320. Telegram From the Consulate General at Jerusalem to the Department of State1
101.Burns gave me following account September 28 his efforts obtain withdrawal military units from El Auja D/ZM.
Egypt replied Burns communication September 26 by stating GOE prepared carry out withdrawal as requested. Israel stipulated certain conditions as prerequisite requested action and Burns discussed them with Eytan of Israel Foreign Ministry September 28.2 These are:
- 1.
- That GOE give assurance her military forces will withdraw from D/Z and communications zone defined in article viii paragraph 3 of GAA. Regarding this point Burns assured Eytan that Egyptians prepared comply (however, he added that the 3 Egyptian posts) mytel 973 could properly remain, so long as they did not encroach across international frontier, pursuant decision MAC Chairman in June 1955 that they were only check posts. Not “defensive positions” so long as each post manned by only about 10 soldiers.
- 2.
- That GOE give assurance its forces would not interfere with demarcation boundary. On this point Burns proposed that MAC Chairman conduct boundary survey using technicians on duty with UNTSO and that each party erect ½ of total boundary marking pylons.Burns explained that Gohar has agreed in principle this procedure.
- 3.
- That situation MAC offices El Auja be “regularized” by respecting terms agreement reached between the parties in 1949. This has to do with guards, availability liaison officers maintenance separate premises for each party and UNTSO.Burns said Israelis main offender this subject, since their Kibbutz members had interfered in operations, their liaison officer is frequently absent, and Israeli unit had attacked Egyptian guard members September 21. In any event,Burns told Eytan that MAC Chairman would present proposals for attainment objective desired, and they would be implemented by parties.
Burns saw Gohar at Gaza September 27 and evidently obtained his assent foregoing.Burns said that Gohar’s assurances not entirely to be relied on, but he had done his best convince Gohar action along above lines in best interest GOE.Burns added that Gohar tended quibble over such matters as marking frontier, saying Israel should put up all markers.Burns pointed out importance larger issues at stake and urged Gohar desist from frustrating arrangements by undue emphasis such minor questions. Regarding meeting Burns and Nasser, Gohar undertook arrange this for near future, but indicated meeting will likely be contingent progress El Auja.
Eytan told Burns that GOI would “consider” his proposals regarding above 3 Israeli conditions. In discussing matter with me Burns referred one additional “condition” which Israelis had at first put forward and which included in Jerusalem Post story September 28. This is that Egypt reaffirm “her resolve abide by cease fire both in Gaza and Nitzana areas”.Burns understood this condition based on certain recent incidents allegedly involving activities Egyptian “suicide squad” said captured by Israelis. However, since UNTSO observers have not been allowed see persons captured,Burns replied to effect he could not approach Egyptians about this “condition”, which has apparently been dropped.
In order allow time for Israeli deliberations,Burns has advanced his deadline for commencement withdrawals to 1000 local time September 30. He expressed skepticism favorable action Israelis, owing his belief that “activist elements” may well prefer have present situation in D/Z continue.
Burns asked me convey his appreciation Department’s support as indicated Deptel 43.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/9–2955. Confidential; Priority. Received at 9:37 a.m. Repeated priority to Cairo, Tel Aviv, London, and Paris.↩
- The Embassy in Tel Aviv on September 29 transmitted the text of the Israeli reply to General Burns’ request in telegram 303. (Ibid.)↩
- Not printed. (Ibid., 674.84A/9–2455)↩
- See footnote 3, Document 309.↩