UN Secretariat Item Scan - Barcode - Record Title Page 80 Date 16/05/2006 Time 4:44:20 PM
S-0861-0005-08-00001
Expanded Number S-0861 -0005-08-00001
Title items-in-Peace-keeping operations - Middle East - Secretary-General arrives in Cairo
Date Created 20/05/1967
Record Type Archival Item
Container S-0861-0005: Peace-Keeping Operations Files of the Secretary-General: U Thant: Middle East
Print Name of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Rations, K.Y. (FOR USE OP I^OBM&noH MEDIA — NOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/165 23 May 196?
SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN CAIRO
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, and party arrived in Cairo today at 5 p.m. (local time). He wes met at the airport by Mahmoud Riad, Foreign Minister of the United Ara"b Republic; General Indar Jit Rikhye, Commander of the United Nations Emergency Force: General Odd Bull, Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine; Laurence Mlchelmore, Commiesloner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugess in the Near East, and other United Nations officials. The Secretary-General and party are staying at the Nile Hilton Hotel, as the guests of the Government of the United Arab Republic. U Thant was scheduled to confer with General Rikhye at his suite tonight, and has invited General Rikhye, General Odd Bull, and Mr. Michelmcre for a working dinner. No other appointments were scheduled tonight. U Thant will call on Mr. Riad tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. (local time) at the latter's office. En route to Cairo, the Secretary-General vas greeted in Paris by Guy de Lacharriere, Director of United Nations Affairs at the French Foreign Office, and ¥. Gibson Parker, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in laris. In Rome, he conferred at the airport with Amintore Fanfani, Foreign Minister of Italy. The Secretary-General made no statements to the press.
# *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA -- WOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/16U 20 May 196?
SECRETABY-GSMBI&L TO VISIT CAIRO
A United Nations spokesman today nade the following announcement:
"As already announced, the Secretary-General was planning a trip to the Middle East, including a visit to the United Hations Emergency Force in Gaza and thereafter to Cairo towards the end of June and the beginning of July. In the present circumstances he has decided to advance his journey by a few weeks, and he will accordingly be leaving for Cairo on the evening of Monday, 22 U H I 1 E 1) iM A T 1 U M S Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP IHFORK^TIOK MEDIA — HOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release EG/T/166 24 May 196?
HOLDS TALKS IN CAIP.O WITH FOREIGN MINISTER OF UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General,)
Tbe Secretary-General, U Thant, met this morning with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Republic, Mahmoud Riad, for two-and.-a-half hours, from 9:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., local time. They exchanged vievs on several aspects of the situation in the Middle East. Major General Inuar Jit Rikhye, Commander of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF), took part in the talks. At 2:30 p.m. the Secretary-General attended a lunch given in his honour lay the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Republic at the Tahrir Club. Also attending the lunch were the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Fawzi; high officials of the Foreign Office; General Odd Bull, Commander 01 the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO); General Rikhye; Laurence Michelmore, Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UMRWA); the Resident Representative in Cairo of the United Nations Develop- ment Programme (UNDP), Vojko P. Pavicic; and members of the Secretary-General's party. At 8:00 p,m» the Secretary-General is dining with the President of the United Arab Republic, Gamal Abdel Nasser, at the latterfs residence. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N,Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/T/167 24 May 1967
SECRETARY^MERAL HOLDS .TALKS IN CAIRO WITH PRESIDENT OF UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
(The following was received from a United Nations Information Officer accompanying the Secretary-General.)
The Secretary-General, U Thant, tonight attended a working dinner given by the Fres.i.'-"'.ent of the United Aral) Republic, Gamal Abdel Nasser, at the latterTs residence in Cairo. The dinner and talks lasted three hours. The discussions covered in general tersis the current situation in the Middle East, and were conducted in a very cordial atmosphere. In the course of the talks, President Nasser asked the Secretary-General and the Corir.ex.der of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF), Major General Inda^ Jit Rikhye, to convey his sincere thanks and appreciation regarding tte vork of UNEF. Others is. tr-e small group' at. the dinner were Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Afia-irs,, ifcljuoueL Fawzij ths Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Riadi and General RiLhyo.
# UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/710 13 May 1967
STATMSNT REGARDING REPORTS EKflHflEIFS FROM ISPASL
The following statement was issued today "by a United Nations spokesman:
"In reply to questions regarding the reports emanating from Israel on contemplated use of force against Syria, a United Nations spokesman said today that the Secretary-General has expressed very serious concern over such reports. He pointed out that the Secretary-General's answer to a question raised at the United Nations Correspondents Association luncheon on Thursday, 11 May, cannot be interpreted as condoning resort to force by any party. The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all parties to observe the Armistice Agreements."
* **# * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release
20 May 1967
SECHBTABY-KgMEBALlS..MESSA(a! TO THE COMMANDER OF UNEF
Following is the text of a message sent on 19 May by the Secretary-General, U Thant, to Major General I.J. Rikhye, Coinnander of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) :
"Today, 19 May 196?, when the withdrawal of the United Nations Emergency Force from Gaza and Sinai is beginning, I am sending you this personal message. Your connexion with UNEF goes back to the early days of its existence when you served most ably as its first Chief of Staff and as things have turned out you have also served as its last Commander. You, therefore, know as well as any- one what the Force has achieved and what it has meant not only in terms of the maintenance of peace and quiet in its area of operation, but also in terms of the broader concept of the capacity of the United Nations to maintain peace. You have served the cause of UNEF and the United Nations most devotedly at various times during the past ten years, and I know that the withdrawal of UNEF must be a correspondingly heavy blow for you personally. You have handled the very delicate situation of the last few days with great skill and firmness and you will, I know, conduct the withdrawal of the Force with equal ability. Please accept my warm appreciation for your most distinguished service as Commander of UNEF and my personal good wishes."
y t* y jt # Arn fi TV UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE cap HJPORMATTON MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SM/715 EMP/UU7 20 May 196?
SECRETARY-GEHERALfS MESSAGE TO ALL OFFICERS AND MSN.OF UNEF
Following is the text of a messaga sent on 19 May by the Secretary-General, U Thant, to all officers and men of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF):
"Today, 19 May 19^7, you will have received orders to commence the with- drawal of the United Nations Emergency Force from its area of operation in Gaza and Sinai. This means that within a relatively short space of time you will be returning to your home countries, and UNBF, the first peace-keeping force of the United Nations, will no longer exist. First of all, I wish to make it entirely clear that the withdrawal of UNEF at this time for overriding political reasons is in no sense the smallest reflection upon the performance or the behaviour of the Force. On the contrary, the Force has operated with outstanding success ever since the time of its establishment more than ten years ago, and the recent months have been no exception to this very fine record. In my special report of 18 May 1967 to the General Assembly on the decision to withdraw UNEF, I said the following; "'Finally, I must express the highest appreciation to the Governments of all the Members of the United Nations which have supported UNEF and especially to those which have provided the military contingents which made up the Force. The appreciation of the United Nations is also due to the many thousand officers and men who have served so loyally and with such distinction in UNEF. The Force at its inception represented an extraordinary innovation in the efforts of the world community to find improved methods of keeping the peace. For more than ten years it has ful- filled its functions with a far greater degree of success than could have been hoped for. It is, in fact, ttae model upon which many hopes for the future effectiveness of the United Nations in peace keeping have been based.' (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/?!?
20 May 196?
"The very anxiety throughout the vorld which the termination of UHSF at this particular time raises is in iteelf a measure of the value of the service which UKEF has performed. UKEF by its conduct and the successful discharge of a very difficult task has certainly proved that the pioneering task of peace keeping undertaken by the United Nations in 1956 has never suffered from a lack of skilled, courageous, disciplined and devoted soldiers of peace. "I wish to express to all of you, and also to the many thousands of officers and men who have served at other times in UNBF, my warm appreciation and admiration for your loyal and diE^:ingv.ic.l:.Gd c-erviee to the United Nations. I extend to all of you my best wishes for the future." UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF EJFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/716 EMF/I&8 20 my 1967
MESSAGE TO SECRETARY-GBNERAL FRCM FOREIGN MINISTER OF UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
The following message from Mahmoud Riad, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Republic, was received today by the Secretary -General, U Thant, and has been transmitted to the Commander of the United Nations Emergency Force , Major General I.J. Rikhye:
"On the occasion of the withdrawal of the United Nations forces from the United Arab Republic and Gaza strip, I wish to express to you, on behalf of my Government, our thanks and appreciation of the efforts and sincere co-operation the United Nations and its forces have shown in the United Arab Republic. "I hope that you would convey to the officers and soldiers of the UNEF our appreciation of the discharge of their duties during their stay. This expression of appreciation is also addressed to the Governments to which these forces belong. "In conclusion, may I express to you my appreciation of your personal effort^ and understanding of our clear position and your belief in the United Nations and its mission. " UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/721 51 May 1967
MESSAGE, FROM SECRETARY^ENEPAL^ TO GAMADIANvPRTM£ MINISTER
Following is the text of a cofflitrooication dated JO May 1967 from the Secretary-General, U Thant, to the Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, regarding the Canadian contingent of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF):
"Now that the Canadian forces serving with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Gaza are leaving the area In which UNEF has been operating for ten and a half years, I wish to express'to you personally, and through you to the Government and people of Canada, and particularly to the great number of officers and men who have served in UNEF over the years, my deep appreciation of the invaluable contribution which Canada has made to UNEF. "You yourself, Mr. Prime Minister, were the prime mover in proposing the original idea of UNEF to the General Assembly. Your plan for 'a truly international peace and police force* was, at that time, a pioneering innovation in international affairs which provided a means of overcoming a most threatening and dangerous crisis. Your imaginative plan was eagerly accepted by the General Assembly and put into operation with great skill and despatch by my predecessor, Pag Hammarskjold. "At its inception UNEF, as its name implies, was envisaged as an operation of short duration. But the force proved such ft useful instrument fcr maintaining peaceful conditions that when its initial task of replacing the armed forces of France, Israel and the United Kingdom was completed it bece&e established by a further General Assembly resolution as a buffer along the line between Egypt and Israel to prevent a confrontation of the military forces of the two countries and to deter infiltration in either direction. This buffer function vas fulfilled by UNEF with remarkable success from March 1957 until this month. UNEF served the aims and purposes of the United Nations not only by its effective- ness in the immediate area of operations. Because of its successful discharge of its task, it also became the model upon which many hopes for the future effectiveness Of the United Nations in peace-keeping have been "based. (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/721 51 May 1967
"The armed forces of. Canada have played a most distinguished part in UNEF throughout its period of operations, as, indeed, they have in other United Nations peace-keeping efforts, Lieut.General E.L.M. Burns of Canada was the first Commander of the Force and gave magnificient service in overcoming the many and extraordinary problems of this completely novel operation, ,The Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron vas until 1966 responsible for patrolling -the northern part of the International Frontier in Sinai. The Canadian Air Transport Unit has provided the air support which vas absolutely vital to the functioning and maintenance of UNEF, and the RCAF has provided an intercontinental air transport link for UNEP from the very beginning. The Canadian army has also been mainly responsible for the Maintenance Base of the entire force at Rafah and in the early days provided mobile support and maintenance for the entire Force with extraordi&ary ingenuity and effectiveness. Canada has also provided a steady supply of highly competent staff officers for the Force Headquarters. Canada has thus given unstinting and vital support to UNEF both at the Headquarters of the United Nations and in the field, "Irrespective of the circumstances of the withdrawal of UNEF and the consequences of that withdrawal., ten and a half years successful service to peace is a historic achievement. Canada's large role in that achievement and your Government's unfailing understanding of the requirements of United Nations peace-keeping operations are ^widely recognized and appreciated here. I would be grateful if you would express that appreciation to your Government and especially to all the officers and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who have served at ons time or another with UNEF." UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United nations, K.Y. (FOR USE OF USffiX>BMfl32QH MEDIA. ~ NOT AN OFHCIAli RECORD)
CAUTION; . ADVANCE TEgl Press Release SG/SM/723 Hot for use before - 2 June ±967 9;00 p_.m « EDT, Friday^ 2 June
CLOSING BEM&HK3
OF UMOaS^'ATIOHS ASSOCIATION QFrCMAjDA3 2 JOKE
Following is the text of the closing remarks "by the Secretary-General, U Thant, at the dinner of the United nations Association of Canada, held at the Windsor Hotel, Montreal, on 2 June 196?:
"I know that the withdrawal of UNEF and the situation which has given rise to it are a source of bitter disappointment and deep anxiety in many countries. Especially in Canada, which has had such a close relationship with IMEP from the very beginning, these feelings are acute. Canada has a large share of the credit both for the idea and for the practical success of this international force, But we must understand clearly the context in which UNEF operated and in which it has now been withdrawn.. We csust remember that United Nations peace keeping is a highly novel and sophisticated concept . It relies on reason, local co-operation, skilful diplomacy, restraint and good faith. It does not, and cannot, rely on military force or threats, on power politics or on physical or political domination. It is not enforcement action by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter. It is a voluntary operation, and. any suggestion that it should, for whatever reasons, cease to be so could be fatal to the whole idea. It has, for ten-and-a-half years, due to the skill, co-operation, forbearance and discipline of all concerned, been remarkably successful in the Hear East. For all its present inadequacies, it is, in my view, a most promising idea for the future. Ironically, the extreme seriousness of the situation we are now facing in the Near East is a measure of UNEF's success. But we must face the fact that the world is not yet altogether ready for such sophisticated and reasonable concepts and methods .
