Clarification Sought on Jarring Letter and Whether Untso is Observing Military Build-up

The official merry-go-round continued in its orbit here today as spokesmen for the United Nations said they were continuing to “check out” whether or not Israel officially approved or saw in advance the text of the letter submitted by Ambassador Gunnar V. Jarring to Secretary General U Thant which omitted Israel’s condition for withdrawal from occupied territories. Spokesmen also said they would seek “further clarification” as to whether the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) is charged with observing any military build-up that might be undertaken by either Israel or Egypt and the Soviet Union during the cease-fire period. Pending clarification of this matter, spokesmen said there were no reports of complaints by either Israel or Egypt of violations of the cease-fire. Israeli officials have complained that Dr. Jarring’s letter omitted Israel’s condition that withdrawal to secure, recognized and agreed boundaries would be determined in the peace agreements. Some UN sources noted that Egypt’s conditions were not included either. One spokesman pointed out that any conditions that have been or will be raised by negotiators for each of the three countries will have to be taken up during negotiations. He asserted: “Dr. Jarring’s letter was nothing more than the wording of the U.S. peace initiative. This is the basis of discussion for Middle East peace. Israel has made its objections known on the issue of withdrawal. From now on it’s a matter for the negotiators to resolve.”

A UN spokesman said that Dr. Jarring was still waiting for replies from Israel, Egypt and Jordan as to who would represent them in the negotiations. He said that when a decision is reached on representation, “Jarring will issue a statement.” This announcement was greeted by surprise from newsmen who noted that this would be a precedent setting move by the Swedish peace envoy. Dr. Jarring has never permitted himself to be interviewed by the news media nor has he ever issued any statement to the public concerning his mediation efforts and procedures. This apparent change of pace was credited by some here to Dr. Jarring’s concern that there be no misunderstanding possible through second-party announcements at a time when negotiations begin. Spokesmen, who were asked what role the UN would play in the further developments of negotiations and truce observance replied that its role would be described “at the proper moment.” The role of UNTSO, they added, would continue as before the cease-fire went into effect. “There is no change in the function or responsibility of UNTSO regarding cease-fire violations or (military) build-ups,” the spokesmen said. Reports by UNTSO on either would be issued “when conditions warrant it.” Israel’s Ambassador Yosef Tekoah was scheduled to meet later this afternoon with Mr. Thant. The topic for discussion was reportedly the Middle East. It was not immediately known whether Mr. Tekoah would discuss the Jarring letter with the Secretary General.