belief of the Soviet Government that the peoples have no interest in kindling a military conflict in the Middle East. It is only a handful of colonial oil monopolies and their hangers-on who can be interested in such a conflict. It is only the forces of imperialism with Israel following in the wake of their policy that can be interested in it. The Soviet Government keeps a close watch on the developments in the Near East. It proceeds from the fact that the maintenance of peace and security in the area directly adjacent to the Soviet borders, meets the vital interests of the Soviet peoples. With due account taken of the situation the Soviet Union is doing and will continue to do everything in its power to prevent a violation of peace and security in the Near East and safeguard the legitimate rights of the peoples. PERMANENT MISSION OF KUWAIT TO THE UNITED NATIONS 235 EAST 42ND STREET NEW YORK 17, NEW YORK TELEPHONE: MURRAY H1L-L 7-8284

PRESS RELEASE

26 May 19&7

KUWAIT COMMUNIQUES ASSERT SOLIDARITY IN FIGHT AGAINST THE ISRAILI AGGRESSION

In an expression of Arab solidarity the National Assembly of Kuwait and the Kuwait Council of Ministers issued two separate communiques following their meetings of the 16th and 18th May 196? respectively. The first communique" dated 16th May stated as follows:

"THE KUWAIT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DECLARES ITS STRONG DENUNCIATION OF THE ZIONIST AMASSMENTS OF TROOPS ON THE BORDERS OF SISTER SYRIA, AND DECLARES THAT THE COUNTRY WILL CONTRIBUTE WITH ALL ITS CAPABILITIES FOR THE LIBERATION OF THE LOST HOME. HAVING ALWAYS ADOPTED SOLID ATTITUDES ON THE SIDE OF RIGHT AND JUSTICE, THIS ASSEMBLY APPEALS TO WORLD CONSCIENCE TO CONDEMN THESE REPEATED TREACHEROUS ZIONIST AMASSMENTS OF TROOPS".

The second communiqu6 issued on 18th Hay declared as follows: "THE KUWAIT COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAS DECIDED TO CALL ALL UNITS OF ITS ARMED FORCES AND PLACE THEM AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE ARAB UNIFIED COMMAND SO THAT THEY MAY TAKE PART IN THE HOLY BATTLE OF THE ARAB NATION. ALL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CARRY OUT THE ORDERS OF THE ARAB UNIFIED COMMAND IMMEDIATELY". PERMANENT MISSION OF ALGERIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

75O THIRD AVENUE NEW YORK, N. Y. 1OO17

YUKON 6-O595

PRESS RELEASE

MAY 26, 1967

* •*-».

In his capacity as Chairman of the.Arab Group for the month of May, 1967, H.E. Ambassador Tewfik Bouattoura, Permanent Representative of the Popular and Democratic Republic of Algeria to the United Nations, made the following statement:

" Since the inception of the artificial crisis by certain imperialist powers regarding the exercise by the government of the United Arab Republic of its inherent sovreign right for the withdrawal of U.N.E.F. from the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip and for the regulation of passage through the Strait of Tiran, the Arab Group at the United Nations held series of meetings where full review and consideration of relevant developments were considered and unanimous decisionswere arrived at.

The Arab Group fully supports the stand taken by the U.AoR as was done by all Arab Governments without exception.

The Arab Group at the United Nations deplores the widespread campaign in certain Western countries which aims at: 1) Casting doubt at the legal rights of the U.A.R 2) Undermining the steadfast position of Secretary General U Thant 3) Creation of an artificial climate of tension in the world 4) Justification for designs of aggression by Israel and its supporters

The Arab Group asserts that the Arab people and governments will stand with determination against any attempts of aggression.and,intervention. All Arab capabilities and resources shall be utilized and employed in defending Arab legitimate rights.

