S/PV.1426 Security Council

In accordance with the decision “2. Considers that all legislative and administrative previously taken by the Council, I shall now invite the measures and actions taken by Israel, including exprorepresentatives of Jordan and Israel to take places at the priation of land and properties thereon, which tend to Council table in order to participate, without the right to change the legal status of Jerusalem are invalid and vote, in the discussion. cannot change that status; “3. Urgently calls upon Israel to rescind all such measures already taken and to desist forthwith from taking any further action which tends to change the status of Jerusalem; 2. The PRESIDENT: The Council will now continue its consideration of the question before it. At the invitation of the President, Mr. M. H. El-Farra (Jordan) and Mr. Y. Tekoah (Israel) took places at the Council table. 3. I invite the attention of the Council to the fact that since our meeting yesterday a revised text of the draft resolution sponsored by Pakistan and Senegal has been submitted. This revised text is before us in document S/8590/Rev.2.

At the 1425th meeting of the Security Council, held yesterday, the Pakistan delegation had the honour to introduce, on behalf of the delegation of Senegal and itself,, the draft resolution contained in document S/8590. As a result of further consultations held today, a revised version of that draft resolution has been circulated as document S/8590/Rev.2. I shall read out the text of the revised draft resolution. , “The Security Council, “Recalling General Assembly resolutions 2253 (ES-V) of 4 July 1967 and 2254 (ES-V) of 14 July 1967, “Having considered the letter of the Permanent Representative of Jordan on the situation in Jerusalem (S/8560) and the report of the Secretary-General (S/8146), “Having heard the statements made before the Council, “Bearing in mind the need to work for a just and lasting peace, ‘Reaffirming that acquisition of territory by military conquest is inadmissible, “1. Deplores the failure of Israel to comply with the General Assembly resolutions mentioned above; “4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the implementation of the present resolution.” 5. The changes which are included in the revised draft resolution will be apparent from a comparison of the two texts. The co-sponsors and the other Asian, African and 6. In my statement yesterday I made it clear that the legal measures and administrative actions which the draft resolution seeks to invalidate and forbid are those measures and actions which have already been taken or are contemplated by Israel in an attempt to change the status of Jerusalem. The revised version of operative paragraphs 2 and 3 brings out this intent with greater clarity. It is the belief of the seven African, Asian and Latin American delegations that the revised version of the draft resolution will command the Council’s support. 13. Nevertheless, in our view, the draft resolution presented and to be voted on this afternoon, would unfortunately work in the direction of separating out and dealing in isolation with one particular aspect of the Middle East situation, the question of Jerusalem. This is not the course envisaged in resolution 242 (1967) of last November, a resolution which we beiicve must remain the touchstone of all steps towards a desirable settlement in the Middle East. It is not, accordingly, a course which my Government favours with regard to Jerusalem or any other of the many specific problems which must be resolved to arrive at the peaceful and accepted settlement called for in resolution 242 (1967). 7. Considering the urgency of the issue, and also the Council’s preoccupation with other pressing business, my delegation would greatly appreciate it if the Council, after having heard all the representatives who wish to make statements this afternoon, would proceed to vote on the revised draft resolution. 8. Mr. ‘GOLDBERG (United States of America): The United States had strongly hoped that in dealing with the question of Jerusalem it would have been possible for this Council to act with the same unanimous agreement that has characterized the handling of every facet of the Middle East situation which has come before the Council since the Middle East war erupted last June. We backed up that hope with intensive consultations to formulate the elements of a draft resolution which could command unanimous support. We greatly regret that these efforts were not successful and that our hope was not fulfilled. 14. As I stated to the Council on 9 May 1968, at the 1424th meeting, the United States believes that one of the most constructive contributions that this Council could make at this juncture of the difficult search for a Middle East settlement would be an explicit expression of its support for the peace-making efforts in which Mr. Jarring, at the unanimous behest of this Council, has been and remains engaged. The absence of this element from the draft resolution, and indeed the notable absence of expressed recognition of the resolution of 22 November, is a further reason why my Government cannot support this draft resolution. Further, the United States is not in a position to vote favourably on a text which contains specific and selective reference to two General Assembly resolutions among many on which we previously abstained for reasons explained at the time of their adoption. 9. While sharing many of the concerns which have motivated members of the Council who have supported the draft resolution submitted by Pakistan and Senegal, the United States finds it impossible to lend its support to that draft resolution. I wish to use this oCcasion to explain briefly the reasons why we have come to this conclusion. 15. Every member of this Council, as well as the parties concerned, knows that the United States has made a maximum effort to build upon the basis which exists for unanimity in this Council’s settlement of the question immediately before 11s ir this dnbate. We hhv: bten prepared, to declare, as everyone knows, that unilateral actions and measures by Israel cannot be accepted and are not recognized as altering or prejudging the status of Jerusalem, and we have been ready to call upon Israel to refrain from such actions. At the same time, we have regarded it as essential that the Council should call upon all parties to avoid all acts that might prejudice efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the area and that it should express its support for Mr. Jarring’s efforts under resolution 242 (1967). 