Editorial Note
Mr. Bunche, through his representatives at Tel Aviv and Cairo, transmitted to the Provisional Government of Israel and the Government of Egypt identical communications of November 13, establishing provisional demarcation lines for Israeli and Egyptian forces in the Negeb. This action, taken pursuant to the Security Council resolution of November 4, fixed November 19 as the effective date. The communications stated that “As soon as the provisional demarcation lines have been put into effect, my good offices and those of the Chief of Staff and the entire truce supervision personnel will be fully at the disposal of both parties to assist them in undertaking the negotiations envisaged in the resolution for the establishment of the permanent truce lines and such neutral or demilitarized zones as may appear advantageous.”
The communications were made public by the United Nations in press release PAL/381, November 13. Paris transmitted them to the Department on November 16 (Delga 783, 501.BB Palestine/11–1648).