Finally, the Arab Group regrets the prevalent pro- Israeli stand taken by the U.S. Press and mass media in the United States which distorts $he realities of the situation and represents a biased image, confusing the general public." SNWG22S 171 PD INTL '/' ' ' x ' (- v

CD GENEVE TELEX VIA WUI 31 1728 ;/ / • .-<• ; LT U THANT SECRETARY GENERAL UNITED NATIONS //"• NYK • ' •./'": v •' IT IS AN HONOR TO SEND YOU A MESSAGE SUGGESTED BY DR N FATEMI AND SUPPORTED BY MORE THAN SIXTY PARTICIPANTS AT PACEM IN TERRIS GENEVA* : UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT FOR YOUR UNTIRING EFFORTS TO BRING PEACE AND STABILITY TO THE MIDDLE EAST STOP SUGGEST THAT THE DISPUTE REGARDING FEE PASSAGE THROUGH THE 5TMTO

OF TIRAN SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO INTERNATIONAL COURT STOP TOTAL EMBARGO ON ARMS TO MIDDLE EAST UNITED NATIONS PRESENCE OF BOTH SIDES OF BORDERS BETWEEN ISRAEL EGYPT AIND SYRIA STOP STRONGLY URGE SOLUTION OF REFUGEE PROBLEM AS PRINCIPLE OF RIGHTS FOR :;&ND £OMMA AS FAR AS V '

NASROLLA FATEMI DEAN GRADUATED SCE6M FAmETGHT DICKINSON TEANECK NEW JERSEY DR MARTOf T.Ua?tttfi KING t DR LINUS'PAULING PRINCE HANS ADAM VON LICK%EtSTEIN- BISHOP PIKE ARCHBISHOP CAMARA OF BRAZIL MONSIGNOR FRANCIS J LALLY BOSTON MR JAMES FARMER ^ zS C REV PAUL VEGHESE COMMA WORLD COUNCIL r <__ i ARCHBISHOP JUSTIN MOISECU OF ROUMANIA if: ^ "3 FRANCE DR ERICH FORMM AND 55 OTHER SIGNATURES

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Mr. Narasimhaiy cc:- Mr, Lemieux a/ WILLIAM L. STANDARD Chairman. CAREY McWiLLIAMS Vice-Chairman. ^ ' -*^~~ JOSEPH H. CROWN Secretary-Treasurer. CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL: RICHARD A. FALK Chairman. Milbank Professor of International Low, Princeton University. RICHARD J. BARNET Co-Director, Institute for Policy Studies, Washington. D. C. JOHN H. E- FRIED Professor of Political Science, City University of N. Y. (City College). JOHN H. HERZ Professor of Internationa; Relations, City University ot N.Y. (City College). STANLEY HOFFMANN Professor of Government and International Law, Harvard University WALLACE McCLURE Lecturer on International Law Universities of Virginia, Duke, Dacca. Karachi. SAUL H. MENDLOVITZ Professor of International Law, Rutgers University School of Law. RICHARD S. MILLER Professor of International Law, Ohio State University College of Law. HANS J. MOHGENTHAU Albert A. Michelson Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and Modern History, University of Chicago. 38 Park Row, New York, N.Y. 10038 WILLIAM G. RICE Professor of International Law. University of Wisconsin Law School. Area Code 212 964-2912 QUINCY WRIGHT Professor Emeritus of International Law, Ufuversity of Chicago.

June 2, 196? Hon. U. Thant Secretary General of the United Nations New York, New York My dear Secretary General: / We are acutely aware of current efforts to pillory your recent actions vis-a-vis the withdrawal of UN troops from the Gaza Strip. We wish to convey to you our complete support for the legality and propriety of your action. / It should become clear to the United States Government that its persistent violation of international law in respect of Vietnam could not but encourage a lack of tolerance for law and arbitration the world over. The flouting of international law was bound to evoke a response sooner or later. Now., faced with a dilemma of international law, perhaps a new awareness of its universality will require some humble reappraisal. Meanwhile the news of your true actions are being suppressed and we urge you to avail yourself of every opportunity to be heard. We believe it is of paramount importance that the world be apprised of all of the facts attending the Middle-East crisis., particularly your role therein. We should like,, with your permission to arrange a Television Conference in which you5 one of our experts on international law and .possibly the General of UNEP (or his representative), would participate towards the end of clarifying and explaining to the world constituents the legality and propriety of your actions with a re-emphasis of your proposals for a solution.