10. Fundamental to our position have been two convictions: first, that this Council should encourage and support the peace-making process which we initiated in November .1967 in Security Council resolution 242 (1967); second, that this Council, and indeed all concerned, should avoid any action that might prejudice the efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the area, including actions or measures purporting to alter the status of Jerusalem. We find the draft resolution placed before us seriously deficient on these two counts. Il. Our own view has been and remains that the future of Jerusalem is a problem which falls within the purview of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and of Mr, Jarring’s mission and mandate. 16. It is simply incomprehensible to the United States that such a reference should not be included in this draft resolution, For the members of the Council, the search for a peaceful and accepted settlement is not only an opportunity; it is a responsibility, and it is one which all members 12. I wish to reaffirm the view of the United States Government that the United States, while agreeing that Jerusalem is a most important issue, does not believe that the problem of Jerusalem can be dealt with realistically 18. Mr. President, if you will pardon a personal note: having participated all through this past year in the strenuous efforts of the Security Council concerning the Middle East, I find that my dominent impression is connected not with any expressions of hostility or bitterness-which are unfortunate but perhaps inevitable-but with those few decisive moments in which fifteen nations, representing all the diverse interests and cultures of the world, were able to rise above their particular predilectiom and unite on the necessity that is common to all of us in this world in which survival still remains an open question, the necessity to live together in peace and tolerance. 19. From those decisive moments-especially that moment last 22 November which will certainly live in United Nations history-I do not derive any false comfort, for hard tasks lie ahead; but I do derive much hope from this record because it moves what we can do together at our best when we are united in a common dedication to a common cause. I pray that in future days this Council will perform at its best again and again until it has overcome even the most stubborn difficulties on the road towards peace in that area which, above all, needs a permanent, just and lasting peace.

At the Council’s 1417th meeting on 27 April, I emphasized the concern of the Canadian delegation that nothing should be done that would upset or make more difficult efforts to achieve “a peaceful and accepted settlement” in accordance with the unanimously adopted resolution of 22 November last. It is of course equally important that everything possible should be done to support and advance the mission undertaken by the Secretary-General’s representative, Mr. Jarring, under the terms of resolution 242 (1967). These two principles reflect my Government’s primary concern in this matter: the furtherance of progress towards “a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”. 21. It follows that any step should be avoided which would weaken the guidelines for a settlement provided in resolution 242 (1967) or disturb the equitable balance of obligations laid down in that resolution. That resolution and the mission of Mr. Jarring which it authorized still represent our best hope for peace in the Middle East. The integrity of the resolution, and hence of Mr. Jarring’s mandate, must be maintained. We must stand by that basic jurisdiction in this Council. That will only be’ possible, however, if the parties refrain from actions which tend to foreclose or predetermine the terms of an agreed settlement. Such actions in effect challenge the principles and 23. The actions of the Council and the statements made in the Council during the past month have shown that there is a consensus on those points; in this instance also it should have been possible, in my judgement, to reach agreement on such a basis. The Council, I am confident, remains united in its support of Mr. Jarring’s important mission. I believe, too, that it remains united on the principle that nothing should be done to disturb his mission and that it should receive the fullest support of all concerned. 24. If that assessment is correct, I believe we must all ask ourselves a question. Will we in fact be assisting Mr. Jarring in his task if we press the resolution before us to a vote? It has been clear from the start that the type of resolution on which we are now expected to vote would not command unanimous consent in the Council-and the statement to which we have just listened confirms that judgement. This draft resolution, if adopted, will be the first resolution adopted without unanimity since 22 November last, when we in this Council, by the passage of resolution 242 (1967), established the basis for the Special Representative’s efforts to work towards a political solution of the outstanding problems in the Middle East. 25. In these circumstances we believe that dividing the Council to pass a resolution that deals with only one of the problems covered by resolution 242 (1967) cannot be helpful and indeed will be self-defeating. The Canadian delegation will, therefore, abstain from this vote. In our view, the members of the Council have a special obligation to try to help find solutions within the primary responsibility of this Council for international peace and security. That obligation particularly falls on the permament members-and it is well known that this text will not command the support of all the permanent members. Particularly as we have proceeded by unanimity in the Council since November last, it is regrettable that this divisive resolution should be pressed to a vote. 26. To adopt the draft resolution submitted yesterday by the representative of Pakistan, despite the amendments to 27. The timing of the present move is particularly unfortunate. It is especially regrettable that the Council should be divided just when Mr. Jarring, who has been entrusted with an important mission under resolution 242 (1967), has returned to New York to enter on a new and delicate phase of his work with far-reaching implications for the prospects of peace in the Middle East. This is surely a time for unity, not for division. We should not now divide over one problem but unite in full support of Mr. Jarring’s important mission for peace in all its aspects, with the goal of finding an accepted settlement of the many outstanding problems in the Middle East.

