Three Egyptian soldiers who were returned by Israel to Egypt yesterday admitted that they were on an intelligence mission when they were captured by Israeli troops in the Suez Canal area the night of June 3-4. The officer and two soldiers said they were checking the deployment of Israeli troops and weapons on the eve of the reopening of the canal.
The officer, a Lt. Gamal, said in a television interview that Egypt wanted peace and with the opening of the canal the chances for peace have doubled. The lieutenant said he was an agricultural engineer who was serving three years in the reserves. All three Egyptians said they received good treatment in Israel. It is believed here that their prompt return was intended to set an example for Egypt to treat captured Israelis the same way.
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