The powerful group of Afro-Asian delegations here, totalling representatives of 24 member-states, was preparing to press for punitive action against Israel, as word reached the United Nations that there has been “a hitch” in Israel’s promise to start its withdrawal of troops from the El Arish sector of the Sinai Peninsula today.
Pressed by the Arab bloc, which makes up a strength of II member inside the Afro-Asian group, the latter was meeting today to urge action before the General Assembly for a new resolution chastising Israel because it had allegedly failed to live up to earlier promises to withdraw from Egyptian territory “forthwith.”
Meanwhile, other issues affecting Israel’s situation were being pressed here, some by the Israel delegation. These included, reportedly; an Israel demand that a buffer zone be established between its borders and Egypt’s. Israel was known to be contacting numerous delegations here, not only in regard to the buffer proposal but also with its demands that the United Nations guarantee Israel against a renewal of shipping blockades by Egypt in the Suez Canal and in the Gulf of Akaba; UN assurances that Egypt will call off the raids by fedayeen commandos who have been raising havoc inside Israel; and a guarantee that Egypt will not once again build an army in the Sinai, behind the shield of the United Nations Emergency Force.
At least some of these issues were presumed to have been discussed over the weekend, during a lengthy, two-hour conference between Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold and Abba Eban, chairman of Israel’s permanent delegation here. However, neither of the parties attending the conference would disclose the subject matter discussed.
Still another point being watched here today was one affecting Israel’s behavior in the Gaza Ship. Egyptians have charged Israel with committing atrocities there. The Secretary General is known to have a report by one of his observers, denying such allegations and indicating that Israel has not treated the Gaza residents and the Arab refugees with anything but consideration.
However, Mr. Hammarskjold has not made that report public. He is understood to be holding it up until another report is ready for publication, made by Henry R. Labouisse, director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Arab Refugees from Palestine. The Labouisse report is said to be based on the early period of Israel’s march into Gaza, when there may have been some fighting between Israelis and Arabs in that area. By publishing both reports together, therefore, the Secretary General would have, once more, a double report which would be “balanced” on the surface but redounding against Israel.
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