Mr. President, allow me first of all to express the satisfaction of the Brazilian delegation at seeing you preside over the deliberations of this Council. Allow me also to thank Mr. Malik of the Soviet Union for discharging in such a competent and skilful manner during April the heavy duties that now devolve upon you. 29. At this stage of the current Security Council debate on the question of Jerusalem, I wish to state briefly the position of my delegation in regard to this problem. 30. As Brazil is one of the founding Members of the United Nations, this question is not new to us. Twenty years ago Brazil voted for General Assembly resolution 181 (II), adopted on 29 November’1947, which created independent Jewish and Arab States in Palestine and established a special international regime for the city of Jerusalem under which that city would be considered a corpus sepuratum to be administered by the Trusteeship Council on behalf of the United Nations. Brazil also voted for General Assembly resolution 303 (IV), adopted on 9 December 1949, which inter aZia restated the Assembly’s intention “that Jerusalem should be placed under a permanent international r&lme, which should envisage appropriate guarantees for the protection of the Holy Places, both within and outside Jerusalem”. At the time of the adoption of resolution 303 (IV) the Brazilian representative expressed in the General Assembly the firm,hope of his Government that Israel and Jordan, notwithstanding the difficulties that were certain to arise, would co-operate loyally to abide by the Assembly’s decisiori and faithfully carry out the plan endorsed by that organ. 3 1. Those high hopes remained unfulfilled as the situation in the Middle East deteriorated steadily in the wake of the armed conflicts of 1949, 1956 and ‘1967. During the fifth 32. It was in view of its consistent support of General Assembly decisions on the status of Jerusalem that my delegation voted for Security Council resolution 250 (1968) which called upon Israel “to refrain from holding the military parade in Jerusalem”, held on 2 May 1968 in flagrant violation of a unanimous decision of the Council. 33. In giving the members of the Security Council this summary of the Brazilian position on the question of Jerusalem, my intention has been to emphasize the con. sistency with which my country has followed that pbsition since the very first days of this Organization. In the course of the last twenty years Brazil has not accepted any unilateral action tending to alter the international status of Jerusalem and has not recognized any changes in this status as a result of unilateral actions by the Governments concerned, be it the Government of Jordan or the Government of Israel. For us, the problem of Jerusalem is not one of political accommodation or bargaining. It is a matter of principle, for it involves the religious feelings of Brazil’s Arab and Jewish communities ‘as it also involves the interests of its overwhelmingly Christian population. We deplored the violation by Jordan of the international status of Jerusalem as we now deplore the current violation committed by Israel. We will maintain this impartial position until the day comes when Jerusalem is fully restored to its status as the spiritual centre of three great world religions and of three great world civilizations. 34. As one of the sponsors of the Latin American draft resolution of the fifth emergency special session and as a member of this Council, Brazil made its contribution to the adoption of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which established the guidelines for an organic settlement of the question of the Middle East. We believe that the problem of 2 Ibid., Fifth Emergency Special Session, Annexes, agenda itenl5, document A/L:523/Rev.l. 36. It is in the light of these considerations that the Brazilian delegation will vote for the revised draft resolution [S/8.590/Rev.2] submitted by Pakistan and Senegal.

