S/PV.1004 Security Council

In conformity with tbe decision taken earlier by the Council, and if tbere are no objections, 1 shaH Invite thE:; r<;!presentatives of Syria 'ind Israel to take places at the Council table. 1 !

The case -with wbich the CouncU i8 dealing at these meetings ia tbat of the mutual complaints made by tbe Syrian Arab Republic and lsrael, each ascribing certain acts of aggression totbe other. 2. l'espagnol]~ présente proques qui déterminés. 3. du de auprès Dans livré territoire 3. Syria's complaint appears in a letter dated 20 March 1962 from the Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (8/5096J. In tbat letter, 8yria accuses Israel of successive acts of aggression at various points in Syrian territory during tbe nigbt of 16 ta 17 March of this year. 5. For its examînatîon of the faets set fortb in these complaints, the Couneil has, besides the statements of the two parties, the report submitted by General von Horn, the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization [8/5102 and Add.lJ and his replies to questions put ta him by members of the Council, which are ta be found in the annex ta the verbatim record ofthe 1001st meeting. My delegation takes this opportunity to paya tribute ta General von Horn for his great work in the service of peace in discharging the difficult task entrusted to him by the United Nations. 6. An analysis of General von Horn's report reveals the following. 7. First, the report refers ta only three specifie incidents among those complained of by Israel which took place before the events of the night of 16 to 17 March. These incidents were those of 8 March, 15 March and 16 March, i.e., the last three mentioned by Israel in Its letter of 19 Mard' [8/5093J. Concerning the incident of 8 March, General von Horn's report states that the United Nations military observers were not in a position to see the incident. They could only hear, at 8.53 a.m.,alongburst of machinegun fire and six big explosions in the direction of the south of Lake Tiberias. The statements of witnesses interrogated in Syria and Israel were conflicting. Nevertheless, the report says that the statements of the Syrian witnesses did not explain the damage done to the Israel police boat, which was shown to the observers and had three large hales such as would be made by projectiles ofapproximately 80 mm. calibre. With regard to the incident of 15 March, the report states that the United Nations observation post east of the mouth of the River Jordan had an opportunity to observe the incident. It was not, however, in a position to state which side fired first. Lastly, concerning the incident of 16 March, the report states that the United Nations observation post at the mouth of the Jordan was not in a position to observe it. In brief, it is proved that these three incidents did take place, but it has Dot been clearly determined bow they occurred or which party fired first. 8. Secondly, with regard to the incidents of the night of 16 to 17 March, of which Syria complains, the report states that the United Nations military observers were not in a position to follow that night's operation and its development. However, the report quotes the communiqué issued at the time by Israel, which reads: Moreover, in the letter dated 19 March 1962. the representative of Israel confirmed that: Au présentant "Faced with this series of acts of provocation, and in discharge of Its responsibilities for the protection of the life and property of Israel citizens and the territorial integrity of theState, the Govérnment of Israel found itself under the necëssity, in exercise of its Inherent right of self-defence, to take action, the object of which was ta silence key positions in the Syrian fortified system overlooking Lake Tiberias. Such action was taken on the night of 16 to 17 March 1962 against one ofthese positions." Israel's armed attack against 8yria on the night of 16 ta 17 March 1962 is therefore fully confirmed by the statements of the Government of Israel itself. L'attaque la confirmée ment 9. Thirdly, with regard ta the incidents subsequent to the action of 16 ta 17 March, of which Israel complains in the letter of 22 March [8/5100J, General von Horn's report contains no conclusive data. The report relates incidents that took placebetween 18 and 23 March, but, as in the case of those which occurred before 16 March, thefactswhichcouldbeohserved are not sufficient to determi'ne the ol'igin ofthe incidents or how they developed. 9. ne incidents dénoncés [S/5100]. entre de qui miner ils 10. There is no doubt that each and every one of the acts mentioned in General von Horn's report constitutes a more or less serious violation of the General Armistice Agreement of 20 July 1949 between Israel and Syria•.U In particular, the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of article III and of paragraph5)(Q) of article V seem to have been violated. 