(more ) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/723 2 JMne 1967
"Canada, with its enlightened view of international relations, has even taken the revolutionary step of re-organizing its armed forces with the peace-keeping function primarily in mind. This is an imaginative and far- seeing step which will, I have not the slightest doubt, prove to "be historically right and of profound future importance far outside the "borders of Canada. But the price of vision and pioneering is usually a series of temporary set- backs. Far-sightedness also invites, generally, the criticism and the derision of less far-sighted men. All the innovators in history have been through this process. "In the world debate on the withdrawal of UBIEP, there is agreement on one thing — that the United Nations Force did an essential job for more than ten years and did it extraordinarily well. I cannnot, therefore, share the view of those who proclaim that the present crisis, desparately serious though it is, is a great defeat for the concept of peace keeping. On the contrary, we now see all too clearly the true value and importance of the idea. But we also have had a grim reminder of the difficulties still to be over- come and of the essential limitations of the United nations in a world still dominated by rigid concepts of national sovereignty, by power politics and by acute nationalistic feelings. These are the basic problems we have to face. We ignore them at our peril. "Should we then despair? Should we now write off the effort of so many nations and so many devoted men, which made UMEF work for ten years? Should we admit defeat by the old forces of hatred, of acute nationalism and of power politics? Should we believe that we were wrong because we were reasonable, that we were weak because we sought peace and co-operation, that we were mis- guided because we sought solutions outside the old framework of fear, threat and force? Should we say that we failed because we looked toward a better, more civilized, less violent world? "I know very well what your answers are. But we must unite in a reaffirma- tion of what we have been trying to do and of what we have actually achieved. NO one ever thought that keeping the peace would be easy. And no one should now accept defeat because of a serious set-back. Rather, we should see clearly what has been achieved, recognize our present dangers and our future problems, and resolve, in overcoming them, to strengthen international peaca-keeping machinery and thus to make new steps toward a peaceful, just and orderly world." # *** * UNITED HATIOHS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, M.Y« (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ IKff AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/72^
5 June 196?
TEXT OF 5TATEMEHT ^Bg SECPJglL^Y^EMRAL, U THANT, IN SECURITY COUJCIL Off 5 JTO3E 1967
Following is the text of the statement "by the Secretary-General, U Thant, in the Security Ccmncil on 5 Juse 1967:
"Mr. President, "In response to your invitation. I present to the Council all information that I have received from United Kations sources in the Near East en the out- break of hostilities. Of course, United Nations sources have no means of ascertaining how the fighting started. As usual, reports coming from the parties are conflicting, hut all agree that serious military action en land aud in the air is taking place at a number of points and is spreading. "I have instructed both the Chief of Staff, UHTSO, and Commander, UHEF, to keep reporting urgently all information available to them and I shall keep members of the Council informed as new information comes in. This information is unavoidably fragmentary. "As far as information from UHEF is concerned, it must be remembered that UHEF is no longer on the Line, but is concentrated in its camps and is in the process of withdrawal. The information given by the Commander of UHEF is therefore, of necessity, somewhat general, and much of it has been given to the Commander by the Uni K- d Arab Republic Liaison service in Gaza* "General Rikhye, Coirmunder of UKE"1, reported that at 0800 hours (.local time) today two Israel aircraft violated United Arab Republic airspace over Gaza town* One of these aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft fire and fell into the sea. The pilot bailed out and was picked up by a motor launch. Also at 0800 hours-' (local time) two Israel aircraft violated United Arab Republic airspace over El Arish and were fired on by anti-aircraft guns.
(more ) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/72^ SC/2894 5 Jane 1967
The United Arab Republic claims one Israel aircraft was shot down. UKEF personnel in Rafah Camp reported heavy firing between United Arab Republic and Israel forces across the International Frontier south of Pafah, starting at 0800 hours (local"time). United Arab Republic authorities in Gaza informed Genera] Rikhye of a large-ecale Israel air raid throughout the United Arab Republic including a raid on Cairo. I am informed that Israel has denied the report of the raid on Cairo. The United Arab Republic authorities also informed General Rikhye that at 0800 hours (local time) Israel forces had attacked El Quseima in Sinai. At 0915 hours (local time), United Arab Republic artillery in Gaza started firing towards Israel-controlled territory. Firing stopped at 0930 hours (local time), but resumed again at 1000 hours (local time). The Commander of UHEF is taking all possible steps to ensure the security of UHEF personnel still in the area. "General Bull, Chief of Staff, UHTSO, has informed me that firing in Jerusalem commenced at 1125 hours (local time) and was continuing. General Bull requested an immediate cease fire at the highest local levels. The Senior Jordanian Delegate to the Mixed Armistice Commission accepted a cease fire for 1200 hours (local time). In a meeting between General Bull and the Israel authorities on the morning of 5 June, General Bull was informed that United Arab Republic planes had crossed the border and that Israel aircraft had been sent to meet them. "At 11^5 hours (local time), Israel informed General Bull of its acceptance of his request for a cease-fire at 1200 hours (local time). Most firing had ceased by 1210 hours (local time), although a few mortar rounds continued to be fired from Jordan and near Mount Scopus. One mortar round landed in the Government House compound, which is the headquarters of UWTSO. Wo casualties are reported. "Since sporadic n^rtar firing from Jordan continued after the cease-fire, a second cease-fire was proposed for-1230 hours (local time) and accepted by both sides. On the Israel-Syria ADL (Armistice Demarcation Line), United Nations Military Observers reported overflights by -Syrian jet fighters between 1155 hours and 1206 hours (local time) on 5 June and reported air battles, anti- aircraft fire and explosions from aircraft 'bombing. The Senior Israel Delegate (more) - 3 - Press Re3.ease SG/SM/724 O/"* / oftfi} i Ov / f^\J^7^r 5 June 1967 to the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission informed the UNTSO officer in charge at Tiberias at 1218 hours (local time) that Israel considered her- self in a state of war with Syria. 'The Chairman of the IsraeJ-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission reported that Damascus airport was being attacked by Israel aircraft at 1110 hours (local time). "The Commander of UHEF reported that at 12if5 hours (local time) Israel artillery opened fire on two camps of the Indian Contingent of UHEF which were in process of being abandoned, and soon thereafter United Arab Republic tanks surrounded one of the camps which still contains one reduced Indian company. Orders have been give® fpi"" the 3#dian personnel in both camps to be withdrawn immediately. "General Rikhye also reported that a UHEF convoy immediately south of Khan Yunis on the road between Gaza and Rafah was strafed by an Israel air- craft on the morning of 5 June, although the vehicles, like all UHEF vehicles, are painted white. First reports indicate that three Indian soldiers were killed and an unknown number wounded in this attack. The Commander of UKEF has sent an urgent message through the Chief of Staff, UHTSO, to the Chief of Staff of Israel Defence Force urging him again 'to give orders to Israel Armed Forces to refrain from firing on UHEF camps, buildings and vehicles. "After hostilities began on the morning of 5 June, the Chief of Staff, UKTSO, drew the attention of Israel and Jordan to the inviolability of the Government House area and asked them to ensure that this inviolability was fully respected. Both sides gave him the required assurance. However, at 1330 hours (local time) today, approximately one company of Jordanian soldiers occupied the garden of the Government House. General Bull in person protested to the Commander and asked him to withdraw his troops. He also protested in the strongest terms to the Senior Jordan Delegate of the Israel-Jordan Mixed Armistice Commission against tho violation of United Nations premises by Jordanian soldiers, whose withdrawal within half~an~hour he demanded. He also informed the Israel authorities of these developments and requested them to ensure that Israel soldiers would not enter the Government House area.