I thank the representative of Brazil for his kind reference to myself.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Security Council the Soviet delegation expressed its views on the draft resolution on the situation in Jerusalem submitted by the delegations of Pakistan and Senegal fS/&590/. The changes which the co-sponsors have made today in the draft resolution do not change the substance of the text. The Soviet delegation therefore supports this draft resolution and will vote in its favour, although, as I said yesterday, it considers that the draft should condemn in more decisive terms Israel’s unlawful ,expansionist activities in the Arab sector of the city of Jerusalem. 39. Despite the importance and urgency of the question now under discussion here, it has, as was noted yesterday, already been on the Council’s agenda for nearly a month, and the Council has so far taken no effective steps to compel Israel to implement the well-known resolutions adopted by the fifth emergency special session and by the Security Council regarding Jerusalem, resolutions which called upon Israel to rescind the measures already taken to annex the Arab sector of the city and not to undertake any further unlawful measures in that city. 40. We cannot but ask how Israel’s continued disregard of these United Nations resolutions can be explained and why the Security Council has been quite unjustifiably dilatory in enforcing the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council relating to the illegal measures undertaken by the Israel occupation authorities in Jerusalem. The Soviet delegation would like to express its views on these matters. 41. At a number of meetings the Security Council has considered a letter from the representative of Jordan [S/8.560] and the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Jerusalem /S/8146]. The Council has also listened to statements by the representative of Jordan, the Mayor of Arab Jerusalem and the representatives of most member States of the Security Council, It has also listened 42. Analysing the course of the debate on this agenda item, we cannot avoid the conclusion that two fundamentally different lines have clearly emerged. The’ first, which is followed by the majority of the members of the Security Council, including the Soviet Union, is based on an evaluation of the activities of the Israel occupation authorities in the Arab sector of Jerusalem in the light of the fundamental principles of international law, and particularly of the principle whereby the appropriation of foreign territory by means of military conquest is unlawful, inadmissible and a contravention of the United Nations Charter. The majority of the members of the Council, including the Soviet Union, consider that Israel, by its annexationist activities in the Arab sector of Jerusalem, has flagrantly violated these principles, just as it has violated the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. On this premise, and being deeply concerned about the dangerous consequences of such actions on the part of Israel, most members of the Security Council, in strict observance of the United Nations Charter and of the provisions of the General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, have demanded that Israel should rescind the measures already taken to annex the Arab sector of Jerusalem and refrain from such unlawful actions in the future. 43. The second line emerging from the discussions, apparent in the statements of only one or two representatives, notably the United States representative, can be summarized as follows: although these representatives cannot bring themselves openly to recognize as legal the annexationist activities of the Israel authorities in Jerusalem, they are attempting to persuade the Security Council to de facto acceptance of those activities as some kind of “temporary measures”. Attempts have been made to represent the situation in such a way that the Security Council need not demand that the measures should be rescinded since, it is said, they are of a temporary nature and therefore have no effect on the status of Jerusalem either now or in the future. But how can such annexationist activities fail to affect the status of Jerusalem, when it is precisely by such measures that Israel is changing the status of the Arab sector of Jerusalem by illegally including it within the territory of Israel and Israelizing a city that does not belong to it? This position, as many members of the Security Council have pointed out, is in direct contravention of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on 4 and 14 July 1967 [2253(ES-V) and 2254 f&Y-V)l and of the Security Council decision of 22 November 1967 (resolution 242 (1967/l. It is clear to all that attempts to conceal these illegal activities of the aggressor are tantamount to encouraging further aggression. 45. There are no grouilds whatsoever for failing to assess the annexationist activities of the Israeli occupiers as they should be assessed, condemning them and demanding that they cease and that the illegal steps already taken in regard to the Arab sector of Jerusalem be rescinded, 46. The general situation which has arisen in the Middle East as the result of Israel’s aggression continues to be extremely tense and to threaten the peace and security of the pkoples in that region, The eyes of the world, are focused on that situation. Recently the Teheran International Conference on Human Rights adopted a resolution3 in ahich it expressed its grave concern for the violation of human rights by the Israel authorities in the territories of the Arab States occupied by Israel. The Conference particularly called on the Government of Israel to stop exercising tyranny and violence against the Arab population in these territories, to stop destroying the honies of the Arab pbpulation in the occupied regions and to implement the resolutions adopted at the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly and the Security Council resolution. This resolution adopted by the International Conference on Human Rights reflects a realization on the part of the vast majority of States of the need for greater urgency in abolishing the consequences of Israel’s aggression. 47. In this connexion it should be noted that the Arab States have taken new constructive steps to create the most favourable situation for the implementation of the Security Council’s resdlution of 22 November 1967. As you know, they have not only expressed their readiness to implement that resolution and to co-operate with the Special Repres&+,ativ6 of the Sebretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Jarring, but have also hroposed that a time-table be worked out for implementing the 22 November resolution, We must take advantage of this new initiative on the part of the Arab countiies; 3 See Final Act bf the International Conference on Human Rights (United Nations publication, gales No.: E.68.XIV.2), p, 5. 49. Every member of the Security Council knows that the Lebanese Government hasjust sent a letter [S/8591] to the President of the Council <protesting against Israel’s aggression against Lebanon. The letter stressed that the Isract atithorities bore the full responsibility for the dangerous military incidents which took place on 12 May on the southern frontier of Lebanon, when armed Israel forces fired on a peaceful Lebanese village. 50. In connexion with this new act of hostility against the Arab side, the Tel Aviv radio broadcast a statement threatening to invade Lebanese territory and to annex the southern part of that country. 51. It is obvious that there can be no political settlement in the Middle East so long as Israel maintains such an aggressively obstructionist attitude, It is the duty of the Security Council to take all steps to achieve a political settlement in that region. Every State, and particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, must take every available opportunity to ensure that Israel implements the resolution adopted by the Security Council on 22 November 1967 and that it withdraws its troops from the occupied Arab territories to the positions from which they began their attack pn the neighbouring Arab countries. Otherwise, the prestige of the Security Council, and indeed of the United Nations as a whole, will be dealt a serious blow. The peoples of the world will begin to lose faith in the ability of the United Nations to guarantee international peace and security. 52. The Soviet delegation wishes to stress that there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind about the determi. nation of the Soviet Union to bring about, together with other peace-loving States, an end to Israel’s aggression against the Arab States, the abolition of all the come* quences of that aggression, the return to their Iawful owners of all the Arab territories seized as a resuIt of the A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Algeria, Brazil, China, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, Senegal, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Against: None. Abstaining: Canada, United States of America. The revised draft resolution was adopted by 13 votes to none, with 2 abstentions.4

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of their votes after the vote.

