U.N. Truce Chief Refuses to Fix Guilt for Jerusalem Flare-up

The Israel-Jordan Mixed Armistice Commission, under the chairmanship of Gen. Vagn Bennike, head of the United Nations truce supervision organization, met in three successive sessions today and ended the day without having reached a decision on fixing responsibility for the start of the three-day "small war" in Jerusalem, June 30-July 2.

Throughout the day, Gen. Bennike maintained his original position that it would be futile to adopt a resolution blaming one side or another for the start of shooting, in which nine persons died and more than 50 were wounded on both sides of the Israel-Jordan demarcation line. After the meeting, Gen. Bennike revealed that he intended to meet with both parties separately to discuss measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and stricter adherence to the armistice agreement.

An Israeli spokesman, commenting on the inconclusive outcome of today’s meetings, expressed the Israel Government’s deep concern over "the pernicious effects of the refusal to establish responsibility" for such incidents. The Israel delegation today offered the MAC a six-point program aimed at ending such incidents. The Jordanian delegation, however, refused to agree. It Provided.

1. Reaffirmation by both of the parties of their obligations to abide by all the provisions of the armistice pact. 2. Settlement of all differences and disputes by pacific means. 3. Implementation of the armistice agreement’s provisions for free access to the Holy Places and the cultural institutions and to Mt. Scopus, and for the resumption of normal functioning of humanitarian institutions on Mt. Scopus.

4. Both parties shall refrain from hostile acts and firing across the demarcation lines. 5. Division of the no man’s land area in Jerusalem which has been a source of such incidents. 6. The calling of a meeting of both parties to adopt stricter security measures.