Faj t yours

Secretary

P.S. NBC has indicated its willingness for such a program at the UN^ at your convenience. We await your advices. CW/at

12 Jane 1967

Bear Ms, Moonraaa,

The Secrefeujy-demral m-ota to you last Friday replying to year Mad letter of 29 E&y. After I saw the eo-rrespon&me it oecurred to E© that you BElj^at be interested to know that, ctayiRg tbe many iasetiags of the Security Council since the Secretary-6®neral submitted his reports on UtSSF and the Sfsar JEast crisis, there toas not beea one word of criticism of Jais You my also "be interested to read a photo- copy of an article -wMeh appeared recently in the- MS? YOEK POST by JsEies jft.WechBler regarding cQTtain ci^namstances the Heaa" Bast crisis which a^ss sot eoasfflxly "teiiat tmd®E1st0o

sincerelya

G. ¥ de Cabinet

Honourable Eric Maojsaaaj, M.P. Of COHKIOKS cc - ISr. Mr. Eegistxy ®^ •©*? ycser fciiad letter of 29 ^a.€a*t0 to t&e •

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May 29, 1967

Dear U Thajrit,

I have been a loyal and devoted supporter of the UH. I am a member of the UN Parliamentary group. It is, therfore, with considerable anziety that I learned of your withdrawal of the UN troops from the Egyptian/Israeli lines. There is much rumour and speculation as to your motives in so doing, i-iy purpose in writing to you is not to put pressure by gathering together many signatures (I could indeed get 50 M.P.'s very quickly) but to be reassured on three points: 1. Reason for withdrawal. Is it that the Indian and Yugoslavians insisted on leaving? Or is it that you wished to expose the tenuous relationship which existed between the 2 countries? (Israel/Egypt). 2. What were the circumstances which caused you to order the withdrawal before you had travelled to Egypt? Why did ^ok not/Visit Israel as well? 3. Have you any idea how the UN reputation has slumped amongst large numbers of people (I have just attended a conference with representatives from many nations) as a result of the withdrawal. Will you work, without fail, to reintroduce a situation which will avoid a conflict between the nations in the middle east. This means, I suggest, the right of Israel to have access to the Southern part of the country.

I look forward to your reply. An early response would be appreciated.

/Yours sincerely,

( <^ {^

M.P. <* **

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cc; Mr. Lemieux Registry Frank Judd, M.

liJtli June, 19^

U Thaiit, Secretary-General,' . • •• United Rations Building,- New York, • . - •H.Y. 10017, U.S.A.

. I would just like to place on record ay sincere admiration for, the way in which you have been carrying the heavy burdens of. responsibility placed upon you during the recent Middle East crisis. , ' • • ••'-.'•. : . • • ';-. ..\ , • .. I would like you :to know that there are at least some people in Britain, aniorigst whoir; I find, myself, who endorse corapletsly your conduct throughout the emergency, including those decisions governing; th withdrawal- of U.N.E.P.

It is a constant source, of aeiaze^ent to i?e the way in which you samge to retain your -.calm, dignity and effectiveness in the midst of it all.. CVK/cc

k yo\i for your v&ry kind 1-stter ol' 3.9 June; -ass deeply torched by it. Please eoi^ve,/ nr/ appreciation tSie Trustees of 013 -w kind

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Salo© President Hast, ei/ York, It.?. 10017 ee: Mr. Harasishan .,• Mr, L Registry 33 EAST 43RD STREET, NEW YORK, N. Y. 10017 • PLAZA 5-0280 •Roger Enloe President

June 19, 1967

Dear U Thant :

You alone can know the magnitude of the pressures upon you and the prob- lems to be solved, but the Trustees of UN WE BELIEVE wish me to say that we give you our support as you seek to enable the United Nations to ful- fill the aspiration of mankind for a peaceful and just world. S" With kindest regards.

U Thant Secretary General United Nations New York

UN WE BELIEVE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WORKING FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE UNITED NATIONS : £<» Musi ••§ it my

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to -f^i • UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Honorary Presidents RT. HON. JOSEPH GRIMOND, M.P. RT. HON. EDWARD HEATH, M.B.E., M.P. RT. HON. HAROLD WILSON, O.B.E., M.P.