(more} - k - Press Release SG/SM/724 5 June 1967
By then, an exchange of fire had already begun between the Jordanian soldiers in the Government House garden and Israel soldiers nearby. General Bull later informed me by an emergency message that Jordanian troops had not with- drawn and were demanding to enter Government House itself and har."1 -j^manded that no telephone calls be made from Government House. Firing was continuing and mortar shells were now landing within the Government House compound. United Nations Headquarters lost radio contact with UNTSO headquarters in Jerusalem at 0852 hours (New York time), at which time, Jordan troops occupied Government House. This also means that United Nations Headquarters has lost direct contact with Headquarters UNEF, whose messages are routed through TTftTSO. "In view of these developments, I have addressed the following urgent appeal to the King of Jordan: "'His Majesty '."King Hussein "'Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan "'Amman, Jordan "'Your Majesty, "'I have just been advised at 0900 hours local time that all communica- tions with Government House have ended because of its occupation by Jordanian troops. This is a breach of extreme seriousness. I appeal to Your Majocty with utmost urgency to order the immediate removal of Jordanian troops from the grounds and buildings of the Government House compound in Jeru.-;aleu,, As Your Majesty knows, this compound has been respected by both parties to the Hachemite Kingdom of Jordan-Israel Mixed Armistice Commission as the head- quarters of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization and therefore under the exclusive United Nations occupation and control.
"'U Thant "'Secretary-General of the United Nations'"
* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT. AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release .SG/SM/725 5 Junf 1967
REPLY BY CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER TO SECRETARY-GENERAL REGARDING CANADA'S CONTRIBUTION TO UT..SF
Following is the text of a reply by the Prime Minister of Canada,, Lester B. Pearson, to the Secretary -General, U Thant, as forwarded today "by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, George Ignatieff:
"New York, June 5, 19°"7 "Dear Mr. Secretary-General, "The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Lester B. Pearson, has asked me to convey to you the following reply to the message you sent to him on May 30 expressing your appreciation of Canada's contribution to the United Nations Emergency Force: 'Mr. Secretary-General, 'Thank you for the warm message you sent me expressing appreciation to the Government and people of Canada, and particularly to the Canadian officers and men who served in the United Nations Emergency Force, for the contribution Canada has made over the years to that peace keeping force. 'Successive Canadian Gcverooeute, the people of Canada and Canada's armed forces have been proud to be closely associated from the very beginning with this historic United Nations undertaking which for over ten years has made such a vital contribution to the maintenance of peace in the Middle East. 'Despite current difficulties faced by the United Nations in the peacekeeping field, I am hopeful that it will be possible to profit from the experience gained in UNEF and to use the lessons learned to develop in due course, within the framework of the United Nations, more effective machinery "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/725 5 June 1967
war", in the words of the Charter* In the continuing effort that must be carried on to plan for United Nations peacekeeping forces, organized and established in a way which wl?l avoid the disturbing experience we have just gone through in the disbanding of UWEF, the United nations can count on our full support. Recent events show that the work of the United Nations in the field cf peacekeeping is not less, but more important than ever and that this work must include advance planning so that United Nations peacekeeping forces in the future will have a clear and strong basis on which to operate. 'I greatly appreciate the generous references in your message to the role I was privileged to share with others in the establishment of UNEF. I should like to take this opportunity to associate myself with your references to the great contribution made by your predecessor, Dag Hammarskjold. Without his selfless devotion to the United Stations and to the cause of world peace and his unrivalled diplomatic skill, United Nations peacekeeping would never have developed as it did. You, Mr. Secretary-General, have carried on the tradition which he established and have guided the Organization with untiring energy and selfless sincerity through what has been a most difficult period of the United Nations' history. The Government and people of Canada are deeply appreciative of the very heavy responsibilities you are bearing and, on their behalf, I wish to reaffirm full support to you personally and to the Organization over which you preside. 'With warm personal regards.
'Lester B. Pearson1
"Yours Sincerely,
"George Ignatieff, "Permanent Representative."
# ##* * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information Unites Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA « NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/729 SC/2900 8 June 1967
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION RECEIVED BY SECRETARY-GEfllERAL ON MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following statement before the Security Council this afternoon., giving supplemental information he has received on the situation in the Middle East: "I received this morning the following message from the Foreign Minister of Kuwait: 'Gretsfully received your cable concerning resolutions of Security Council for cease-fire. I am sorry to inform you that Government of Kuwait will not observe nor adhere to these resolutions which do not condemn the Israeli aggressors. The resolutions also ignored the just rights of the Palestinians in their homeland. With highest considerations.* "I have received the following information from General Odd Bull, Chief of Staff, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine (UNTSO): "On the morning of 8 June, General Bull received a message from the Foreign Minister of Jordan to the effect that despite the cease-fire ordered by the Security Council Israel troops were bombing Mafraq and that Israel forces were also concentrating on the West side of the River Jordan, South of Damiah bridge and some troops had crossed to the Eastern bank. General Bull communicated this information to the Israel Foreign Ministry and was informed that Iraq troops and aircraft were in the Mafraq area. I may mention, in this regard, that the resolutions of the Security Council were transmitted to the Government of Iraq — in addition to the Governments I informed previously —• but no response has been received.
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/729 SC/2900 8 June 1967
TUnited Nations Military Observers in Tiberias reported on the morning of 8 June that very heavy continuous air and ground fire was taking place in the general area of the Israel-Syria Central Itemllitarized Zone. 'The Commander of the United Nations Emergency Force (UMEF) is continuing to concentrate UNEF troops prior to evacuation by ship off the beaches. One ship is already in the Gaza area awaiting clearance and two other ships are on their way to the area and are expected to arrive within forty-eight hours. It is hoped to resume the evacuation of UMEF within forty-eight hours.'"
•K ### # UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF CREMATION MEDIA. — NOT M OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/EM/730/Rev.l SC/2901/Rev.l 3 June 1967
COMMUNICATION FROM UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC TO SEGRETARY-GENERA.L
Following is the text of a letter* dated 8 June 1967 to the Secretary- General, U Thant, and signed by the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Republic to the United Nations, Mohamed Avad El Kony:
"I have the honour to inform you, upon instructions of ny Government, that it has decided to accept the cease-fire call, as it has been prescribed by the resolutions of the Council on the 6th and 7th of June 1967 on the condition that the other party ceases the fire. "Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
* This text was read to the Security Council this afternoon by the Secretary- General. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USB OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/731 SC/2903 9 June 1967
SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 9
Tne Secretary-General, U Slant, xoa<3e the following oral report to the Security Council today on the situation in the Middle East; "At 0036 hours , New York time, on 9 June, I received a message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic vhich you have Just read, Mr. President, "The Permanent Representative of Israel was informed of this message by telephone at OlQ^- hours, New York time. The President of the Security Council was similarly informed, and the message was immediately relayed to the Chief of Staff, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), with instructions to inform the Israel authorities in Jerusalem.
"At OYlU hoursy New York time, I was advised by the Chairman of the Israeli-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission that he had received the following message from Syria; 'In spite of our observation of the cease-fire which was communicated to you at OHOO hours this morning, we are now being subjected to an Israel attack on the whole length of the Armistice Demarcation Line and against our towns and villages which began this morning and continues at this moment. Different arms are being employed, aircraft, tanks, artillery and infantry. We hold the Security Council and the international conscience res- ponsible for this criminal aggression. We demand immediately the convocation of the Security Council, the immediate cessation of the aggression and the punishment of the aggressors. Please circulate this document to the Members of the Security Council. 'Ibrahim Makhos, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Syrian Arab Republic. '
(more ) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/731 SC/2903 9 June 1967
"At 0900 hours GMT (5:00 a.m. Hew York time), the Chief of Staff, UWTSO, received a message from the Israel authorities strongly advising against the intention of the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission to man observation posts on the Syrian side of the line as this would be a severe risk to the safety of the Military Observers, since there was severe shelling and shooting in the area. "General Bull was unable to contact the UNTSO Tiberias Control Centre and then contacted the Israel authorities, recalling to them that both sides had accepted a cease-fire and expressing his deep concern about the new developments. "At 07^5 hours, New York time this morning, I received reports from General Bull based on reports from the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission of artillery shelling and air bombing"in the Central Demilitarized Zone at between 07^5 and 0755 hours GMT. Further bombardment and aerial activities were reported by the Tiberias Control Centre half an hour later. The Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission requested UNTSO Headquarters to contact Israel authorities. "General Bull also reported at this time that he had been informed by the Israel authorities that there was heavy shelling going on in the north near Syria including the town of Safad and that in the early hours of the morn- ing some 16 villages and towns had come under heavy artillery fire. "At 0821 hrs. Hew York time 9 June I received, through commercial channels, the following message, similar to that transmitted by the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission, .from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic: "'In spite of our acceptance of the two appeals in the resolutions of the Security Council for a cease-fire, which was communicated in our telegram of this morning and broadcast over Radio Damascus at the same time, Israel con- tinues its aerial aggression over Syrian territory combined with a general attack by the Israel army and tanks. We have managed to stay calm so far. We ask immediate measures to prevent the war from breaking out afresh. Highest consideration. Ibrahim Makhos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Syrian Arab Republic.* (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/731 SC/2903 9 June 1967
"At 0930 hours, Hew York Time this morning, I received a message from the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission stating that the first confirmed bombing by Israel aircraft north and east of Lake Tiberias was at 07*4-6 hours GMT on 9 June. The message went on to say: 'Bombing, use of napalm and strafing has been continuous up to 1218 hours GMT. The bombing of the village of Sqpufiye is now in progress. Heavy explosions also heard north Lake Tiberias.' "At 1213 hours, Hew York Time today, I received from General Bull the following messages he had received from the Chairman of the Syria-Israel Mixed Armistice Commission:
"At 12¥> hours GMTf ¥e confirm bombing in vicinity Damascus. Senior Syrian delegate has requested that Chief of Staff send a message to U Thant concerning current development. 'At 12^8 hours GMT. Unobserved explosions and heavy artillery fire continues far north from Tiberias. Tiberias Control Centre confirms jet Israeli aircraft in the area. Senior Syrian delegate alleged 200 Israeli aircraft in the area, considerable movement of troops and targets engaged as far east as Kuneitra. *At 1^01 hours GMT. Damascus is having an air raid.1 "At 1032 hours Hew York Time, I received the following message through the Israel-Syrian Mixed Armistice Commission in Damascus from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic: •Israeli attack still going on inside our territory. All enemy air and ground arms assaulting our country. Israel lying. Did not for a moment respect Security Council resolutions. ¥e request immediate convening of Security Council and prompt compulsion for Israel to stop aggression immediately. Highest considerations. Ibrahim Makhos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Syrian Arab Republic. '"
.v__m_siL » A A A UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/732 SC/2904 9 June 1967
SECOND REPORT OF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 9 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following second oral report to the Security Council this afternoon on the situation in the Middle East:
"The cables to the two Governments of Israel and Syria conveying the Security Council resolution of today were dispatched immediately after the adoption of that resolution. "Ambassador Daoudy of Syria informed me orally at 2:15 p.m. that he had just spoken to Damascus and relayed the latest Security Council resolution. Syria accepts the terms of the resolution and is ready to stop immediately military operations on Syrian territory. "Later, I received the following letter: " 'Excellency, "'Concerning the information which I transmitted to your office at 2:15 this afternoon I have the honour to inform you on instructions from my Govern- ment, after a telephone conversation with my Foreign Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Makhos who instructed me to convey to you officially the acceptance of the Syrian Government to Security Council resolution 3/79^0 . "'Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
George J. Tomeh Ambassador Permanent Representative Syrian Arab Republic' "I am informed the response of Israel was that given by the Representative of Israel in his statement to the Council a moment ago."
* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/735 SC/2905 9 June 1967
THIRD REPORT OF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 9 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following third oral report to the Security Council this afternoon on the situation in the Middle East:
"I have Just received the following letter from the Permanent Representative of Israel: "'Excellency, fltl have the honor to confirm what I said in the Security Council on 9 June, that I have been instructed by telephone to announce that Israel accepts the cease-fire resolution adopted by the Security Council today, provided that Syria accepts it and will implement the cease-fire. "'Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest considera- tion.
111 Gideon Rafael "'Peraanent Representative of Israel1"
* Av AV inV UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IHFORMATJiON MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/734 SC/2907 9 June 1967
FOURTH REPORT OF SM^RETAKl^SO&BRAL TO SECUPJTY COUNCIL ON 9
The Secretary-General, U Tte&at, made the following fourth oral report to the Security Council this evening on the situation in the Middle East:
H Immediately after todayT s earlier meeting of the Security Council, at k:k3 p.m., I transmitted th* foLlOTing cablegrammes to the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Syria: "'Your Excellency, "'The Security Council decided at 1625 hours to ask me to seek immediate con- firmation that orders have been issued S?r the cessation of hostilities and that fighting has actually stopped. Since I am required to report "back to the Security Council on these points within two hours I shall be grateful for your icaedlate> reply. Highest consideration. U Thant' "At 5:30 p.m. today I received a telephone message from Ambassador Daoudy of the Syrian Aral? Republic. "The contents of this telephone message were confirmed in a letter received later from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, which reads as follows:
"'Excellency: t "'With reference to the message which you have addressed to the Foreign Ministry of Syria, I have the honour to confirm the telephone conversation which Ambassador Daoudy had with you at 5*50 p.m. today. "*(!) Israeli forces are still fjLjrlus at the civilian population in Banias which is lo<|ated inside the Syrian territory near the northern sector of the Armistice Line.
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/73^ 8C/2907 9 June 196?
The Israeli aircrafts are still flying in the Syrian skies. "T(5) Israeli helicopters are dropping paratroopers behind the Syrian lines in order to carry out sabotage activities. "'(i».) A huge merger of tanks and armored cars are taking position inside the Syrian territory for further offensive. "'I wish to confirm that orders have been given to the Syrian Armed Forces to stop milit&ry operations forthwith in accordance with Security Council. Resolution 8/7960 of 9 June 1967. "'Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. George J. Tomeh Ambassador Permanent Representative1 "At 6:05 p.m. I received an oral message from the Permanent Representative of Israel, Ambassador Rafael, which reads: "'I am instructed by my Government to confirm that the Government of Israel has accepted the cease-fire resolution adopted by Security Council today. Orders for the cessation of hostilities have been issued to the armed forces. I wish to assure the Secretary-General that on our part all fighting has stopped except for measures of self-defence when we are still being attacked. "At 6:50 p.m. I received the following letter from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic: 11 'Excellency, n'Further to my letter No.S/itl of today, ± wish to draw your attention that at 6.15 p.m. local New York time, I received a telephone call from Damascus informing me that: "'(l) Israeli Air Force has bombarded the Villages of Al-Yaquteh and Al-Ouyun near the town of Fiq inside the Syrian territory. "'(2) At the moment of the telphone conversation with Damascus, namely, at 6.15 p.m. New York time, the Israeli military aircrafts were still overflying the Syrian territory. "'(3) The Israeli tanks and armored cars are still being massed inside the Syrian territory for further attack. - M'Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. f George J, Tomeh Ambassador Permanent Representative1 (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/7J54 SC/290T 9 June 1967
"At 7:03 p.m. I received the following message, through United Nations channels in Damascus, from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ibrahim Makhoe; which was sent at 10:23 a.m. GMT: 11 * Syria already couiplied with Security Council demand for immediate cease-fire but Israelis are at this moment attacking the villages Al-Yaquteh and Al-Ouyun from the air.'"
* .y_.n Av yK, 7MT UNITED NATIONS ... _ _ Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/735 ' -. : SC/2909 10 June 1967
REPORT BY SECRETARY--GENERAL 10 SECURITY COUNCIL OH 10 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following statement to the Security Council early this morning giving an additional report on'the situation in the Middle East:
"Immediately after the adjournment of the Security Council at 10:30 p.m. last night urgent instructions were sent to the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UHISO) in Jerusalem and to the Chairman of the Mixed Armistice Commission in Damascus. I informed them of the discussions in the Security Council, of the undertakings given by both parties to extend co-operation and expressed the hope that enough co-operation would be quickly extended to them so that United Nations Military Observers might check on the actual situation in Syria as regards the observance of the cease- fire. "I requested them to advise me as speedily as possible both on the co- operation extended to them and the information obtained. I also specifically referred to the statement of the Syria Permanent Representative concerning the attack on Massadeh and asked them in particular to check this situation to the best of their ability. "At 11:33 p.m. New York Time, 9 June, I received from the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission the following report: 'Senior Syrian delegate states that there is large-scale fighting in the northern area near Banias. The Israelis are attacking with tanks and infantry supported with artillery.' "At 12:02 a.m. New York Time, 10 June, I received a further message from the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission: 'Following message received from Senior Syrian delegate at 02:5^ hours GMT: Israel has launched large-scale attacks along the northern front vicinity of Banias and Mcussadiye. - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/rj? 80/2909 10 June 1967
Massive air attacks are underway from north to south and to include Kuneitra. Request United Nations Observers reoccupy Kuneitra and to carry out observation of Israeli aggression in other areas. Signed Ibrahim Makhous, Minister of Foreign Affairs Syrian Arab Republic.1 "At C£2Kbours on 10 June the Chief of Staff of UNTSO, General Bull, communicated to me reports received from the Tiberias control centre indicating that hostilities "were continuing along the northern part of the Israel-Syria Armistice Demarcation Line and to the east. "Between 0110 hours GMT and 0125 hours GMT numerous heavy explosions were heard north, of Lake Tiberias, "At 0145 hours GMT parachute flares were seen north of Tiberias ever Jordan and between OlifT hours GMT and 0155 hours GMT continuous heavy explosions hoard north of Tiberias. "At 0230 hours GMT continuing and intense artillery fire heard north-east of Tiberias over Jordan valley, "At 0250 hours GMT three or four big explosions seen very far away in direction of Kuneitra. "At OJ20 hours GMT, three big explosions seen in direction of Kuneitra and continuing sound of artillery. "At OUOO hours GMT, OU25 hours GMT and Ol^O hours GMT heavy explosions believed to be air bombing heard in north-easterly direction. Aircraft heard passing overhead, usually in pairs. "At 02^5 :hours New York Time, I addressed a message to the Chief of Staff, UWTSO, in Jerusalem and to the Chairman of the Israel-Syria -Mixed Armistice Commission in Damascus in relation to the above quoted message from the Foreign Minister of the SyriaiArab Republic and requested that military observers should promptly visit the areas mentioned by him to determine the facts concerning the alleged and serious violation of the cease-fire and to report to New York Headquarters as speedily as possible. I am awaiting their reply. "I also informed Chief of Staff of UWTSO that an emergency meeting of the Security Council had been called for Oli-JO hours on 10 June at the request of the Syrian representative because of reports from Syrian authorities of massive Israel attacks by land and air in the Banias-Kuneitra area. Instructions were given to General Bull to continue to send most urgently any information as it - 3 - Press Release SG/SM/735 SC/2909 10 June 1967
"At 07^0 hours GMT I received the following communication from General Bull: 'Chairman of Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission reports that Senior Syrian delegate alleged at 06l6 GMT that Israeli forces launched two strong attacks on Kuneitra, first at Massadeh and second at Quassett, 12 and 7 kilometres respectively fvora Kutieltra. At 06jO GMT Senior Syrian delegate alleged that Israel aggression continues and that Kuneitra, 50 kilometres from Damascus, had fallen to Israel forces. Requested your immediate intervention to halt these violations of cease-fire agreement.' "And just now Dr. Ralph Bunche has had a telex conversation with General Bull, who has reported the following: '"'At 0735 GMT an air attack took place on Damascus airport area. Only half an hour ago Sasson (Chief Armistice Affairs, Israel Foreign Office) assured me that Israeli forces are not in Kuneitra and not oa road to Damascus. He requested that United Nations military observers be sent to Kuneitra to observe the cease-fire. I immediately sent a message to Chairman Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission to send United Nations military observers to Kuneitra or to vantage points in order to check and report on compliance with cease- fire. Another report being received frogi Tiberias says that air attacks are continuing on valley and Lake Tiberias shore.1"
* ### # UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA -. NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/736 SC/2910 10 June 1967
SECOND REPORT OF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 10 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following second oral report to the Security Council today on the situation in the Middle East:
"I have just received the following cable from General Bull: "Report received from Chairman Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission that at 0923 hours GMT air attack on Damascus going on.'"
* *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, R.Y. (.FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA. — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/737 SC/2911 10 June 1967
THIRD REPORT OF SECRETARY-GEJ3ERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 10 JUNE
The Secretary-General,. U Thant, made the following third oral report to the Security Council this morning on the situation in the Middle East: "Just before the suspension of the Security Council meeting, I received a report from General Bull that on the morning of 10 June he had met with Mr. Sasson of the Israel Foreign Office. Mr. Sasson assured General Bull that United Nations Observers would have freedom of movement and Israel liaison officers for them would be provided. Mr.- Sasson suggested that United Nations Observers should visit settlements on the front lines with Syria in connexion with the observance of the Security Council's cease-fire. "Mr. Sasson asked that the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) Observers should be sent to Kuneitra to confirm that Israel forces were not in Kuneitra and were not advancing on Damascus. General Bull under Look to sake every possible effort to observe the cease-fire both in the border settlements in the Kuneitra area and elsewhere. "General Bull has .just transmitted another message as follows: "'Following message received from Chairman Israel-Syrian Mixed Armistice Commission (ISMAC), Damascus. Situation report at 0901 hours GMT, 10 June. All Observers and staff being called into Mixed Armistice Commission House area. This on advice from Senior Syrian Delegate who says he cannot accept the responsibility for United Nations Military Observers and staff outside the Mixed Armistice Commission house area.T "I do not yet know the exact implications of this message as far as freedom of movement and effectiveness of the Observers of ISMAC.
