U.S. Lauds United Nations Force Stationed Between Egypt and Israel

The United Nations Emergency Force guarding the Gaza Strip border between Egypt and Israel, as well as the shores of the Gulf of Akaba, has “done its job magnificently,” the United States delegation declared here today, but “unfortunately, the peace in this area” has not as yet been “assured for all times.”

This statement was made here today in the General Assembly’s Administrative and Budgetary Committee by Congressman James G. Fulton who is the American delegate in that group. He announced that the United States Government is prepared to contribute toward UNEF’s 1960 expenses a total of $9,700,000, covering nearly half of UNEF’s $20,000,000 budget for next year.

Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold told the committee, in urging that his UNEF budgetary figures for 1960 be adopted, that the costs for maintenance of the Emergency Force are needed to ensure “continuing quiet along the entire borderline between Israel and Egypt.”

He told the committee that “while there had been few serious incidents in the past year, there were situations which, in the absence of a restraining influence, could have had serious consequences far overshadowing the effort and expense now involved in the maintenance of the Force.”

“In the present circumstances,” continued Mr. Hammarskjold, “it is impossible for me to foresee when the operations of the Force might be brought to an end without risking loss of the progress thus far made.” Mr. Hammarskjold paid high tribute to General Burns “for his consistently fine leadership of the Force.” As usual when UNEF is discussed General Burns was present during the debate.