Joint Presidents: DAME KATHLEEN COURTNEY, D.B.E. Jf^'-dHEtf'^ Chairman of Executive Committee: HUMPHRY BERKELEY MAJOR-GENERAL L. O. LYNE, C.B., D.S.O. fjlfc ^PW^ JU, Honorary Treasurer: THE RT. HON. LORD LUKE, T.D., D.L. GENERAL SIR RONALD ADAM, Bt., G.C.B., D.S.O. iSS^fcTl '<•?/«/ Honorary Deputy Treasurer: HAROLD JOWITT CHARLES JUDD, C.B.E. X^SJJTWiUsI' Director General: JOHN ENNALS

93 ALBERT EMBANKMENT • LONDON • S.E.I TELEGRAMS • FREENAT- LONDON • S.E.I. TELEPHONE • RELIANCE 0181 7 June 1967

H.S. U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, . HEW YORK, U.S.A.,

Dear Hr.Secretary-Greneral,

May I acknowledge your letter of 29 May to Mr.Berkeley, who is on a short visit to Gairo in connection with the current crisis - he will see it on his return. We much appreciate that at this time of crisis you should think of when to make your postponed visit to Britain. Obviously you must come when you find it possible to do so and many other factors will decide the appropriate date. I think I can say that whenever you come we would be honoured to organise a meeting to welcome,you, but it so happens that the week you mention begins with a Bank Holiday on 28th August. The following week would be better, and would enable ua to involve the schools which were particularly disappointed last time, but we realise hov; many other factors have to be taken into consideration. sincerely,

John A. F. Snnals Director General UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Honorary Presidents RT. HON. JOSEPH GRIMOND, M.P. RT. HON. EDWARD HEATH, M.B.E., M.P. RT. HON. HAROLD WILSON, O.B.E., M.P .

Joint Presidents: DAME KATHLEEN COURTNEY, D.B.E. Jf^'+tiflf^ Chairman of Executive Committee: HUMPHRY BERKELEY MAJOR-GENERAL L. O. LYNE, C.B., D.S.O. flit; &H£ V\ Honorary Treasurer: THE RT. HON. LORD LUKE, T.D., D.L. GENERAL SIR RONALD ADAM, Bt., G.C.B..D.S.O. \ffljfc f[ ''

~~^ ALBERT EMBANKMENT • LONDON • S.E.I TELEGRAMS • FREENAT • LONDON • S.E.I. TELEPHONE • RELIANCE 0181~~

~~7 June 1967 H.S. U Thant, Secretary -General, United Nations, HEW YORK, U.S.A.,~~

Dear Mr. Secretary-General, Our Association has followed with admiration your handling of one of the most difficult crises the United Nations has yet faced. /f As you will probably be aware the UK" came in for considerable criticism in Britain when UNSF was withdrawn, and you may care to glance at the enclosed photocopies of our letters in support of your policy which were published in the 'Daily Telegraph' and 'The Spectator'.^ Similar letters have appeared in the local press from our local branches. Our Policy Committee met on 5 June and adopted the attached resolution. We warmly welcome the news of the adoption of the Security Council motion calling for a cease-fire, and see this as a beginning of the road back to legality. May we assure you of our full support for all your efforts on behalf od- the World community, s Tours sincerely,

~~John A. F.-Ennals Director General UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION~~

The following resolution was adopted "by the Policy Advisory Committee at its meeting on Monday, 5 June 1967? and released to the press. The United Nations Association, Profoundly disturbed by the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, Concerned at the possible consequences of the fighting on the territorial integrity and political independence of the states in that area, Convinced that the present crisis should be solved within the machinery of the UN, Welcomes the statement of the Foreign Secretary calling for an immediate cease-fire and urges HMG to propose in the Security Council:- (a) The withdrawal of all troops behind the existing Armistice Demarcation lines, (b) The establishment of a UN peacekeeping force to supervise the borders of Israel and the neighbouring states, to be stationed on both-sides of the respective frontiers or failing agreement on this, that the Mixed Armistice Commissions be greatly strengthened. The Director-General also sent a"telegram to the Rt.Hon.George Brown, M.P., at midday on Monday, 5 June 1967? as follows;- "Strongly urge no British commitment to either side in Middle East War until Security Council has spoken stop hope Britain will call for immediate cease-fire," jaWiiJZI^ :^J ^

