Office of the Historian

266. Telegram From the Consulate General at Jerusalem to the Department of State1

Jerusalem, April 10, 1956—4 p.m.

408. Reference: ConGentel 404 to Department.2 In response Burns’ request Egyptians give undertaking observe article II paragraph 2 GAA in order establish “cease-fire” as proposed by Ben Gurion, who also stated Israelis would wait until 1200 local time April 10 for GOE reply. UNTSO has now received message from Fawsi. Message informs Burns that his forthcoming visit to Cairo together with UNSYG will create an appropriate occasion for a comprehensive discussion of all the points which Burns raised in his recent communications. Fawsi’s message continues by stating that “meanwhile GOE will continue to take all measures necessary for the maintenance of security around the demarcation line”.

Above message received at UNTSO headquarters about 1030 local time today after departure Burns to meet Hammarskjold at Tel Aviv airport. UNTSO courier expected deliver message to Burns at Tel Aviv about 1230 today. Assume Burns or Hammarskjold will ask GOI to leave above time limit in abeyance in order give them opportunity confer with Egyptians.

[Page 512]

Understand Burns will accompany Hammarskjold to Cairo today.

Cole
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/4–1056. Confidential; Niact. Received at 11:38 a.m. Repeated niact to Cairo and priority to Amman, Beirut, Baghdad, Damascus, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv. Passed to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force at 1:20 p.m.↩
  2. Document 256.↩