The Egyptian authorities have not permitted representatives of the International Red Cross to interview Raphael Eylon, Israeli seaman-journalist removed from the Danish vessel Brigitte Toft when it passed through the Suez Canal.
Immediately after the sailor’s arrest, the Israel Government requested the Red Cross to intervene to assure him decent treatment, since in the past Israeli seamen detained in Egypt have been tortured and beaten. The Red Cross has informed Israel that whenever its representatives attempted to see Mr. Eylon they were put off with evasive answers and if an appointment was made, it was cancelled at the last minute.
Meanwhile. Dag Hammarskjold, United Nations Secretary General, who promised to intervene on Mr. Eylon’s behalf, has twice expressed optimism that he would be released soon. However, he has been unable to report concrete developments in this direction.
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