Israel Prepares for Parade in Jerusalem; Surprised at U.N. Resolution

Preparations proceeded today for Israel’s 13th anniversary parade in Jerusalem despite yesterday’s Security Council resolution urging Israel not to hold the parade here.

Israel’s intention to hold the parade as originally scheduled on April 20 was affirmed officially by Israel Foreign Ministry officials who said again that the parade was entirely a festive event and that the annual Jordanian complaint was purely propaganda. Political sources suggested that Israel would cancel the parade if Jordan also compiled with all stipulations of the armistice agreement, including Israeli access to the Wailing Wall and Mount Scopus in Jordan-held Old Jerusalem.

Surprise was expressed in Israel over the fact that all the Western Powers, including France, voted for the Security Council resolution. At the same time it was noted that the American amendment to the original Security Council resolution called on both parties to observe the agreement, plainly pointing to the fact that Jordan has been a violator, from the start of the armistice agreement, particularly those aspects dealing with access to the Old City by Israel.

It was suggested that if Jordan wants Israel to observe the armistice agreement down to the last dot, even on such technical matters as an ammunition-less military parade, Jordan should observe the really substantial parts of the agreement.

The first units of the troops which will take part in the parade arrived here and encamped near the start of the route of the parade. Army engineers pushed completion of a huge grandstand near the Hebrew University. The grandstand will provide seating for thousands of guests and foreign visitors.