Tension between Egypt and Israel have been one of the “main preoccupations” of Gen. E. L. M. Burns, United Nations truce chief in Palestine, according to a report he presented today to UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold.
A total of 119 complaints were filed by both sides during September and October with the Israel-Egypt Mixed Armistice Commission. Sixty-four of the grievances were voiced by Israel. Egypt in turn, made 55 accusations against Israel in the same period. These 119 cases did not include the Bat Galim incident.
For a while in October, Gen. Burns reported, the situation along the Israel-Egypt borders seemed quieter. However, in the last week of that month there was a “recrudescence of incidents, ” indicating in Gen. Burns’ view, “vigilance should not be relaxed.”
In order to try to decrease incidents between the Israelis and the Egyptians, Gen. Burns reported, he has made these suggestions to both sides: 1. Patrolling sensitive sections of the demarcation line by joint patrols consisting of military vehicles from each party and from the UN; 2, Negotiation of a local commander’ agreement; 3. Construction of a double apron barbed wire fence along certain positions of the demarcation line; 4. Manning of all outposts and patrols by regular Egyptian and Israeli troops.
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