29-39, Mount Pleasant, London, W.G.1. 29-38, Mount Pleasani, London, W.C.I. Telephone: CENTRAL 3149 (Two Lines). )' Telephone: CENTRAL 3140 (Two Lina. lisa The Spectator 135, Reel Street. London, F..C.4. 99, Gower Street, London, VV.C.l. Oitting frorr; issue dated 30 Cutting from issue dated 2" Jl'M'!'?^' • U Thant's war \ Sir: Many of your readers will have been shocked ' ' by your leading article attributing to U Thant the major responsibility for the present crisis in ( the Middle East which he is doing his utmost to LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ! solve (26 May). i If U Thant had agreed to. withdraw the UN • Emergency Force, which is on UAR soil by invita- ; tion of the UAR government, without consulting THE MIDDLE EAST I anyone there might have been some grounds for j criticism, although the United Nations, except in Reason Preferable to War Trumpets ! the case of enforcement action, cannot, as clearly . i enunciated by Dag Hammarskjold in 1957, station [IR^Your call for precipitate task more difficult by calling for i troops anywhere without the consent of the action in the Middle East unilateral action outside the U.N. i country concerned. crisis will alarm -many of After all, " individual or col- : But in fact U Thant on 18 May discussed the your readers. Rather than taking lective self-defence " could apply situation with representatives of the seven up rigid stances at this juncture, to all parties directly concerned surely it is better to see if.com- and provides little justification i countries providing contingents to UNEF—Brazil, monsense and more conciliatory for great-Power intervention ' Canada, Denmark, India, Norway, Sweden and procedures cannot offer a solu- from afar. . . Yugoslavia, and with the seven members of the' tion. Finally, please have a thought Advisory Committee on UNEF—Brazil, Canada, . I find it difficult to understand for Sir Humphrey Trevelyan, Ceylon, Colombia, India, Norway and Pakistan. your reference to "the impene- trying with skill and diplomacy On the basis of these consultations it was clear trable morass " ' of the United to find a solution to the problem to him that he had no alternative but to agree Nations. The U N presence in of Aden and South Arabia where to the Egyptian request. we are directly involved. the Middle East is not impene- One may deeply regret that CJNEF was asked to trable, as occasional border raids Yours sincerely, 1 have shown, but it has certainly J. A. F; ENNALS withdraw, but one is also entitled to wonder why helped to pre_vent war on Israel's ' -Director-Gen., United Nations Israel has never consented, in 1956 or today, to borders, during ; the last two . London, S.E.l. . .. Assn. make a contribution to stability by having UN decades. , ' '• forces on her territory. . Apart from the Emergency Case for sanctions Lord Avon and many others have, said that Force, the UN also has a presence Sir—In the present very danger- U Thant had no alternative but to consent to the in the area in the form of the ous and aggressive state of affairs withdrawal—if he had refused he would have Truce Supervision Organisation between Israel and. the Arab forfeited the confidence not only of the Arab and the Mixed Armistice Com- States no one has mentioned countries but of many others who still attach im- missions on the -Jordanian, sanctions. Is this because no one .pprtance to national sovereignty. Syrian, and Lebanon borders of dares? Because the' parties are To say that the United Nations is not yet a Israel. U Thant has undoubtedly too big and strong and have been discussing with President powerful allies, because the Arab world government is true, but to call it a dangerous Nasser the possibility of. such a States control the Suez Canal and nonsense when it has already done so much for Commission replacing U N E F so much of the world's oil? peace in disputes such as India/Pakistan and on the Egyptian border and, given ,It was different with Rhodesia. Cyprus and after the eighteen years that it has' the co-operation of the Israeli This was a small country, peace- maintained mixed armistice commissions on all Government, such a move might ful, weak and alone. They were Israel's borders is a form of irresponsibility which offer a way out of the crisis for not threatening anyone. • There • one does not expect from a reputable weekly. all concerned. is still one law for the weak and This is a time for a sober assessment of the . In the end Israelis and Arabs one for the strong. . have to find a way to live To impose mandatory sanctions facts and possibilities, not for abuse of the man together and war, which not only on Rhodesia, and not the Arab who has been entrusted by the whole world with wreaks local havoc, but may draw States and/or Israel is the most the difficult task of finding a formula to keep the in the great Powers as well, is blatant hypocrisy. Unless the guns silent. not to be undertaken lightly. countries of the world, especially John A. F. Ennals In the present crisis the cool Britain, 'are prepared to. impose Director-General, United Nations Association, voice of reason is preferable to sanctions in such a clear case of 93 Albert Embankment, London SEJ the clamour of war trumpets. aggressive intent and appalling threat to peace, the sanctions " Reading the Riot Act," as you Mr TEnnals seems to have forgotten that the suggest, is likely to make the against Rhodesia should be with- ' situation worse, not improve it. drawn at once and Rhodesia, UN presence at Sharm-el-sheikh was negotiated in The United Nations, in the under its present elected Govern- 1957 by the late Dag Hammarskjold specifically as a person of U Thant, may be able ment, allowed to take its rightful quid pro quo for the withdrawal of all Israeli to offer a solution. Surely the place among the peace-loving forces from that crucial strongpoint. Not only, job of all responsible people, both countries of the world. therefore, did U Thant fail to consult either the in the Middle East and elsewhere, Yours faithfully, ' Security Council or the General Assembly of the is to help him in every way H. J. DUPLESSIS Newtown, Hants. United Nations before acceding to Egypt's request: .possible rather than to make his he also acted in clear breach of the 1957 Kani- marskjold understanding. Instead of carping at U j Thant's critics, Mr Ennals would do better to try i and find some way of restoring the world's shattered .: faith in the institution he serves. Incidentally, we did not call the United Nations a dangerous nonsense. What we wrote was that 'if U Thant had set out deliberately to demonstrate ' that the United Nations was not merely a nonsense, but a dangerous nonsense, he could scarcely have done better.'—Editor, SPECTATOR. «*" . •» *•»

