136. Editorial Note
On October 29, Israel invaded the Sinai with the announced intention of destroying Egyptian “Fedayeen” bases. Paratroopers were dropped at the Mitla Pass some 20 miles east of Suez. This provided justification for France and the United Kingdom, who had colluded with Israel in this matter, to issue an ultimatum on October 30 to both Israel and Egypt to withdraw their forces 10 miles from the Suez Canal and to agree to temporary Anglo-French occupation of the Canal sites. Israel, as predetermined, promised compliance, but Egypt refused to [Page 330] accede. This led to the British bombing of the Egyptian Air Force on October 31 followed on November 6 by the Anglo-French invasion of Port Said. Great Britain and France also used their veto power in the Security Council to defeat United States-sponsored resolutions critical of Israel. The Suez crisis and the involvement of Great Britain and France quickly overshadowed the Hungarian rebellion and became the principal area of concern for United States leaders. Extensive documentation on the Suez crisis is in volume XVI.