(more) Press Release SG/SM/737 SC/2911 10 June 1967
"Just now I received another report dispatched by General Bull at 1009 hours GMT which reads: " 'Message from Chairman ISMAC received via Tiberias control centre at 09^4- GMT air raid seems to "be over but alert still going on.' "Also, a report just received from General Bull dispatched at 1010 hours GMT says as follows: "TThe present situation is very confused. "'This is my assessment in light of available information: "'1. mJTSO observers have reported that bombing and hostilities con- tinue along eastern ridges of Lake Tiberias shores in Syria, as well as on the eastern bank of Jordan River, north of Lake Tiberias, and that Damascus has been bombed by Israel air force. "'2. -There is strong indication that Kuneitra has been taken by Israel troops but it is impossible for UHTSO to confirm. "f3« Our observers in Damascus* have been confined in Mixed Armistice Commission House at Syrian request for safety reasons. "lk» Our observers in Tiberias cannot function effectively because they 'have no freedom of movement. "'5. Ho reply received regarding return of UHTSO Government House.*"
V—V.V,' * rA A VP UNITED NATIONS
Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Pxelease SG/SM/738 SC/2912 10 June 1967
FOURTH REPORT OF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 10 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following fourth oral report to the Security Councilthis morning on the situation in the Middle East: "I have received the following message from General Bull, dispatched at 1016 hours GMT: "Mr. Sasson of the Israel Foreign Office called to report the following: "'I have checked Chairman Israel-Syrian Mixed Armistice Commission (ISMAC) report of aerial attack on Damascus and I am calling to give an accurate report on the exact situation: "'a) There has been no air attack on the city of Damascus or on the Damascus air field. "Tb) There have been and are Israel aircraft in the vicinity of Damascus; they are there as protective cover for the Israeli forces in the area. "'c) I want to add our astonishment and strong protest concerning the report of the Chairman with allegations of attack on Damascus. We are surprised that he, being a military man, cannot distinguish between an air attack and other things that he is hearing, for instance anti-aircraft.1 "'Mr. Sasson called back a few minutes later to stress again that there was no air attack on the city!' "In response to an inquiry about the alleged Syrian shelling of villages in Israel, General Bull has replied: 'Only information we have is a flash from Tiberias Control Centre as follows: 0920 hours GMT clouds of smoke seen rising from side of hill in Israel approximate bearing :l-2 degrees West of Safad.'"
* -V-.V..VA ft' -n Jrtt UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/759 sc/2913 10 June 1967
FIFTH .REPORT OF S
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following fifth oral report to the Security Council this morning on the situation in the Middle East: "In response to a request for confirmation of information previously transmitted by him, the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission has sent the following message at 1125 hours GMT: "'Confirm air attack at 0755 GMT in area repeat area of Damascus airport. A second air attack south of Damascus at 0855 GMT and a third attack at 0919 GMT north and northeast of Damascus. All strikes appear to be outside city of Damascus and based on UNTSO observation.1"
y y y * A A rt UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP INPOBMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL EECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/faO SC/291^ 10 June 1967
SIXTH REPORT OF SECBETARY-GEHEML TO SECURITY COUNCIL • "* "T'"f ii'H VilJLXT ~JftnOir'iLlLi--|i>» «|Ti m~- i 'Mill iQuuair-rpfril gum ii '"TiBEjT .4.11.) JNUL 'OiLL i mni n i • > • "i~i»ir n Mm rr TW
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following sixth oral report to the Security Council today on the situation in the Middle East: "I would like to read to the Council two brief communications I have received from General Bull. The first cable, dispatched at 111A hours GMT says: n*At 1115 GMT Colonel Gat called Chief of Staff to request that he go to Tel'Aviv soonest to meet General Dayan, Israel Defence Minister. Gat said Israel is ready to make proper arrangements for cease-fire and wishes Chief of Staff to obtain time for cease-fire from Syrians. Israel also wished Chief of Staff to inform Secretary-General that he is in contact with Israel authorities to arrange cease-fire and he is going to see General Dayan as soon as possible. "'Meeting arranged between Chief of Staff and Dayan for 1215 GMT Tel Aviv. Chief of Staff left Jerusalem for meeting at 1115 GMT. "'Trust that this move will not delay implementation of cease-fire.* "The second cable, dispatched at 1157 GMT, reads: "'At IIJO GMT Sasson called. Said he had heard Security Council reports on radio in which information concerning presence of Israel aircraft over Syria was presented. He said Israel aircraft taking protective measures over Syria were over border area repeat border area.™ UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — WOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/741 SC/2915 10 June 1967
SEVENTH REPORT OF SECRETARY~GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following seventh oral report to the Security Council today on the situation in the Middle East:
"The following message has "been sent by the Chief of Staff of UNTSO to the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission: "Tl. Most urgently advise Syrian authorities that Israel is prepared to co-operate on a cease-fire together with no further movement of troops provided Syria accepts same, provided further that United Nations Military Observers shall be deployed on each side of lines at same time that cease- fire fixed. Request urgently Syrian advise regarding acceptance this cease-fire arrangement. "'2. UNTSO Chief of Staff, proposed cease-fire to be effective 1630 hours (GMT) today 10 June. Speed is essential. "13« Chairman prepared to re-establish control center Kuneitra as soon as possible and further be prepared to post United Nations Military Observers together with Syrian Liaison officers at observation sites to be selected on the spot. Syrian Liaison officers to be provided with own communicaticns. Advise estimate time required for movement and positioning United Nations Military Observers. U|4. Officer«'in-Charge Tiberias be prepared make similar paragraph 3 deployment of United Nations Military Observers on Israel side with Israel Defence Forces Liaison officers'."
* #•*# * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IBFOSmTIQN MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/7^2 SC/291? 10 Juin 1967
The Secretary-General, U thant, made the following eigiatk oral repor*t to the Security Council this eirening on the situation in the Middle East: * "As members will recall, at the end of this morning's meeting I had informed then of the proposal £or a cease-fire arrangement which was being presented to both sides by the Chief of Staff, General Odd Bull. Shortly after the meeting adjourned, w^rd was received from General Bull that he had been notified by both sides of their acceptance of his cease-fire arrangement ^»hich was to go into effect afc 1630 hours GMT. That message was circulated l to the Security Council as S/7930/Add.2. "Since the time fij^ed for the cease-fire I have received very little / information and therefore I can give the Council only a limited report. I must say f rankly that ,'l prefer not to make f ragmentary reports because they can often be misleading, but in view of the fact that the Council is requiring information from me while its meetings are underway, and since i the Observers themselves-, because of war conditions and restrictions on their move(ments and cccfenuni cat ions, are unable to observe and report as they normally do, I have no Choice but to give you the information as I get it, ( which is in the form of 'flash' reports from the field. Before the Council had adjourned this morning, I sent to the Chief of Staff a request for / information on the following five questions: "1. Has aerial activity stopped, does it continue and if so where? "2. Does artillery shelling continue and if so where and by whom? "3. Is there a continuation of shelling of Israel villages and if so where or has it ceased? "4. To what extent have the troops of Israel penetrated into Syria and where do they remain? "5. How close to Damascus did Israel troops approach?
(more) - 2 - Press Release SC/2917 10 June 1967
"Late this afternoon I received the following reponse from General Bull on those questions: "'Confirmed reports sparse since no United Nations observation in area of hostilities. Following as full and accurate as possible: "*!. Tiberias reports from 1^00 GM3? to 1?00 GMT of continuous helicopter flights to and from Israel/Syria, probably re-supply and casualty evacuation. Helicopters carrying navigation lights as light faded. At l6Vf GMT Damascus reported air bombing by two delta-winged aircraft in area seven to 10 kilometres in southerly direction from Damascus. Commenced 1639 GM3J« Aircraft not identified due to distance but seen by United Nations Military Observers at Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission Headquarters. Confirm definitely bombing, although strike could not be seen due to intervening buildings. (I may point out ""that thiB was 17 minutes after the cease-fire arrangement was to go into effect, which was 1630 GMT,) "'2. At 1752 GMD three United Nations Military Observers in Tiberias area reported four artillery guns firing from position north of operation post Delta. Target area not seen but flashes observed. Indicate firing from east to west (Syria to Israel). At 1805 GMT artillery fire continues from positions one to one-and-a-half kilometres north of operation post Delta. "T3. No reports from Tiberias which has no observation over area of Israel settlements excepting Syrian Demilitarized Zone but artillery fire reported in paragraph 2 indicates Syrian fire towards Israel from Syrian position location Hill 62. "'Ju Both Israel and Syrian authorities confirm occupation of Kuneitra by Israel forces. Israel claims prior to cease-fire. "'5. No report of Israel troops closer to Damascus than Kuneitra — approximately 68 kilometres by road South West from Damascus.*
(more) - 3 - Press Release SC/291? 10 June 196?