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Fire* for ycna? ver^ feiaa letter of Si it. I have gr^eat f^e^ssom ia eKCloolag hopewitfo the « v #• * * a»a fegllsli tests of lay iater^sjstloa of 20 Jtme at the San©ml $0swf>l2r* 1 sm also eReiosiag copies of a^r to tiie Seuezssl Asseably on ttia ease

lours steeerely*

~~Pir® to-~~

~~cc: Mr. Naraslfflhan Mr. Leraieux ^ Begistty TRANSLATION 21st June, 1967.~~

~~'U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations <• New York (U.S.A.)~~

~~My dear friend,~~

It was with the utmost attention that I read in the newspapers certain extracts of your intervention in ' j the General Assembly of the United Nations concerning the 'I placing of United Nations troops on the frontier between j Israel and the Arab countries. I am very happy with your clar- j ification because the mass media and the pressure groups have once again divided the two camps placing absolute good on one side and absolute evil on the other. This Maniche.ism is extr- emely harmful to world peace, for things are much less simple thati that, and/in the disputes between States, as in the disputes between individuals, there is always wrong on both sides. The wrong on the Arab side has been strongly emphasised, and it does exist. I do not see why the wrong on the other side is not emphasised : it is real. In I960 I visited all the refugee camps in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, and I have fully appreciated the problem. My sympathies are with you more than ever because I feel that, on one hand, you are acting accord- ing to your conscience and that, on the other hand, this conscience must often be shaken by the dishonesty of those you are with. Life really has a certain circus element.y- You would give me great pleasure if you could ask your secre&triat to send me the French and English texts of your intervention yesterday (2oth June 196?) at the General Assembly. Our little mission of Nobel Peace Prize winners, meant to visit the four combattants in Vietnam, is continuing. Always with you in spirit.

~~P. Dominique Pire. the heart open to the world~~

~~founder : R. P. DOMINIQUE PIRE~~

~~winner of the Nobel Peace Prize~~

~~HUY, le 21 ,-juin 1967.~~

~~U Thant a Secretaire General des Nations-Unies o> New York (U.S.A.) Cher ami,~~

G'est avec le plus grand serieux que j'ai lu dans lea journaux certains extraits de votre intervention o a 1'Assemblee Generale des Nations-Unies 9. propos du station- nement des troupes des Nations-Unies a la frontiere entre -o Israel et les pays arabes* Je suis tres content de votre mise au point parce que les mass-media et les groupes de pression ont une fois de plus diviser les camps en presentant d'un c6te de bien absolu et de 1'autre c8te le mal absolu. Ce manicheisme est epctre'mement nuisible a la paix mondiale, car leg choses sont beaucoup moins simples que cela, et il y a, Q) dans les brouilles entre Etats comme dans les brouilles entre individus, toujours du tort des deux c&tes. On a bien souligne les torts du c6te arabe, et ils existent. Je ne vois pas pourquoi on ne soulignerait pas les torts de 1'autre c6te : ils sont reelso J'ai visite en 1960 tous les camps de refugies en Jordanie, Syrie» Liban, Egypte, et 3'ai bien senti le D probleme. Plus que jemais je suis de coeur avec vous parce .n que je sens que, d'une part, vous agissez selon votre conscience et que, d'autre part, cette conscience doit §tre souvent V) 3 heurtee par le manque de loyaute" des gens en presence de qui vous vous trouvez, II y a vraiment un certain cirque dans la vie. Vous me feriez un grand plaisir si vous demandiez a votre secretariat de m'envoyer le texte frangais et le texte anglais de votre intervention d'hier (20 juin 1967) & a> 1'assemblee generale. Notre petite mission de Prix Nobel de la Paix, destinee a rendre visite aux quatre combattants au Vietnam, a> continue. o> o Toujours de coeur avec vous0

