Israel Shoots Down Egyptian Jet; Ben Gurion Protests to Hammarskjold

An Egyptian military jet plane was shot down in Israeli territory today in a dogfight between four Egyptian fighter planes and two Israeli interceptors. The three other British-built Vampires escaped to Egyptian territory. None of the Israeli planes was hit. The Egyptian pilot was wounded and captured.

The Israel Government took a grave view of today’s penetration of Israel air space by Egyptian jet planes. Premier David Ben Gurion immediately forwarded a communication to United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold–who is now on a “peace mission” in the Middle East–pointing out that Egypt is continuing its “open violations” of a pledge given Mr. Hammarskjold only a few days ago to refrain from further hostilities and to observe the provisions of the Israel-Egyptian armistice agreement.

The pledge to which the Israel Prime Minister referred was given Mr. Hammarskjold by Egyptian Premier Gemal Abdel Nassar and by Mr. Ben Gurion himself. Both pledged to observe unconditionally the part of the armistice agreement which commits them “not to advance beyond, or pass over, for any purpose whatsoever the armistice demarcation line.”

The heads of the Israel and Egyptian Governments further pledged themselves to observe the section of the armistice agreement which reads: “No element of the land sea or air military, or paramilitary of either party including non-regular forces shall commit any warlike or hostile act against a military or paramilitary force of the other party, or against civilians in territory under the control of that party.” They also agreed “not to violate the international frontier or-enter into or pass through the waters within three miles of the coastline of the other party.”

The Israel acceptance which came first, Sunday, made it clear, however that if Egypt “continues her warlike acts against Israel we must reserve our freedom to act in self-defense.” Col. Nasser also reserved the right to act “in self-defense.” Mr. Hammarskjold, however, immediately informed both governments that the reservation “does in no way detract from the unconditional undertaking” to observe the pledge.

In his letter of protest to Mr. Hammarskjold today, Premier Ben Gurion asked the UN Secretary to inform him whether Egypt’s acceptance of the pledge elicited by the UN Secretary General from both Israel and Egypt has been accepted and confirmed by Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser “or whether this is merely an expression of your attitude which does not commit the Egyptian Government.” Mr. Ben Gurion called attention in his letter to the fact that fedayeen raids continued last night after Col. Nasser had given his. “pledge” and that “a further act of aggression was committed by Egypt this morning” when four Egyptian jet planes appeared over Israel territory.

“In view of these facts,” Mr. Ben Gurion continued, “the question must be asked whether and what assurances have been obtained from Col. Nasser guaranteeing the fulfillment of his present undertaking.” He expressed confidence that the UN Secretary General “will not rest content” but will insist on the compliance by Egypt with all provisions of the armistice agreement.