The United States introduced in the Security Council here today a resolution which, for the first time in 20 years, would call upon the Arab states and Israel to enter into direct negotiations toward the “establishment of a stable and durable peace in the Middle East.”
That move was part of a lengthy resolution introduced by Ambassador Arthur J. Goldberg, America’s chief delegate here, at this afternoon’s meeting, summoned on his “urgent” request. The Soviet Union which had followed through with a request of its own for an urgent meeting, presented a resolution blaming Israel for the outbreak of the Israeli-Arab war and calling for United Nations condemnation of Israel.
The presentation of the U.S. and U.S.S.R. resolutions were only two of the highlights of this afternoon’s session. A surprise announcement was made by Egypt that it accepts the two cease-fire resolutions adopted by the Council yesterday and Monday night.
With both of today’s drafts before it, and a resolution introduced by Canada yesterday, authorizing not only the Secretary-General of the United Nations but also the president of the Security Council to supervise implementation of the cease-fire agreements, the Council adjourned until tomorrow afternoon, to give all delegates and governments the opportunity to study the three resolutions.
The U.S. draft also called on all parties to accept the cease-fire resolutions and observe them “scrupulously.” It asked that the Council president and the Secretary-General report back to the Council within 24 hours, and requested the Secretary-General to facilitate the discussions for settlement of the Arab-Israeli disputes.
The Council session heard repeated speeches from the Soviet bloc, attacking Israel, an affirmation by the Jordanian representative to the effect that, though Jordan might lose territory and cities, its anti-Israel spirit would never be quenched, and another eloquent address by Israel’s Foreign Minister Abba Eban.
Mr. Eban, who left within a short time after the Council’s adjournment for his return to Jerusalem, said in his speech that Israel and he had been “deeply pained” by the “tragic” accident in the Middle East waters where Israelis had fired on an American naval vessel. Later, his aides issued the text of the following telegram sent by Mr. Eban to U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk:
“As you know my Government has expressed deep regrets at the tragic and accidental error which cost the lives of four Americans and injury to many more in Middle Eastern waters. Israel’s sincere regret is accompanied by deep and respectful condolences to the families of the dead and injured who have become innocent victims of the tragic turmoil of war.”
In his opening address to the Council, Mr. Goldberg emphasized the fact that the two cease-fire resolutions had been intended only as “a first step,” but that success in halting the conflict had not yet been achieved. “Increasing gravity of the situation is perfectly clear, and it is necessary to maximize our efforts not only to halt the immediate fighting but to insure a just peace in the area,” he said. “Steps toward that end must be taken without delay.”
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