The Israeli-Lebanese armistice talks got under way here today after an initial misunderstanding which delayed the start of the negotiations. The dispute arose over whether the negations would be conducted in the Israeli-held police station or the Lebanese-controlled customs house.
A compromise was reached whereby today’s talks were held in the customs house ##d the next meeting, probably on Thursday, will be held in the police station. The Parley opened at 1O:3O this morning, Israeli time, under the chairmanship of Henry Vigier, aide to United Nations mediator Ralph J. Bunche, U.N. observers from Haifa and Beirut wore in attendance. U.N. chief of staff Gen. William Riley is expected to be present at Thursday’s session.
Today’s session ended about 4 P.M. During the course of the day’s business, which was reportedly conducted in a cordial atmosphere, both parties received a draft agreement prepared by the U.N. staff and agreed to study it in preparation for Thursday’s session.
At the insistence of the Lebanese, the armistice talks, being conducted on military levels, are being held in secret and newspapermen are not being permitted success to the customs house. The U.N. did not even issue a communique on today’s session, when it was completed.
The Israeli delegation is expected to exert strong pressure on the Lebanese to force a Syrian withdrawal from the Jewish village of Mishmar Hayarden, south of Lake Huleh, which is the only Jewish territory in Arab hands in the north. The Syrians can supply their forces there only through Lebanese territory.
The Israeli delegation, escorted by U.N, observers carrying white flags to prevent any misunderstanding, crossed from the police station to the Lebanese customs house this morning on foot.
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