The Council has just reached a decision on the draft resolution submitted by Pakistan and Senegal /S/8590/Aev.2]. I would like briefly to explain the reasons which led my delegation to vote in favour of it. 56. At the Council’s 1417th meeting, on 27 April, I made the following statement: “Over the many years during which the Middle East question has been discussed in the United Nations, Paraguay has always considered that Jerusalem should be under an international regime, in conformity with United Nations decisions for which we voted. “TO cite a further example, this position was recently confirmed by the inclusion of a special operative paragraph in the draft resolution which my delegation, together with other Latin American delegations, submitted at the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly. During that same session, prompted likewise by its concern to preserve the international status of Jerusalem, my delegation supported resolutions 2253 (ES-V) and 2254 (ES-V). (‘It1 the general context of the Middle East problem, this is my country’s attitude towards the specific question of Jerusalem.” [See 1417th meeting, paras. 57 to 59.1 57. As far as my delegation is concerned, the preservation of the international status of Jerusalem in accordance with the decisions of the General Assembly is of prime importance. We consider that, despite the de facto situation, those provisions are still legally valid and we feel that the 4 See resolution 252 (1968). 58. These are the reasons for my delegation’s favourable vote. 59. Before concluding my statement, I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to the sponsors of the draft resolution for taking account of our comments on the original text we discussed and for agreging not only to the amendments we suggested to that text but also to certain deletions we asked them to make. We are also particularly grateful to you, Mr. President, for your valuable suggestions today which resulted in the second, revised version of the draft text we have just transformed into a resolution.

My delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution on Jerusalem, now adopted by this Council. Having done so, I wish to stress that we deeply deplore the fact that the genuine efforts made during recent weeks with a view to producing a compromise text which would gather the unanimous support of the Council did not succeed. Already, this lack of unanimity in itself leads us to doubt the political expediency of adopting that resolution, and my country voted in favour of it only because, in consequence of the position taken by my country previously in the General Assembly, we could not in principle disagree with its contents. Nor do we believe that the adoption of such resolutions on isolated questions is the proper means by which to bring closer a solution of the Middle East problem. That solution must be a comprehensive one, on the basis of the endeavours of Mr. Jarring and in accordance with Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967. The resolution, therefore, in our view, ought to have had a reference to resolution 242 (1967), and we find it not only deplorable but also surprising that such a reference could not be made. 61. In conclusion, I wish to express our strong hope that all concerned, including the parties and all members of this Council, will whole-heartedly and with energy and goodwill support Mr. Jarring’s mission and work for a peaceful and accepted settlement in the Middle East in accordance with the provisions and principles of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967.

I call on the representative of Jordan.