"I also received the following message from the Chairman of the Israel- Syria "Mixed Armistice Commission: 'Following message received from the Senior Syrian Delegate on 10 June at 1953 GMT: Israeli paratroops dropped at Tsil (approximately 30 kilometres East of Lake Tiberias) and at Rafid (approximately 20 kilometres South-South-East of Kuneitra) from helicopters.' "I have subsequently asked the Chief of Staff to send to me with greatest urgency all information available to him on the reported bombing of Damascus or its vicinity and on any other breaches of the cease-fire arrangement. I have asked him to give me all possible information on the general situation with regard to the observance of the cease-fire arrangement and on the steps being taken to achieve full observance of the cease-fire. I have also asked him to indicate what steps have been taken to deploy observers on both sides of the line, including Kuneitra, as envisaged in the cease-fire arrangement. "The latest report I have received from General Bull, which came in not long ago, is as follows: 'Following situation regarding implementation of cease-fire: '1. Proposed a cease-fire together with no further movement of troops to be effective at 1630 GMT, 10 June. This proposal was accepted by both parties. 12. Instructed Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission to re-establish Kuneitra Control Centre in the afternoon of 10 June and informed Israel authorities accordingly. Chairman dispatch an advance group of observers accompanied by three Syrian liaison officers towards Kuneitra for this purpose but when they arrived at Sasa (approximately ^0 kilometres from Kuneitra) it was learned that the latter town had been invested by Israel forces. It was thus impossible to achieve this first stage of deployment of observers as planned. '3* It was planned to position first group of observers immediately after cease-fire became effective and as soon as possible on both sides in the battle area. Due to the changing situation this could not be done prior to darkness of 10 June. 'U. It is our intention as soon as possible commencing morning 11 June to arrange for the deployment of observers from both sides in an orderly fashion into the battle area. Until observers can be deployed United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine is without definite knowledge regarding the troops on the ground and has no ability to observe any developments. Isolated pockets of resistance are likely to exist within which troops may not be under the control or even in communication with their national authorities. Under such conditions United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine is in no position to provide definite information or useful observation on the cease-fire situation. *5« The difficulties are heightened by the fact that armed forces of one party are deep in the territory of the other.'" .V,.V \t V- # TV f, n TV UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, E.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/7^3 SC/2918 10 June 1967
NINTH REPORT OF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON 10 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following ninth -oral report to the Security Council this evening on the situation in the Middle East:
"I have received the following cable from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel: '^Referring to your cable I wish to inform you that orders were issued in accordance with the cease-fire arrangement reached with the assistance of your representative, General Odd Bull, with effect from yesterday evening at iSjO local time. The cease-fire went effectively into force at the appointed hour and has continued without interruption. The Israel forces are adhering scrupulously and maintaining fully the cease-fire arrangement. "'Highest consideration.
Abba Eban Minister for Foreign Affairs1"
* *** * UNITED H A T I 0 N S Press Services Office of Public Information United Hations, H.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATIOH MEDIA — WOT AN OFFICIAL EECOBD)
Press Release SG/SM/W* SC/2919 11 June 1967
FIBST ORAL BEFQET BY SECRETARY-GENERAL BT SECURITY COUNCIL OH 11 JUME
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following first oral report to the Security Council today on the situation in the Middle East:
"I have received two reports from General Bull: K'Details of the bombing incident, which has been reported earlier, as provided by the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission, are as follows: "'Two aircraft identified as delta-wing too high to observe marking. Bombs were definitely dropped. Heavy anti-aircraft put up as result. Impact south of Damascus estimated 7 to 10 kilometres. Estimated 10 to 15 heavy explosions heard. No smoke or dust observed due to intervening buildings. Absolutely not sonic boom. These aircraft observed by experienced air force United Rations Military Observers and were assessed as bombers and not photo-reconnaissance aircraft, due to flight angle of sun. Senior Syrian Delegate reported that there were six air- craft in group, although only two were observed by United Nations Military Observers. "'Ho other breaches of cease-fire observed.
"'Sasson of Israel Foreign Office categorically and repeatedly denied bombing by Israel aircraft. He stated that such allegation should not be permitted to distort picture of calm prevailing after cease-fire time.
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/2919 11 June 1967
"'Additional information on steps taken to achieve observance of cease- fire on. either side is as follows: Ut United nations Military Observers from Damascus deployed and remained overnight at Sasa, where teams of two will deploy at first light 11 June toward Kuneitra, 11'Simultaneously, team from Tiberias will deploy eastward to Kuneitra, which is invested by Israel forces, and re-establish Kuneitra Control Centre. "Deployment of United Nations Military Observer team from Tiberias to Kuneitra has been delayed pending the decision of Israel Minister of Defence regarding this movement. Decision expected approximately 0800 hours GMT, 11 June* "'United Nations Military Observer team which remained overnight at Sasa moved'toward Kuneitra at daylight and at OJJO hours GMT reported to Damascus to have passed village of Fania. Wo further information available.1"
« UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/7^5 SC/2921 11 June 196?
SECOND ORAL REPORT OF' SECRETARY-CSENERAL TO. SECURITY COUNCIL ON 11 JUNE
The Secretary-General, U Thant, made the following second oral report to the Security Council this evening on the situation in the Middle East:
"I have received three messages from General Bull this evening which are not to be found in the Supplemental Information paper which is before you (S/7930/Add.3). All three of them relate to the question of the Israel tank column moving.out of Rafid. I had sent to General Bull and to the Chairman of the Israel-Syria Mixed Armistice Commission (ISMAC) at Damascus three cables seeking urgent information on this matter. "The three messages from General Bull are as follows: "First message received from General Bull at 1906 hours New York Time: B*$e are waiting for a report from Damascus and will inform you immediately upon receipt.' "Second message received from General Bull at 20J2 hours New York Time: "'Hereby report just received from Damascus: l) Approximately 0950 hours GMT today 11 June United Nations Military Observer (UNMO) teams UN 203, UN 150, UN 77, UN ikf, UK 85 and UN 1^2 were proceeding from Sheikh Meskine and Naqpua towards Rafid with a view to establish- ing mobile observation posts in the Kuneitra area. At Rafid the road was blocked by the Israel Defence Force. The UNMOs of all these teams reported that the Israel forces included numerous tanks. 2) At 1539 hours GMT, UNMO teams 203 and 150 reported that they could observe two or three tanks in front of Joukada village. They also reported that on a ridge in front of this village a column of tanks was heading in an easterly direction and afterwards turning in a south- erly direction.' (more) Press Release SG/SM/ SC/2921 11 June 1967
"'Third message received from General Bull at 20J6 hours Hew York Time: 'By telephone on 11 June 2550 hours GMT Mr. Sasson, Israel Foreign Office, informed me that he had received a message from Hew York contain- ing a complaint of Syrian sources concerning troop movements around Rafid. This allegation he said had been checked and with all forces and with the front commander. The front was quiet. He said that there was no advance anywhere on the front. This allegation was completely baseless.1 "I have no other information on the matter at this time. "It should be kept in mind that the United Kations Observers were not in that area on 10 June and could not proceed there until the morning of 11 June. Their report, therefore, is unavoidably limited to their observation on 11 June. "The key point in connexion with observance of the cease-fire is the question of whether the Israel troops were in Rafid and environs before 1630 hours GMT on 10 June, or whether they have advanced to that sector after the time fixed for the cease-fire to go into effect."
* •*«•* * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFOKMATIOH MEDIA -- NOT AN OFFICIAL .-BECOED)
Press Release SG/SM/7^7 PAL/102H lU June 196?
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNING UNRWA
The following statement was issued today by the Secretary-General, U Thant:
"The recent conflict in the Near East has inevitably brought tragedy and hardship to countless innocent people. Among those whose lives have been most greatly affected by the war are very many who have long been refugees in areas •which have now been occupied by the military forces of Israel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is doing its utmost to discharge the emergency tasks which have resulted from the war and to alleviate the tragic plight of the refugees affected. "UNRWA was already under severe financial stress before the present crisis. The additional emergency tasks and responsibilities which it has had to undertake as a result of the fighting will greatly increase this financial strain. The Secretary-General, therefore, strongly endorses the appeal which the Commissioner General of UNRWA has made to all Governments, voluntary agencies and private donors to come to the aid of the refugee victims of the conflict by contributing to UNRWA money or emergency medical supplies, especially antibiotics and dressings. The Commissioner General has pointed out that funds are especially needed for tents, blankets and the replacement of vehicles lost or damaged during the con- flict. "The Secretary-General ardently hopes that contributions will be swiftly forthcoming from many Governments and other sources in order to enable UNRWA to assist those who through no fault of their own have been caught in the toils of war."
* ### * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA — HOT AH OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release GA/3379 Ik June 1967
TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO MEMBER STATES
Following is the text of a telegram from the Secretary-General, U Thant, dated today, 14 June 1967 > to all the 122 Permanent Missions of the Member States of the United Nations:
English
"Have honour to draw Your Excellency's attention to letter dated 13 June 1967 from Permanent Representative of USSR to United Nations already distributed under symbol A/6717* Having in mind responsibilities of Secretary-General under Rule 9 (b) of Rules of Procedure of General Assembly, have honour further to inquire whether your Government concurs in above request for convening emergency special session. Would appreciate urgent reply." French "Ai I'honneur appeler attention de Votre Excellence sur lettre date"e 13 «juin 1967 du representant permanent URSS aupres Organisation Nations Unies deja distribute sous cote A/6717* Compte tenu des responsabilites du Secretaire general aux termes Article 9 (b) reglement interieur Assemblee generale, desirerais savoir si votre gouvernement accepte demande ci-dessus visant a convoquer session extraordinaire d'urgence. Saurais gre recevoir reponse d'urgence." Spanish "Tengo honor llazuar atencidn Vuestra Excelencia sobre carta fecha 13 junio 1967 del representante permanente URSS ante Naciones Unidas ya dsitribuida bajo signature A/6717. Teniendo en cuenta responsabilidades del Secretario General segdn artfculo 9 (B) reglamento Asamblea General, quisiera saber si su gobierno concuerda con peticidn anterior de convocar perfodo extraordinario de sesiones de eraergencia. Agradecerfa recibir respuesta urgente." ^fr *K"K"X" 'TT UNITED NATIONS Press Services , . • . . . •Office of" Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA ~ HOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD)
Press Release SG/SM/750 PAL/1027 15 June 1967
EXCHANGE OF MESSAGES BETWEENUNITED NATIONS SEC.RETARY-GEITORAL AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF LEAGUE OF RED CROSS SOCIETIES ...
Following is the text of messages exchanged between the United Nations Secretary-General,, U Thant, and the Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross Societies, Henrik Beer: Telegram dated 12 June from Henrik Bear, Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross Societies, Geneva, to U Thant; Secretary-General of the Unite d ~Na tions (translated from Frep.ch7 "League of Red Cross Societies welcomes cease-fire established in Middle East, which "was regarded by its President and Vice-Presidents in their appeal of 5 May as essential prerequisite for any effort aimed at finding solution that would restore peace in that part of the world. As that condition has fortunately been fulfilled today, I wish to assure you, on behalf of all the national societies members of our federation, that the League is prepared, in accordance with its traditional procedures and in close collaboration, with the International Red Cross Committee, to assume its responsibilities in connexion with the provision of assistance to all civilian victims of the conflict. "However, it considers that priority should be given to having countries draw up a general inventory of needs for each category of following: first, civilian populations; secondly, old refugees; thirdly, new refugees. To this end, it seems desirable that a local bureau should be set up to centralize information, prepare an over-all prograicme, and co-ordinate various activities. In view of large number of parties concerned with assistance, I take the liberty of suggesting that United Nations should take initiative in this field in col- laboration with international institutions, Red Cross and non-governmental agencies concerned."
