Resumption of excavation of drainage canals in the area south of Lake Huleh was put off again today. At the same time, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs held back all details of a United Nations report based on a third survey this week-end of the disputed area by UN observers. The UN report is being studied by Israeli experts.
This latest announcement of a work halt clashes with earlier announcements by the Foreign Ministry that the digging was being delayed only in spots and for brief periods to facilitate the work of the UN surveyors.
Meanwhile, Israeli farmers from the Dan settlement began today harvesting crops in the fields close to the disputed area where at least one Israeli life was lost last week. Harvesting was necessitated by the hot weather which threatens to burn up the crops unless they are gathered.
Lt. Gen. E. L. M. Burns, commander in chief of the UN Emergency Force, who came here from the Gaza Strip several days ago to confer with Maj. Gen. Carl C. von Horn, his successor as UNTSO chief of staff, extended his visit and is continuing talks with Gen. von Horn. It is believed he is briefing the Swedish general on his own experiences in handling previous Israel-Syrian disputes over the Lake Huleh project.
Gen. von Horn met today with Maj. Gen. Chaim Laskow, Israel Army Chief of Staff. The communique issued after the meeting described the session as “a courtesy” and “introductory in character.”
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