Israel’s latest request for Egyptian release of the seized freighter Bat Galim has already brought action on the part of Dr. Victor A. Belaunde of Peru, president of the United Nations Security Council.
Highest UN circles today confirmed the fact that “Dr. Belaunde has had his first contact with the Egyptian delegation on this matter.” The Council president’s action followed a letter from Abba S. Eban, Israel’s permanent delegate to the UN, insisting not only that Egypt release the vessel which was seized last September, but also that the vessel be permitted to finish its journey through the Suez Canal.
The Egyptians are understood to have assured Dr. Belaunde that they will be able to discuss the Bat Galim issue with him further “early next week.” The Egyptian delegation has presumably asked Cairo for further instructions.
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