10. tionnés une d'armistice le des graphe Il. Clearly the most serious of these incidents were those which occurred on the night of 16 to 17 March, and Israel unquestionably bears the responsibility for them, since it has itself stated that it carried out a warlike action against Syria, although it claims to have done so in legitimate clefence of its citizens and its territory. 11. plus et, tement une toutefois citoyens 12. Even if we were to admit that it was Syria which provoked the incidents prior to the night of 16 ta 17 March, in my delegation's view Israel's military action against Syria was at aIl events out of proportion to those incidents and was unjustified, especially if we consider that the whole region is in a special situation under the Armistice Agreement. IsraeI's behaviour violated the Charter of the United Nations, the Armistice Agreement and this Council's 12. provoqué au délégation, Isratn ces compte cette L'action Supplément 14. As far.as the future is concerned, my delegation shares the view that the Council shou1d on this occasion recommend measures designed to facilitate the work of the United Nations observers in the region, in arder ta avoid the recurrence of such incidents. 15. In this connexion, it should he noted that it is clear from General von Horn's report and from his replies to the questions put ta him that the principal difficulty that the United Nations observers encounter in their efforts ta ensure respect of the terms of the Armistice Agreement is their lack of mobilîty caused by the restrictions placed upon their freedom of action by bath the Syrian and the Israel authorities. 1 am referring in particular ~ "l the facts ta which General von Horn has drawn attention, namely, that the United Nations milîtary observers in Syrian territory cannot move more than 50 metres from their observation post without being escorted by Syrian official and that in Israel territory they have no meaus. of observation on Lake Tiberias itself nor are they given any special status in any part of the .territory to enabIe them to move about freely. 16. With regard ta the draft resolutions already submitted and those which may be submitted in due course, my delegation wiU vote in conformity with the principles and conclusions that 1 have just stated.

There are no more speakers on my list. As is the custom in this Council, 1 had intended ta speak on bebalf of my delegation after aU the Council members desiring to take part in the debate had spoken. 1 have now been informed that some members of the Council intend to speak at the afternoon meeting. 18. 1 do not know whether it is proper, in the hour and a half left to us this morning, for me to break with the tradition of the Council and to make the statement on behalf of Chile which 1 had intended ta make after the remaining speakers had beenheard. fi, however, no member asks for the floor, 1 shall be reluctantly compelled ta break with a tradition which i8 worthy of respect and which 1 should prefer to uphold, in arder that we may usefully employ the time remaining ta us. 19. Since 1 hear no objection, 1 shaH now speak as the representative of CHILE, on behalf of my Government. 20. It has always been Chile's hopethatthetran,sition from the present state of truce to a permanent peace in Palestine would be brought about with the utmost speed and security. Nothing is more painful for my country than ta witness the existence in that area of acute tension, constant mistrust, difficulties and 21. Chile maintains friendly relations with both Israel and the Syrian Arab Repuhlic, as well as the rest of the Arab countries. We should like these relations not only ta continue unchanged but 10 be strengthened. In keeping with the historie decisions of our time, both the state of Israel and each one of the Arab States are entitled to recognition as free and sovereign nations, to autonomous development, to the progress of their institutions and resources and to assistance from the United Nations. 22. ChUe has watched with interest and satisfaction the promising evolution of that part of the world, despite the unfortunate threats and perils, both latent and manifest, which are present there. As in other periods of history, the Arab world is prepared to contribute creatively to the advancement of world civilization. Israel is giving proof of a most praiseworthy desire for progress. 23. It would be futile to stir up old rancours or ta delve into past mistakes. When the causes of the present frictions disappear, the religious (Ir ideological differences between the Israelis and the Arabs, instead of hindering harmonious co-operation, should becorne complementary factors in the development of an area where sa much remains ta be done in promoting the weUare and dignity of millions of human beings. It is lamentable that both parties should feel compelled to spend their resources on arrnaments instead of using them for the peaceful development of their peoples. Both are at a crossroads and it is our dutY to help them over it so tOOt they may face the future freely and peacefully. 