Col. Byron Leary, acting chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organization, has reported to Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold that Israel has refused his request to establish a UN observation post at the new bridge spanning the neck of Lake Huleh on the Israel-Syrian frontier and has so far ignored his request to place a permanent UN mission at Mish-mar Hayarden, a settlement on the Jordan River under recent attack from Syria.
Col. Leary obviously disagrees with Israel’s position. His report, made at least a week ago, was circulated today by the Secretary General as a supplement to the report to the UN Security Council on June 27 during the debate on Syria’s complaint over the building of the Huleh bridge.
The Israeli delegation, which was consulted on today’s report before it was circulated today, was understood to have objected to it and was believed to have advised Mr. Hammarskjold not to issue it because of its one sidedness.
Col. Leary reported that Israel stated that there was no need for an observation post near the Huleh bridge “since this area is visited twice a day by UN military observers. ” Col. Leary remarked: “It is apparent that the position of the Israeli Government in this matter is closely linked to her claims of sovereignty over the demilitarized zone. ” He recalled his previous report in which he discussed what he considered the right of the UNTSO to travel freely and to investigate fully without permission from Israel.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