My delegation expresses its satisfaction at the adoption of the resolution concerning the illegal measures adopted by the Israelis in Jerusalem. This resolution reaffirms the two resolutions adopted by the Assembly in July and deplores the failure of Israel to comply with them. It reaffirms the established international principle that the acquisition of territory by military conquest is inadmissible and therefore emphasizes the validity of the concept of territorial integrity whereby no territorial acquisition or any advantages may be obtained by force or by any other coercion, Thus the resolution 64. We pay a tribute to the Security Council for taking this firm and urgent action. My delegation would like to thank all members which sponsored the resolution and those which worked and voted for it. A special tribute should be paid to Member States of the Latin American, African and Asian groups which worked diligently to protect the principles enshrined in our Charter and to safeguard the integrity of one of the main organs of the United Nations, namely;the General Assembly. 65. The seven Latin American, African and Asian members of the Security Council represent the three major continents. They also represent a new and vital force-a force for justice, equity and peace. This group of nations has already shown its,effectiveness as a voice for morality and for upholding the great values enshrined in our Charter. 66. I should like to be quite candid and mention specifically the great contribution and constructive efforts of Ambassador Sette Camara of Brazil, who unfortunately will be bidding us farewell soon. His work in the United Nations will always stand out as a shining example of courage and sense of justice. 67. I should like to thank Paraguay and its distinguished representative, Ambassador Solano Lopez for the part they played in reaching this just and fair conclusion, 68. Ambassador Ibrahima Boye of Senegal was most instrumental in putting the situation in Jerusalem most brilliantly before the Security Council. His statesmanship shows itself very well in the paragraphs of the resolution that was just adopted. 69. The continuous stand for justice shown by India and Pakistan has been quite self-evident throughout this unfortunate crisis. We are most grateful to them for their continued and firm support. 70. It has been shown here today that Jerusalem has many friends. The positions of France, Ethiopia, Denmark, the United Kingdom and China are shining evidence of this. My delegation expresses its deepest gratitude to both the Soviet Union and Hungary which consistently and without reservation supported our just cause. 71. On behalf of my Government and my people, including those in Jerusalem, and the elected Mayor of Jerusalem, I should like to thank all those who consistently stood up for justice, freedom and the rights of man. 72. Many attempts were made to reach unanimity-and my delegation exerted every possible effort to help mem- I 73. The situation in Jerusalem is a very clear case of aggression and a deliberate attempt by one Member to annex the territories of another Member against the overwhelming will of the Member States of the United Nations. Jordan, the victim, cannot yield to coercion OF to pressure. Jordan does not stand alone in this respect. It has the Charter and the majority of Member States in the Assembly and the Security Council behind it. 74. I have already reminded the Council that fourteen members of this body supported the Assembly injunction against Israel last July on the Jerusalem situation; only one Council member was among the delegations that abstained in the Assembly. I have referred to this in the past. By “only one member” I meant one member around this table: only one Council member was among the delegations that abstained in the Assembly. At least that member, for whatever unknown reason it may have, continued to be consistent in its stand. But we cannot but express regret about another abstention. Nothing has changed since the adoption of the two Assembly resolutions-I say, nothing, other than further illegal measures and continued defiances by the authorities of Tel Aviv. This makes it more imperative to reaffirm the previous stand. This body is the law-enforcing organ of the United Nations; there is no room for abstention in the face of reCkleSS aCtS of lawlessness. 75. We agree that the resolution just adopted by the Security Council should have been a unanimous resolution. That is the minimum expected from the Council by Jordan, and particularly by the people of Jerusalem. In fact, this measure should have been taken a long time ago, and the same Powers that spoke to us this afternoon about being wise, being realistic, being practical, being peace-loving am the very same Powers responsible for the split in the Council. The argument is an old one; it has a background going back to last August. It is only fair, since this question of being realistic and wise and practical was raised, to acquaint the Council with the background. We wanted to come to the Council for action in August last year-1%7- but the so-called friends of Jordan asked us to wait. ‘l’he~ said: “Let the capitals have a chance to consider the JelY 76. It is true that Jordan badly needs friends. We therefore waited. Vye said: “Those are our friends; they mean well; they want to help; let us give them a chance; let us not antagonize them; they can make our task in the Council difficult.” 77. Therefore, we did not seek an urgent meeting in August 1967; we waited. We simply kept the Council informed of every Israeli violation. We sent one letter after another, citing legislative and administrative measures and other Israeli violations, referring to the bulldozing of Arab lands and property, the destruction of Arab dwellings and trespassing on Arab lands, and referring also to the expulsion of Arab leaders and people. 78. The delegations of the Arab States also sent a joint complaint on Jerusalem. Later, to our disappointment, no quiet diplomacy, no action, no real and genuine help was rendered to the victim, Jordan. Instead, we discovered that the inaction on the part of the Council encouraged more Israeli violations, So on 27 April 1968 we came to the Security Council, only to hear again that we were not being realistic, not being wise, not being practical. Now our friends tell us again: “Why rescind what has happened? Let us just call on Israel to refrain from committing such acts; be wise and practical and realistic and accept this; this is enough.” 