(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/750 PAL/1027 15 June 1967
Telegram dated Ik June from United Nations Secretary-General to Secretary- General of League of Red Cross Societies "Much appreciate your most helpful and constructive message of 12 June. Am consulting our people in Near East and particularly UHRWA and will send substantive answer in near future."
Additional Telegram dated l4 June from United Jfetions Secretary-General to Secretary-General of League of Red Cross Societies
"Security Council informed on 14 June by representative of Israel that there are considerable numbers of United Arab Republic soldiers still in Sinai in disorganized and desperate conditions whose sole objective is to reach the Canal and return home. They especially Iac3s food, water and medical attention. Any efforts by League of Red Cross Societies to deal with this problem would be much appreciated and I would suggest that if you agree you should approach Governments of Israel and the United Arab Republic direct to see vhat could be arranged."
V-,V.-V, * •Vf n"Iff UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N press 16 June 196? OF MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL L TQ_MEMBER STATES OF IMITED Following is the text of the telegram (in English and French) sent today by the Secretary-General, U Thant, to the 122 Member States of the United Nations : In; English , "Further to my telegram of lU June 1967, have honour to inform Your Excellency that today Friday, 16 June at 9:30 a.m. majority of Members have concurred in request by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for convening emergency special session of General Assembly. In accordance with rule 10 of ru3.es of procedure of General Assembly, I hereby inform Your Excellency that fifth emergency special session will convene. at United Nations Headquarters New York on Saturday, 17 June, at Q:3Q a.m. Credentials issued by Head of State or Government or by Minister for Foreign Affairs may be presented by cable. Such credentials are not required for Permanent Representatives whose credentials authorize them to represent their Governments in all organs of United Nations. Following is provisional agenda for session: (l) Opening of the session by the President; (2) Minute of silent prayer or meditation; (3) Credentials of representatives to the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly; (A) Appointment of the Credentials Committee; (B) Report of the Credentials Committee; (U) Adoption of the agenda; (5) Letter dated 13 June 1967 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (document A/6717). " (more ) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/757 GA/3380 16 June 196? In French "Suite a mon telegramme du 1^ juin 1967, ai 1'honneur f former Votre Excellence qu'aujourd^ui vendredi, 16 juin a 9 heures 30 majorite des Msmbres a donne son agrement a dejnande de 1'URSS de convocation session extraordinaire d'urgence de I'Assenible'e gendrale. Conforme'ment a Article 10 reglement interieur Assemblee generale^ informe par les presentes Votre Excellence que cinq.uieme session extraordinaire d'urgence s'ouvrira au Siege OHU New York saaedi, 17 juin a 9 heures 30. Pouvoirs ^jnanant du Chef de 1'Etat ou du Chef du gouvernement ou du MLnistre des affaires etrangeres peuvent §tre presentes par telggramme» Ces pouvoirs ne sont pas requis pour les representants permanents que leurs pouvoirs autorisent a representer leur gouvernement a tous les organes OHU. Ci-apres ordre du jour provisoire de la session : 1) Ouverture de la session par le President; 2) Minute de silence consacrse a la priere ou a la meditation; 3) Pouvoirs des representants a la cinquieme session extraordinaire d'urgence de lrAssemblee generale : a) Constitution de la Commission de verification des pouvoirs; b) Rapport de la Coiomission de verification des pouvoirs; k) Adoption de 1Tordre du jour; 5) Lettre, en date du 13 juin 1967, du McLnistre des affaires etrangeres de I1Union des Republigues socialistes sovietiques (document A/6717). * *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP DPOfttiAiicw MEDIA — NOT AW OFFICIAL RECORD) Press Release SG/SK/752 19 June 196? The following statement was issued today by the Secretary-General, U Thant: "I have noted press reports on the morning of 19 June relating to a paper or memorandum which I an told was written "by Dag Hastmarskjold in August 1957, setting forth certain of his viesre Sftout the presence of the United Nations 'Emergency Force (UNSF) in the- United Arab Republic, The plain fact is that there is little that is new in the memorandum and it makes no revelations •which -would warrant the special significance being attributed to it in some quarters. In any case, such a paper could not alter the basis for the presence of UNEF on the soil of the United Arab Republic, as set out in the official documents. I wish to make the following specific comments on this memorandum: "1. It is not an official document, is cot in the official files of the Secretary-General's office, and its existence has never "been reported in any way to any organ of the United Rations, including the UNEF Advisory Committee. It was thus of a purely private character and although supposedly secret in nature, is said to have been given by him to one or more of Mr. Katranarskjold| s friends. To say the least, the release of such a paper at this time would seem to raise some question of ethics and good faith. "2. It can be said with full confidence that this paper was never conveyed to President Nasser or to the Government of the United Arab Republic, that Government knew nothing about it and was in no way bound by it. "3. I, however, had been made aware of the substance of the paper before my visit to Cairo to talk with President Nasser. "k. The crux of the matters dwelled upon in the Hammarskjold paper is the understanding between Mr. Haonarskjold and President Nasser which sometimes has been referred to as the Tgcod faith4 accord. There is, in fact, nothing \ (more) - 2 - Press Release SG/SM/752 19 June 1967 new about this. In my special report to the General Assembly of 18 May (A/6669, paragraph 7)3 I Gave "the text of an aide-memoire which I had immediately sent to the Government of the United Arab Republic on the 'good faith7 accord. Ho response to it was received. "5- It is puzzling to me, however, that those who attempt to read so much into the Hammarskjold paper, and particularly into the 'good faith1 accord, do not see — or do not choose to see — the clear fact that the 'good faith' accord, having been reached in November 1956 had a more limited scope and could not possibly have envisaged or have had any relevance to the later function defr-.ned for UNSF by the General Assembly in February 1957. In DPI background release EMF/449 of 3 June 1967, entitled 'Notes on Withdrawal of United Nations Emergency Force (UWEF)', this point was clearly stated in • paragraph 17 of that paper in the following words: "TIt has been asserted that the so-called 'good faith1 accord (see document A/6669 of 18 May 1967, paragraph 7) implied that Egypt's acceptance of General Assembly Resolution 1000 (ES-l) of 5 November 1956 would oblige Egypt to continue to accept the presence of UNEF until the task of the Force was completed. Such a view, which reads more into the Tgood faith' understanding than is justified, also ignores the fact that this understanding was reached in mid-November 1956 and therefore could relate only to General Assembly Resolution 1000 (ES-l) of 5 November 1956 which defined the task of UWEF in very general terms as being 'to secure and supervise the cessation of hostilities'. At that early stage the purpose of the Force in reality was to replace the withdrawing forces of France, Israel and the United Kingdom,, and to be, in fact, the condition for the withdrawal of those forces. Hostilities ceased, auto- matically in fact, once UNEF was deployed and thus its task at that time was completed. It was not until its resolution of 2 February 1957 that the General Assembly broadened the function of UNEF in its Resolution 1125 (XI) by stating that: "the scrupulous maintenance of the Armistice Agreement requires the placing of the United Nations Emergency Force on the Egyptian-Israeli armistice demarcation line and the imple- mentation of other measures as proposed in the Secretary- General1 s report ..." (more) - 5 - Press Release SG/SM/752 19 June 1967 That "broader task, clearly, is not completed, and it would be impossible to say at present -when it will or can "be completed. The Armistice has already-endured for over 18 yea^s. But this was-not the task envisaged or defined for UNEF vhen Secretary-General Hammarskjold and President ' " Nasser reached the 'good faith1 understanding.1 "6. There is also a failure by many ^^^gni^e-ar^J^ier-cenSa'&L. anct " .. . ..decisive- •-point"'-which is not touched upon at -all in the. Harnmarskjold paper. This point is that,.from the time ..of the .deployment of DNEF" along" the line- between Israel and ths United Arab Republic in pursuance of the General Assembly resolution of 2 February 1957 (1125 (XI)) — although only on the United Arab- . Republic side because of Israel's firm refusal to accept it on the Israel side — UNEF1s effective discharge of its buffer funct± W W 'Jv H* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OP UJFOBM!\.TIOH MEEJA — NOT AN OFFICIAL KECOHD) Press Release SG/SM/753 GA/3366 20 June 196? TFXT OF J^PAT^EHT_BY TEE^ SEgaffARY^GMERAL, U THANT, TO TEE GENERAL ASSSMBX.Y ON 20 JUNE 1967 Folio-wing is the text of a statement made today by the Serrstazy-General, U Thant, to the General Assembly, with regard to the withdrawal of the United Nations Emergency Force (UWEF) : .^ the last five and a half years I have never had. reason to comment upon a stat-ne-.it made to this Assembly by a representative of any Government. But I feel it necessary to reply very briefly to certain statements made by the Foreign Minister of Israel in his address to the General Assembly on the morning of 19 June with regard to my decision to comply with the request of the United Arab Republic for the withdrawal of UHEF. "Mr. Eban*s remarks on this subject were highly critical, but it is not for that reason that I speak now. I personally welcome criticism -when it is just, based on fact and does not obscure or ignore essential facts. The concern behind this intervention is that the picture which Mr. Eban gave yesterday can be very damaging to the United Nations with regard to its peace-keeping function, past and present, I seek only to restore in that picture the balance which the facts warrant. "I have to say at the outset that I was rather surprised at the breadth and vigour of the Foreign Minister's dissatisfaction with the withdrawal decision since in a quite recent meeting we had discussed that issue and at that time I had given a rather full explanation of just why the decision I took had to be taken in the way it was and I heard no such reaction as Mr. Eban projected to the General Assembly yesterday; nothing like it. I wish now to say that I do not accept as having validity Mr. Eban's strictures on this matter. (more) - 2 - Press Release GA/3386 20 June 196? "% position on the decision to withdraw UNEF and the reasons for it have been set forth clearly in reports which I have submitted to the General Assembly and the Security Council (A/6669, 8/7896 and S/7906). "Beyond this, I need make only the following specific comments. "The Foreign Minister of Israel, I note, made no mention in his critical analysis of my decision, of certain decisive facts and factors with which he is certainly very well acquainted. Mr. Eban must know, for example, that the indispensable basis for the effective buffer function exercriee^ by U1IEF for more than a decade was the voluntary decision of the Government of the United Arab Republic to keep its troops away from the line, with only United Nations troops in the buffer zone which was exclusively on the UAR side of the line. "On Jit>° other hand, the Foreign Minister also knows, I am sure, that Israel extto-ed no such co-operation on UNEF to the United nations; that, despite the "-u^ent of the General As-x.:>biy resolution that United Nations troops should be stationed on both sides of ".lie line, Israel always and firmly refused to accept them on Israel territory on the valid grounds of national sovereignty* There was, of course, national sovereignty on the other side of the line as well* "There can be no doubt that it would have been a helpful factor of considerable importance if Israel had at any time accepted the deployment of UHEF also on its side of the line. I may report in this connexion that prior to receiving the UAR request for withdrawal and giving my reply to it, I had raised with the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations the possibility of stationing elements of UNEF on the Israel side of the line. I was told that the idea was completely unacceptable to Israel. Moreover, for all of those 10 years Israel's troops regularly patrolled alongside the line and now and again created provocations by violating it. "Finally, may I say that Mr. Eban cannot help but know that the Government of the UAE had never accepted any limitation or restriction with regard to the exercise of its sovereign powers concerning the presence of UNEF on its territory. It can also be emphasized that there was no limitation of any kind on the right of the United Arab Republic to move its troops up to the line at any time with the inevitable result of immediately making academic the question of UHEF's withdrawal or its continued presence. (more) Press Release SG/SM/753 GA/3386 20 June 1967 "in this regard, Mr. Eban referred to the alert order issued to the Egyptian troops on the morning of 17 May. He failed to mention, however, that it was on that same morning that Egyptian troops began to move up to the line, thus eliminating the buffer zone, as I have previously reported to this body (document A/6669). "I have noted Mr. Eban's picturesque simile of the 'fire brigade which vanishes from the scene as soon as the first smoke and flame? appear.'