~~P. Dominique Pire.~~

ADDRESS: 35, RUE DU MARCHE — HUY (BELGIUM) — TEL. 134.31 ACCOUNTS: BELGIUM: « LE CCEUR OUVERT SUR LE MONDE » N" 137.298 BANQUE LAMBERT, II, R. DES COLONIES, BRUXELLES. FRANCE: c FONDS PERE PIRE. COMPTE CHEQUE N» 7734 DE MM. J. GERMAIN ET D SENARD, E.N.C.I., BEAUNE (COTE D'OR). GERMANY : « FONDS PERE PIRE * KONTO N° 30/9390, BANKHAUS NEUVIANS, REUiCHEL S. C°, MUENCHEN 3, MAXIMILIANSPLATZ 13. tIC A.I _ CATi_itrn FMI-.I- CVH/cc

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~~T$*$'u, v £.. -a*. '. &.•&>.:$£." i Morris H. Rubin '*%«*£%"''-^ *-'" Editor Enclosure • Aiir Special~~

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FOR ACTION POUR SUITE A DONNER FOR APPROVAL POUR APPROBATION FOR SIGNATURE POUR SIGNATURE PREPARE DRAFT PROJET A REDIGER FOR COMMENTS POUR OBSERVATIONS MAY WE CONFER? POURRIONS-NOUS EN PARLER? YOUR ATTENTION VOTRE ATTENTION AS DISCUSSED COMME CONVENU AS REQUESTED SUITE A VOTRE DEMANDE NOTE AND FILE NOTER ET CLASSER NOTE AND RETURN NOTER ET RETOURNER FOR INFORMATION XX POUR INFORMATION

~~Date: FROM: DE: 25 Oct. 1967 Norman Ho, OPI CR. 13 (JJU64) CABLE kl6 FROM UNIC, PARIS, WITH FRENCH PASSAGES TRANSLATED:~~

Raymond Aron's first-page editorial in Figaro of today, 25 October, is entitled "The UN in the Middle^ East Crisis". Speaking of the Secretary-General's decision of UNEF withdrawal, Raymond Aron writes: "Most of the Westerners, the President of the United States himself, have criticized the conduct" of Mr. Thant. The documentation,

A. today available, has convinced me of the error which I have committed with many others. Mr. Thant would haye had difficulty in adopting another line of conduct. Even a different action, in the style of Mr. Hammarskjold, would probably not have altered the course of events".

~~(The full article is hieing airmailed.) l*±*l?^^"^^^™^**3S*^~~

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FILE NO. 2Y377 i PARIS JOS 25.10.67 $0572* » I ACTION ETATPRIORITE — ICL UNATIONS WYK* WAR %16/1?GLZ*BEN8ErTA?ANECEK/HOX ' ^ . FROJ5 VANBSLLIKSHEK* HAYMOWS JtROt^Sj?fiSt PA(3E EDITORIAL IN FISAHO OF TODAY 25 OCTOBER IS ENTITLES QUOTS L'OP BA^ LA GUISE SU MOYEN-ORIEKT UNQUOTE. SPEAKING OF SECGER'S BECISION OF UMEF ¥ITHB8AWAL* RAYMON0 ARON WRITES QUOTE U PLUPART o BES OCCIDENTAUXj LE PRESlBENT BES ETATS-UNIS O P2 LA COHBUITE SC H» THAWT. LA BOCUJffiNTATIONf JBISPONIBLE* H'A CONVAINCtl BE I«EItnEUR OlIE J*AI-COHHIS£; BEAUOOUP »'A«THES* M* THAKT PQUl^AXT MALAISEWENT HNE AUTKE LISME fit CONBUITE* KEME UUE ASTIQR O HFFSSENTE, SAf^ II STYLE SE »• mifPIASSKJOLBt HfAURAIT FAS BSTOKRIC LE conns sss s^mEis^ts QHNUOTC*