24. ChUe cannot let this occasion pass without expressing Us goodwill and its hopes. Arabs and Israelis alike have cC':l.tributed to the progress of our country and have Plerged into our people. We cannot but stand above their disputes and express the hope that both peoples will find the road to reconciliation and peace, a road which is especially marked out for them by the obligations they have assurned in the United Nations. 25. We could join in the analysis of the recent events, investigate their causes and comment upon the provocations and the violations of the Armistice Agreement and the Security Council resolutions. We regret all that has happened lately, especially the recourse to armed reprisaIs, which all the members of the Conncil deplore. My delegation feels, how~ver, that to pass judgement on the events and to allocate responsibilities, although a necessary function of the CouncU, is only part of our task. The other part is to arrive at constructive and effective agreements in keeping with the spirit which should guide the specific action of the Council. What ·happened 26. We need not fear that a general and *orough consideration of the problem wanld over-simplify the faets. My delegation considera that it is the Council's dutYto make the facts clèar, to'reaffirmcategorically its previous resolutions and to draw attention to those who fail to respect them. We cannot entertain vain illusions, for we are faced with a complex reality ta which there can be no easy or simple solution. Yet the Sensible and pragmatic thing ta do is ta seek means of hastening the desired solution. My delegation trusts that the Councilwillunanimously adOpt a resolution which will reflect its desire to contribute ta the settlement of the conflict. 27. We have carefully read the letters addressed to the President of the Security Council and the draft resolutiOns submitted by 8yria fS/5107/Rev.1] and Israel [S/5109]. We have listened with particular interest ta the staternents their representatives have made in tbis room. Although the drait resolutions disagree, of courSe, in the conclusions they draw, we find that they have sorne points in cornmon to which we should draw attention. 28. Bath Israel and Syria invoke their respect of the Armistice Agreement, recall the resolutions of the Security COUDCi! and the General Assembly, note the report of the Chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization and base themselves on the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations. Although mey differ in their interpretatiOn. both parties base themselves on those func1amental documents; they neither disavow them nor cast doubt upon them, but recognize them publicly. This explîcit recognition is encouraging and provides a point of departure for fuitlier action by this Council which we cannot disregard. What we shoulddo is ta admonish bath parties and help them to respect and apPly that whicb they themselves have signed and promised to respect. 1 venture to suggest that that belp should not be given merely in the form of a moral declaration, but by .the provision 01 technical and practical means which would facilitate the supervisory activities of the United Nations in' that area. 29. My delegation attaches particular imp0rtance ta General von Horn's replies [IOOlst meeting, annex] ta questions put '00 him by some members of tbis Council. We have carefully analysed those replies and We sboula_ like ta draw attention to tbeir positive aspects and tCl the possibilities t~ttheyoffer 31. There are sorne valuable suggestions in General von HOr'n's replies to questions, particularly as regards freedom of movement and the use of means whereby the work of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization could be made truly effective and would not arouse resistance or mistrust in either party but, on the contral'y, would obtain their close co-operation on the basisofthenecessaryconcessions and guarantees granted ta the Truce Supervision Organization. des concerne de veillance la c.ontraire, concessions audit 32. 1 have been specially instructed by my Government ta rnake a solemn appeal in fuis Council to the two contending parties ta refrain from th,reats, provocations and acts of violence. Snch forbearance could be not only passive but active; it will be active ta the extent that bath parties co-operate \Vith the efforts of the United Nations in the area of conflict. 33. This appeal cames from a country of Latin America which, like the Middle East, has a historical task: ta overcome centuries of backwardness inorder ta raise: the level of living of its inhabitants, safeguard the' independence and freedom of its peoples, keep them from the pitfalls of the cold war, establish the conditions necessaTy for permanent peace and tranquîllity favourable ta development and co-operate with1n the United Nations ta further the progress of aIl mankind. The meeting rose at 1:L10 p.m. CYPRUS/CHYPRE: 10 Ale,onder the Ci'eal CZECHOSlOVAKIA/TCHECOSLOVAQUIE, AFRICA/AFRIQUE CAMtROON/<:.AMtROUN: UIlR"'IRIE OU PEuPLE AfRLCALN l. G.ronle. 6. P, 1197. Y.oundè. OIFfUS<ON INtERNATLONAlE CAMEROUNAISE OU LIVRE ET OE LA PRESSE. Sans",ol,ma. 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