In meeting
yesterday [April 18] Secretary-General forwarded detailed proposals for
intensification and efficient observers work by establishing UN observation
posts and patrols along the Gaza Strip [border] line, right of free visiting
inside demilitarized zones and limitations on defense forces as defined in Articles
VII and VIII. The PM promised to consider proposals and would continue
discussing them in today’s meeting [April 19]. PM demanded that prior to
discussion of other Armistice items we discuss implementation of Article I
which commits them [the Egyptians] to avoid resort to force for solving
Palestine problem and execution of any other aggressive action generally, and
allowing sides right to see to their security and freedom from anxiety
regarding attack. PM noted that Egypt’s policy is in contradiction with these
commitments in view of blockade and preparation of war, both by concentration
of forces in Sinai and by intensive arming as well as by wild war propaganda.
This policy undermines the foundations of the Armistice Agreement. The PM
demanded that Egyptians again ratify commitment to these obligations and cease
carrying out actions contradicting them, first and foremost the Suez and Eilat
blockades. Israel is prepared to fulfill all clauses of the Armistice on the
basis of reciprocity, but it cannot agree that one side fulfills only those
commitments which are to his liking.
The SG claimed the PM’s demand overstepped
the limited purpose with which the SC had entrusted him. The
blockade was a breach of the armistice regime but not a breach of the articles
in the agreement. He was prepared to discuss the principles included in Article
I after discussing the enumerated problems such as observers, Articles VII and
VIII, local settlements etc. He stressed the importance that members of the SC see in the parties’ responding to his proposals. He hinted at the
influence of our position regarding the important negotiations now being held
in several capitals regarding our matters )i.e., arms(. He explained that not
even one Arab government would dare publicly deny the existence of a state of
war and expressed the hope that if we did not insist on our demand it would be
possible to succeed in getting Nasser to avoid implementing the blockade
without him publicly changing their declared position. The PM and FM refuted
the SG's claims that the blockade did not constitute a violation
of the clauses and spirit of the Armistice Agreement, and they quoted Bunche’s
explicit words at the 433rd meeting of the Security Council on 4.8.1949.
Today the government discussed our position regarding the
continuation of the negotiations.
SOURCE: Rafael to Israel Missions UN (NY), London,
Washington, etc., April 19, 1956, ISA FM 130.02/2448/3.
