Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-02-21

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entered that nations territory
in order to help to maintain the
cease fire, which the United Ma
tionS called for on November 2.
The Secretary General, who ably
and devotedly serves the United
Nations, has recommended a
number Of measures which
might be taken by the United
Nations and by its Emergency
Force to assure for the future
the avoidance by either side of
belligerent acts.
The United Nations General
Assembly on February 2 by an
overwhelming vote adopted a
resolution to the effect that, af-
ter full withdrawal Of Israel
from the Gulf Of Aqaba and
GAIA areas, the United Nations
Emergency Force should be
placed on the Egyptian-Israeli
armistice lines to assure the
scrupulous maintenance Of the
armistice agreement. Also the
United Nations General Assem-
bly, called for the implementa-
ton of other measures proposed
by the Secretary General. These
other measures embraced the use
of the United Nations Emer-
gency Force at the mouth Of the
Gulf Of Aqaba, so as to assure
non-belligerency in this area.
The United States was q CO.
sponsor Of this United Nations
resolution. Thus the United
States sought to assure that Is
rael would, for the future, enjoy
its rights under the arInistice
and under international law.
Message to Ben Gurion
In view Of the valued friendly
relations which the United
States has always had with the
State Of Israel. wrote to Prime
Minister Ben Gurion on Febru-
AIRY 8. I recalled his statement
to me Of November 8 to the
effect that the Israeli forces
would be withdrawn under GER
tain conditions, and I urged that
in view of the General Assembly
resolutions Of February 2, Israel
should complete that with.
drawal.
However. the Prime Minister
in his reply. took the position
that Israel would not evacuate
its military forces from the GAIA
strip unless Israel retained the
civil administration and police
This would be in contradiction
to the armistice agreement. Also
the reply said that Israel would
not withdraw from the Straits
of Aqaba unless freedom of pass
age through the straits was as
sured.
1t was a matter of keen disap-
pointment to us that the gov
eminent of Israel, despite the
United Nations action. still felt
unwilling to withdraw.
However, in a further effort
to meet the views of Israel in
these respects. Secretary oil
State Dulles. at my direction
gave to the government Of Israel
on February II a statement OF
United States policy. This has
now been made public. 1t pointed
out that neither the United
States nor the United Nations
had authority to impose upon
the parties a substantial modifi-
cation OF the armistice agree
ment which was freely signed
by Israel and Egypt. Neverthe-
less. the statement said. the
United States as a member of
the United Nations would seek
such disposition of the United
Nations Emergency Force as
would assure that the GAIA
strip could no longer be a source
OF armed infiltration and re-
prisals.
Dulles Pledges U. S. Efforts
The Secretary of State orally
informed the Israeli Ambassador
that the United States would be
glad to urge and support. also,
some participation by the United
Nations. with the approval OF
Egypt. in the administration OF
the GAIA Strip. The principal
population Of the strip consists
OF about 100000 Arab refugees,
who exist largely as a charge
upon. the benevolence of the
United Nations and its members
With reference to the passage
into and through the Gulf of
Aqaba. we expressed the convic-
ton that the gulf constitutes
international waters and that no
nation has the right to prevent
free and innocent passage in the
gulf. We announced that the
United States was prepared to
exercise this right itself and To
join with others to secure gen.
eral recognition of this right.
The government of Israel has
not yet accepted. as adequate in
surance of its own safety after
withdrawal. the far reaching
United Nations resolution OF
February 2 plus the important
declaration Of United States pol
icy made by our Secretary OF
State on February IL.
But Israel seeks something
more. 1t insists on firm guaran-
tees as a condition to withdraw
ing its forces Of invasion.
Raises Question Of Principle
This raises basic question OF
principle. Should a nation which
attacks and occupies foreign ter
ritory in the face Of United Ma
lions disapproval be allowed to
impose conditions on its with
drawal?