Israel delegation sources here took issue with Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold today in regard to a portion of the UN Chief’s annual report to the General Assembly.
In his report, Mr. Hammarskjold devoted: several paragraphs to the Mt. Scopus dispute between Israel and Jordan. The report blamed Jordan largely for the fatal Mt. Scopus affray in which four Israeli policemen were killed, as well as Col. George Flint the United Nations Mixed Armistice Commission chairman. The report stated that Jordanian bullets had killed Col. Flint and at least one of the Israeli policemen. However the report went on, Israel should not close the Mt. Scopus road used by Arab villagers, holding that the closing of that road has led and continues to lead to tensions.
“In reply to the observations regarding Mt. Scopus.” said Israel delegation sources “the real issue is Jordan’s continued refusal to implement Article VIII of the Israel-Jordan Armistice Agreement under which Israel would be free to resume functioning at Hadassah Hospital and at the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus and under which Israel would have free access to the Mountain.”
“It is regrettable,” the delegation sources continued, “that no mention of this salient fact is made in the report.” The delegation sources pointed out, however, that the Secretary General “has made attempts to bring about a change in Jordan’s attitude” during the last year.
The Secretary General’s annual report covered a 12-month period ending last June 15. In addition to reporting on the Mt. Scopus issue, it also reported on the agreement reached between Israel and the United Arab Republic, through Mr. Hammarskjold, for demarcation of the Israeli-Syrian border.
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