United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold arrived here today for conferences with top Israeli government leaders and this afternoon went into his first private two-hour meeting with Premier David Ben Gurion.
After the meeting, an official communique said that the two statesmen had exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and what could be done to bring about more peaceful relations in the area, in pursuance of United Nations Charter provisions.
After the private session ended, Mrs. Golda Meir, Israel Foreign Minister, and UN Undersecretary Dr. Ralph Bunche, Col. B. V. Leary, acting UN truce chief, and other aides of both principals were called in for a generalized discussion.
The Secretary General was met with most unusual security arrangements, The Lydda Airport where his plane landed looked like a besieged fortress. Heavy police cordons were established around and on the field and even newsmen, always allowed on the runways when prominent personalities arrive, were barred. In Jerusalem, policemen armed with submachine guns were patrolling streets in tie vicinity of the Premier’s office.
Security precautions were carried to such an extent that the place of the meeting between Mr. Hammarskjold and Mr. Ben Gurion –generally known to be Mr. Ben Gurion’s office–was officially termed a “security secret” by a Foreign Ministry official. Whether through lack of knowledge or a desire to shield Mr. Hammarskjold’s movements, neither UN nor Israeli officials could supply the schedule for tomorrow. Tonight Mrs. Meir will give a dinner in honor of Mr. Hammarskjold.
At the airport, Mr. Hammarskjold was met by senior officials of the Foreign Ministry. The only statement he would make was: “I am glad to be received by the Israel Government.” After his arrival he was closeted with the advisers who accompanied him, Col. Leary and Henri Vigier, UNTSO political adviser.
It is understood that Mr. Hammarskjold is withholding a decision-on whether to go to Cairo from here until after he sees the results of his conferences. He is scheduled to hold several private sessions with the Premier and broader talks with other Israeli officials. He may visit the Old City while he is here.
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