79. TO this we said: “What if Israel continues: would the Security Council then rescind the violations? ” To this we received no satisfactory answer. We repeated the question time and again: “What if we come back next month, saying Israel is continuing: would you then rescind the violations? ” To that we received no answer. Instead, we heard the statement this afternoon that we should call upon all the parties concerned to refrain from such actions and measu+es. 80. I know of only two parties-Jordan and Israel. One is the complainant and the other is the party against which Jordan is complaining; and the essence of the problem-the whole complaint-is Jerusalem. What are we doing in Jerusalem? Who are the parties? Is there not one single victim of the aggression, and one committing the violation? SO to hear all parties is a clear attempt to serve another, irrelevant purpose-something that has nothing to do with Jerusalem. 81. Again we heard something about resolution 242 (1967) as the touchstone for the settlement of all phases of the problem. I have not come here for a settlement of any problem now. in this complaint: I have come here to beg the Council for action to stop violations and to rescind violations in order to help the man working for a solution to work properly and in order to contribute to the success of his mission. 83. I have inquired whether or not Mr. Jarring expressed or implied, by cable or by letter, or by any other means of communication, any concern about whether what was going on in the Council would affect his mission. I was told that at no stage of our deliberations did Mr. Jarring express any concern or apprehension about any possible adverse effect on his mission of the debates and of the measures contemplated. If that is the case, do those who express concern about Mr. Jarring really and genuinely and sincerely contribute to the success of his mission? 84. Do not all these attempts encourage the Israeli authorities to continue their arrogance and to continue their violations and defiance of United Nations will, instead of helping the Council to put an end to Israeli violations? I refuse to believe that the rescinding of invalid measures, in conformity with the injunction endorsed by ninety-nine Members of the United Nations, is harmful to Mr, Jarring’s mission, I refuse to believe that a decision deploring the continued failure of Israel to show any regard for the two General Assembly resolutions is not helpful to Mr. Jarring’s mission. I refuse to believe that deploring this failure does not strengthen Mr. Jarring’s hand. 8.5. It is not Jordan, it is the Israeli authorities which are actively attempting to weaken the mission of a man who is genuinely endeavouring to bring peace to our troubled area. We certainly want Mr. Jarring’s mission to succeed. We have done everything possible to help Mr. Jarring, but should his mission fail, it will not be Jordan which will be responsible for that failure. The responsibility for failure should rest squarely on those who pay lip service to peace. Indeed, the same Powers that show concern in the Council about Mr. Jarring’s mission have not uttered a word in the Council against the party really responsible for obstructing the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, and it is this inaction which encouraged Israel to continue its violations. 86. All the members will recall that at the meeting of this Council held on 23 March 1968, in answer to a question put by me, Mr. Tekoah said: “ * . . we do accept the goal of the Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967 to establish a just and lasting peace by agreement . , .” [1406th meeting, para. 521. 88. According to The New York Times of today: “Israel declared again today that she would not retreat from any occupied territory until a peace treaty had been signed with the Arabs after direct talks. The Government warned that it was ready to fight to defend the new frontiers,” 89. What would those who raised Mr. Jarring’s mission as one of their excuses say to this Israeli policy based on misrepresentation and deceit. 7 I have not heard them say a word about this, Why do they not raise their voices in this Council to save Mr, Jarring’s mission when this serious threat can be seen so clearly? Why this manoeuvring in the Council when the issue is very clear? Why is there a lack of unanimity on a resolution which is the result of hard word and a real desire on the part of all who drafted it to reach unanimity? We are not creating difficulties for the Council or for Mr. Jarring. We are simply reacting to Israeli actions, Israeli violations and Israeli defiance, and it is our earnest hope that this Council in the future will be able to reach unanimity on measures to be taken if Israeli violations continue. If the Israelis make it imperative that further action should be taken in this respect, including the measures prescribed in Article 41 of the Charter, we hope that through the determination of the friends of Jerusalem such action will be taken. 90, The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of Israel. 91. A! r. TEKOAH (Israel): The Security Council has ended its deliberations on Jerusalem. Through the murass of acrimony and abuse, the truth about Jerusalem emerges more clearly than ever. Jerusalem faithful to its history, Jerusalem at peace at last, reunited again, Jerusalem where Christian, Moslem and Jew live side by side, work together and create together. Jerusalem of the Holy Places, venerated and secure, beckc!!ing to worshippers and pilgrims of all faiths, from all parts of the world. Jerusalem the workshop of understanding and coexistence between Israeli and Arab. Nothing can tarnish the truth about Jerusalem. Nothing can change its reality. Nothing can overshadow its glory. 92. Fully conscious of its international obligatigns, respectful of the universal interests in the city, hspked by Jerusalem’s rejuvenation, the Government of Israel will do all in its power to ensure the welfare of the city and the happiness of its people. 93. The principles of the Charter, the precept of equality of all Member States, the fundamental right to peace and 94. When, in 1948, the Arab States took up arms in defiance of the United Nations and launched their aggres. sive attack against Israel and Jerusalem, little international concern was expressed; when Jerusalem was shelled and bombarded and its population brought to starvation, th Security Council remained silent. When for twenty years. there existed an occupation by Jordan resulting from aggression, when for twenty years access to the Western Wall was barred, when ancient synagogues were deliberate!) destroyed by the Jordanian Government, when any ideaof agreement with world religious interests was rejected by (hc occupying Power, the Security Council remained silent. 