The Israel Government today gave its reply to an 11-point note presented to her by the Western Powers with regard to border security. The reply was handed to the American, British and French diplomatic representatives in Israel.
It is understood that Israel accepted all the technical proposals suggested by the “Big Three, “including the erection of a fence along the Arab-Israel frontiers. However, doubt was expressed by Israel whether these measures will check Arab infiltration into Israel territory.
On the other hand, the Israel Government rejected the demand to extend wider powers to United Nations observers. The Government does not oppose any suggestion to increase the number of such observers, but is against their using of helicopters and it opposes giving them more rights than they have at present.
The Israel Government expressed willingness to permit Arab refugees to pass from the Egyptian-held Gaza strip to the Hebron area however, it insists that such passage must be not under the supervision of United Nations observers but under Israeli control. It was specified that this should not be considered a permanent arrangement, but an arrangement limited to unification of families only.
The reply of the Israel Government concludes by welcoming the initiative taken by the Western Powers to reduce the tension on the Arab-Israel borders. However, it stresses the view that the best way to put an end to such tension is through direct Arab Jewish negotiations.
Meanwhile it was announced today that several Israeli policeman were injured this week-end when Jordanian forces opened fire on a border patrol near Khirat Ibtan, north of Tulkarm in the “triangle” area of Central Israel.
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