The United Nations Command today rejected a request from chaplains attached to the UN Emergency Force for permission to visit Holy Places in Israel territory as part of a tour of such sacred sites in the area.
Chaplains from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Canada and Brazil flew from Gaza to Lebanon and by car went to the old city of Jerusalem to cross into Israel. There they were informed that they could not do so.
It was recalled that when UNEF units first arrived in the Middle East, Israel officials repeatedly indicated that UN soldiers and officers would be welcome to tour or to vacation in Israel and initial negotiations for such visits were started. The UN command, however, capitulated to President Nasser’s demands that UNEF members not be permitted such visits.
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