Thant Denies Jarring is Finished, Calls Such Interpretations ‘inaccurate’

Secretary-General U Thant today denied “categorically” that his special representative was “giving up, even temporarily, his mission in the Middle East or that his efforts there are being suspended.” Mr. Thant said he was surprised that such an interpretation was put on his announcement yesterday that Dr. Jarring would be remaining at his Moscow diplomatic post for the time being. He called such interpretations “misleading” and “inaccurate.” Mr. Thant said yesterday that Dr. Jarring “will be immediately available for any renewed effort in connection with his mission…whenever developments require it.”

In a statement issued here, Mr. Thant explained that “a stage has been reached in (Dr. Jarring’s) efforts in which it appears that there is no further move that he might make at the moment which would be helpful and thus it is advisable to take some time to assess the situation and await new developments.” Mr. Thant said that he and Dr. Jarring “consulted on this and both agreed that Ambassador Jarring could at present most usefully remain in Moscow, although he was entirely willing to stay in Cyprus or come to New York if the Secretary-General would regard such a move more desirable.”

Mr. Thant said he was keeping in constant touch with Dr. Jarring and informs him daily of Mideast events and developments “and particularly on the course of the Four Power talks.” Mr. Thant said “in this regard, the Secretary-General reiterates his belief that the Four Power talks…are necessary and vital, are designed to reinforce the Jarring mission, and do not at all obstruct or weaken it.”