501.BB Palestine/2–2449: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
193. Official communiqué announcing signature today at Rhodes armistice transforming cease-fire into permanent truce states “agreement has no political character. It deals exclusively with military questions and does not affect in any way the political destiny of Palestine.” Communiqué also declares military delegation sent January 12 to discuss with UN Mediator the application of SC resolutions of November 4 and 16 ran into many difficulties until Bunche established project bringing together the different points of view.
[Page 769]Press reproduction of agreement forbidden by censor although radio heard in Egypt carries full text. Security officials warned Embassy officer violent reaction possible when agreement is published.1
- Cairo transmitted the text of the
official communiqué in airgram 239, February 26, which noted
that censorship of the terms of the agreement “relented under
orders, to the extent of permitting the publication of seven
brief points which were ascribed to sources outside Egypt. These
points as published in the local press of February 25 are as
follows:
- “‘1. The coastal strip from the Egyptian frontier to a point 15 kilometres north of Gaza will remain under the control of the Egyptian forces.
- “‘2. The Egyptian forces in Faluja will start evacuating the town today.
- “‘3. El Auja becomes a headquarters of the United Nations observers enforcing the armistice.
- “‘4. Prisoners of war will be exchanged within the next ten days.
- “‘5. Both parties will hot undertake any military operations or bring in reinforcements in arms and equipment.
- “‘6. Both parties will not build new airfields in Palestine.
- “‘7. Both parties are to reduce their main forces within four weeks in compliance with the armistice.’”(501.BB Palestine/2–2649)