Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

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

Jerusalem, April 12, 1956—5 p.m.

417. With reference last sentence ConGentel 414² UNSYG has addressed a further message to Ben Gurion April 12. It amounts to appeal for restraint on Fedayeen activities night April 11. UNTSO states message delivered Tekoah, who said Ben Gurion “not available”, but he offered make “every effort” to deliver it. Text message follows:

“I have received your message in reply to my transmittal of the assurance given me yesterday afternoon by the Government of Egypt concerning compliance with Article II, paragraph 2.

“Let me first of all express my deep regret for the serious loss of lives from what I trust to be the last flare-up of the intrusions.

“Simultaneously with the message which has already been delivered to you, I sent to you another message which, in view of your reaction, was not delivered. I have now instructed Colonel Hommel, in spite of last night’s incidents, to deliver to you also that second message. I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the substance of this second message has been confirmed by the reported return of the Fedayeens back from the raids.

“The precarious balance which would be established after calling off of the Fedayeen activities, and on the basis of specific mutual assurances concerning implementation of the undertakings under Article II, paragraph 2, can be maintained only by the utmost restraint and the courage to stand up to test on both sides. The matters involved are far too serious to permit anybody to risk upsetting a balance that may lead to quiet by inconsiderate action or statement.

“It is not for the Secretary-General to add to the tension by public statements. He has refrained from doing so after the events of last week. He will refrain from doing so now. The proper body for such condemnation is, as you well know, the Security Council. I am looking forward to your immediate reply to my question in the second message.”

Cole

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 674.84A/4–1256. Confidential; Niact. Received at 1:36 p.m. Repeated priority to Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, and Damascus.
2. Document 277.