There has been no demand from any of the Arab governments for the recall of Maj. Gen. E.L.M. Burns, chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, and none of the Arab delegations here–not even the Jordanian group–has any instructions to make such a demand.
Gen. Burns’ status for the rest of this year at least is quite certain to be clarified tomorrow when Secretary Dag Hammarskjold is scheduled to submit to questioning by correspondents on this issue, among others. It is certain that Mr. Hammarskjold had offered Gen. Burns the opportunity to continue in his post for the time being, perhaps until the end of 1956, but it is not certain whether such a contract has been made. However, no delegation here seems to be trying to have him dismissed and reports from Amman that such a demand would be made have not been confirmed here by any delegation.
Syria’s delegation chief Rafik Asha and Egypt’s Omar Loutfi today held separate talks with Mr. Hammarskjold, as did representatives of Greece and France. While the subject of the conversations was not disclosed, it was stated definitely they had nothing to do with Gen. Burns’ status.
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