. Mr. Eban would agree, I am surs, that for more than 10 years UHEF ha;"1, '^en remarkably effective in preventing clashes along the line and in extinguishing the flames of .--he raids across the line, the terror of the fedayeen. But I am sure that Mr. Eban did not mean what he seemed to imply, namely that UMEF was on Egyptian territory tc stay as long as the United Nations saw fit and to fight against UAR troop?, •'.' necessary, to prevent them from moving up to the line in their own territi .- . "On the matter of consultation; •;... Eban should know that I did engage in consultations before taking my decision, to the full extent required of me and even somewhat more. "I conclude these observations by quoting a statement on the same subject made in the Security Council on 3 £une 1967 by the distinguished Permanent Representative of Israel's 'The crisis in the Middle East erupted without warning on 16 May when an Egyptian general sent an ultimatum to the Commander of UNEF, At the same time as he asked for the removal of the United Nations force, he moved his own forces into the positions held by the United nations. The course of the events that followed is by nov common knowledge and well documented in the reports of the Secretary-General, *The Secretary-General tried to prevent the crisis from getting out of hand. He failed. It was not his fault.*.* "In view of the fact that important questions have been raised before the General Assembly on the withdrawal of UNEF, I wish now to inform the Assembly that it is my intention to issue within a day or two a report giving a full account of my actions on this natter," UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Infoimatsioa United Nations, N.Y. (FOR USE OF IMORMMTCON MEDIA — NOT AS OFFICIAL RECCED) Background Release Prees r.' EMEMMTY SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO jgagjMMJLlT JUNE The Secretary-General, U Thant, informed Member States this morning that the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly would convene at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, IT June, He stated, in telegrams sent to all 122 Permanent Missions, that at 9:30 a. in. today, a majority — 62 — of Members had concurred in the request of the Soviet Union that an emergency special session of the Assembly be convened, Following is the provisional agenda for the session (document A/6720): "1. Opening of the session by the President. "2. Minute of silent prayer or meditation. "3- Credentials of representatives to the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly: (a) Appointment of the Credentials Committee; (b) Report of the Credentials Committee. "k. Adoption of the agenda. "5. Letter dated 13 June 196? from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ( document A/6717)." Soviet Letter In a letter dated 13 June (document A/6717), the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union, Andrei A. Gromyko, said the Soviet Government "calls for the immediate convening of an emergency special session" of the Assembly concerning the situation in the Middle East. "Despite the Security Council's decisions concerning the cessation of hostilities between Israel and the Arab States, Israel is continuing its piratical aggression," declared the Foreign Minister. "In flagrant defiance of the Security Council demands for a cease-fire adopted on 6, 7 and 9 June, Israel has seized further territories belonging to the United Arab Republic, Jordan and Syria. (more ) - 2 - Press Release GA/3381 16 June 1967 "The Soviet Government considers it .^ssantiai that the United Nations General Assembly,, in accordance with Article 11 of the United Nations Charter, should consider the situation which has arisen and should adopt a decision designed to bring about the liquidation of the consequences of aggression and the itnmediate withdrawal of Israel forces behind the armistice lines." The Soviet Government proposed, he said, that an emergency special session be cciwtened within 24 hours and requested the Secretary-General to take whatever steps were necessary for the convening of such a session. The letter stated that the Soviet delegation to the Assembly would include leading statesmen of the Soviet Union. Article 11 of the Charter reads: "1* The General Assembly may consider the general principles of co-operation in the maintenance of international peace and security, including the principles governing disarmament and the regulation of armaments, and may make recommendations with regard to such principles tc the Members or to the Security Council or to "both. "2. The General Assembly nay discuss any questions relating to the maintenance of international peace and security brought before it by any Member of the United Nations, or by the Security Council, or by a State which is not a Member of the United Rations in accordance with Article 35.» paragraph 2, and, except as provided in Article 12, may make recommendations with regard to any such questions to the State or States concerned or to the Security Council or to both. Any such question on which action is necessary shall be referred to the Security Council by the General Assembly either before or after discussion. "3. The General Assembly may call the attention of the Security Council to situations which are likely to endanger international peace and security. "4. The powers of the General Assembly set forth in this Article shall not limit the general soope of Article 10." Member States Informed On 14 June, the Secretary-General sent telegrams (press release SG/SM/T^- GA/33T9) to the Permanent Missions of the 122 Member States of the United Nations, drawing attention to the Soviet letter. "Having in mind the responsibilities of the Secretary-General under rule 9(b) of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly", he inquired whether their Governments concurred in the request for an emergency special session. (more) - 3 - Press Release GA/3381 16 Jcce 1967 Rule 9 of the Assembly's rules of procedure, reads: "(a) Any Member of the United Nations may .request the Secretary- General to summon a special session. The Secretary-General shall immediate^ inform the other Members of the United Nations of the request and inquire whether they concur in it. If within thirty days of the date of the communication of the Secretary-General a majority of the Members concur in the requeet, a special session of the General Assembly shall be summoned in accordance with rule 8. "(b) This rule shall apply also to a request by any Member for an emergency special session pursuant to resolution 377 A (V). In such a case the Secretary-General shall communicate with the other Members by the most expeditious means of communication available." Resolution 377 A (v), known as the "Uniting for Peace" resolution, was adopted by the Assembly on 3 November 1950. In accordance with its provisions, emergency special sessions of the Assembly — as distinguished from special sessions — are to be convened with- in 2k hours of the receipt by the Secretary-General of a request for such a session from the Security Council, on the vote of any nine (formerly seven) members of the Council, or of a request from a majority of the Members of the United Nations expressed by vote in the Interim Committee or otherwise, or of the concurrence of a majority of Members as provided in rule 9. Further Communications In a note dated 15 June, the Soviet Union expressed the wish that the emergency special session of the Assembly, which it had requested, should be convened not earlier than Monday, 19 June (document A/6719). "The United States, iru>£ letter dated 15 June, stated that it was not able i; to concur in the request for the holding of an emergency special session of the Assembly at this time (document A/6718-S/7987). Previous Emergency Special Sessions The previous emergency special sessions were as follows: girst emergency special session (Suez), from 1 to 10 November 1956; Second emergency special session (Hungary), from k to 10 November 1956; Third emergency special session (Lebanon and Jordan), from 8 to 21 August 1958j and Fourth emergency special session (Congo), from 17 to 20 September 1960. (more) . It _ Press Release GA/33&- 16 June 1967 All the previous emergency speaial sessions were convened following a request from the Security Council, In addition, there have been fivte special sessions of the Assembly, •which, under the rules, are to "be helS'within 1?. days of the receipt of a request for such a session from the Security Council, or from a jaajority of Member States, or of their concurrence in a request. They were as follows: First special session (Palestine),, from 28 April to 15 May Second special session (Palestine), from 16 April to 1^ May Third special session (Tunisia), from 21 to 25 August 19&L; Fourth special session (United Nations finances), from 1^ May to 27 June 1963; and Fifth special session (South West Africa and peace-keeping operations), from 21 April to 13 June 1967. The conduct of business at an emergency special session is dealt with in rule 65, which reads: "Notwithstanding the provisions of any other rule and unless the General Assembly decides otherwise, the Assembly, in case of an emergency special session, shall convene in plenary session only and - proceed directly to consider the item proposed for consideration in the request for the holding of the session, without previous reference to the General Committee or to any other committee; the President and Vice-Presidents for such emergency special sessions shall be, respectively, the Cha:rraen of those delegations from which were elected the President and Vice-Presidents of the previous session," Consideration in Security Council The situation in the Middle East has been under consideration in the Security Council since 2U May. The Council has held 21 meetings so far on that question, adopting five resolutions (documents S/RES/233 to 237). The Secretary-General made a series of reports to the Council on the situation. Some were written reports (documents 8/7896 and Corr.l, S/79C-6 and S/7930 and Add, 1-8), and some were oral (press releases SG/SM/72*!- to (more) - 5 - Press Release GA/3381 16 June 1967 Following is a list of S/ documents issued so far -which relate to this question: 8/7896 and Corr.l S/7932 S/7959 3/7902 3/7933 S/7960 3/7903 3/7934 S/7962 3/7904 3/7935 S/7963 3/7905 3/7936 S/7964 S/7906 3/7937 S/7965 3/7907 S/7938 S/7966 3/7908 3/7939 S/7967 3/7909 S/7940 S/7?63 and Rev.1-3 3/7910 3/7941 S/7970 S/79H S/7942 S/7971 S/Y912 3/7943 and Corr.l 3/7972 S/Y914 3/7945 3/7973 S/7915 3/7946 3/7974 3/7916 and Rev.l (English only) 3/7947 3/7975 S/7917 3/7948 S/7978 3/7919 s/79^9 3/7979 3/7920 3/7950 3/7930 3/7921 3/7951 and Rev. 1-2 3/7983 S/7922 3/7952 and Rev.1-3 S/7984 3/7924 3/7953 3/7985 3/7925 3/7954 3/7987 3/7926 S/7955 3/7988 S/7928 3/7956 3/7989 S/7929 S/7957 S/7990 3/7930 andAdd.l-S S/7958 S/7991 Verbatim records: 'X"X"X'