Israeli-lebanese Armistice Pact Signed; Israeli Delegation Head Hails Agreement

The Israeli-Lebanese armistice agreement was signed today at the frontier town of Ras el Nakura, The formal signing ceremony took place in the town’s police station, with A. Makleff, signing for the Jews, Tewfik Salim, for the Lebanese, and Henri Vigier and Brig. Gen. William Riley, for the United Nations.

After the formal documents were signed, the Israeli delegation chief said that the Israelis had never quarreled with the Lebanese and added that he saw no reason for any quarrels in the future. He voiced satisfaction that both parties had arrived at an agreement — “closing an unhappy chapter” — and also paid tribute to acting United Nations Palestine mediator Dr, Ralph J. Bunche and the U. N. staff. He said that without the U.N. official’ help, “the task would have been much harder.”

The armistice provides that “both sides will respect U.N. Security Council resolutions concerning Palestine, but reserve the rights concerning the political future. Both sides also will refrain from any hostile action and will not violate frontiers. Prisoners will he exchanged within 48 hours of the signing. An armistice commission will be formed to handle any differences.

The Israeli representative noted the “happy personal relationships established between the Jewish and Lebanese delegations” and concluded that the Israeli Government believes that the armistice agreement just signed is “an honorable one.” He said the Israeli Government is determined to carry it out in full. “We are convinced that only “by mutual understanding of each other’s positions and honest cooperation among ourselves can we ensure an era of peace and happiness for our part of the world, “he said.