95. Where was the Security Council in those hours of grid and agony? Where was the Security Council when Jo&n again launched an onslaught against Jerusalem last June‘? Where was it when Jordan refused to make peace? WIterr was the Security Council when Jordan openly declared [be intention to continue its warfare against Israel by raid and terror? 96. Now, a whole year after the barriers ell in Jerusalem, now when Jews and Arabs live side by side in peace and work together in coexistence, when ‘reconstruction and restoration are well on their way, and above all, when, ii?r the first time in twenty years, access to the Holy Places is universal and complete, guaranteed by law and open ti> constructive dialogue with the universal religious intcrerfs involved, the Security Council hastens to evince concern. 97. To be of any consequence, a resolution must first r?f all be realistic and equitable. Is the world really to beliebr: that there is an international principle whereby Jerusakrn must be divided against the wishes of its citizens, its Jcua and Arabs separated, access to some of the Holy Plasei denied? The resolution would have us reinstall the bar&d wire and minefields which have been removed and rcscia3 measures which have brought normalcy and peace to a tit> artificially bisected for nineteen years. 98. It is, of course, regrettable that some still find r! possible to support the revival of military confrontatiitn and chaos in Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem, howcv?:, cannot be expected to welcome the weird idea that the) should be amputated and sacrificed on the altar uf belligerency. To suggest this to them would be contrary 1-2 all the principles of international law, of morality ~zI;J justice. 99. At this poivt I should like to reiterate Israel’% intention to ensure fully the universal character of the Ho!; 100. We appreciate the attitude of the Member States that have dissociated themselves from the resolution. 101. In the past I have had occasion to draw attention to the disabilities of the Security Council when it comes to deal with questions of the twenty-year Arab war against Israel. The resolution now adopted does not change or add to the known pattern of Security Council resolutions on the Middle East situation. It adds, however, to the determination of the people of Israel to gird themselves with even greater fortitude for the defence of their rights and the pursuit of peace and security, despite the malice of those who have injured us and despite injustice born in error. 102. After twenty years of war it is evident beyond any doubt that peaceful and accepted settlement rather than Security Council resolutions will resolve the Israel-Arab conflict. Indeed, the choice lies once again with the Arab States: the choice between continued acrimony and the search for understanding; between contests of public debate and quiet constructive effort; between warfare by terror, threat, inequitable resolutions on the one hand and agreement on the other; the choice between impasse and solution. We hope to be able to make progress towards agreement and peace. We still await, however, an indication 111. Nearly a month ago I restated in this Council the -,,,attitude and policy of my Government at this critical stage . from the Arab States that they too are ready to ioin in a _ _ 8. in our efforts to promote a just and lasting peace in tlhe common effort in this direction. tJ”

I call on the representative of Jordan in exercise of his right of reply,

On the question of normalcy and peace in Jerusalem, I would simply like to read to the Council a piece of information which has just come from Jerusalem. It states: “A delegation of six well-known Palestinian Arabs of the old city of Jerusalem yesterday sent a new petition to General Odd Bull, the representative of U Thant for supervising the cease-fire, in which they support the initiatives taken by the Arab States at the UniteC PI&ions regarding the status of Jerusalem. “This petition, signed in particular by the Arab Mayors of Nablus, Jennin and Tulkarim, as well as by other well& own Palestinian intellectuals and businessmen, has in addition been countersigned by hundreds of inhabitants of Jerusalem and the west bank of Jordan. 114. In the past four weeks I have consequently directed every effort of argument and persuasion to a single, simple proposition. That proposition is that what we need to do now is to proceed together in full unity on the common ground of general agreement. I have argued for that proposition as representative of my country and as President of this Council. I was convinced that common ground existed-limited, it is true, but certain and firm. We all know from our long consultations the extent of the area of normal and peaceful. YIhis delegation of distinguished people has asked General Odd Bull to transmit the text of their petition to Thant and Jarring. Copies have been sent to all foreign consulates in Jerusalem.” 105. This is an answer to the additional fabrication which we heard this afternoon to the effect that everything was log. The PRESIDENT: I call on the representative of Jordan.

Since the question is one of freedom and of will, the will of the people as expressed here is to get rid of the occupier and to ask the conqueror to move out. So, if there is this kind of willingness on the part of the Israelis to give them the right to express their will, this is their will, and the Israelis should show their desire to heed the will of the people and get out of the occupied area. The answer to occupation is going to be liberation, unless the methods of peace are really used effectively by every member at this table.

There are no further speakers in our debate, but before I adjourn the meeting I would exercise my own right to speak, not as President but on behalf of the UNITED KINGDOM. Middle East. e - - _ 112. I said first that my Government stands firmly by the statements we have made and the votes we have cast both in the Assembly and in this Council on the question of the future of Jerusalem. I said that all that has since taken place has reinforced the views which we have publicly and clearly and repeatedly stated. By the vote I cast today we have confirmed and reaffirmed the policy which we have throughout maintained. 113. But at the same time I emphasized, as all the time I have tried to cmphasize, that there should be one overriding aim, an aim which transcends all others. I said then that I trusted that from now on the whole weight of the Council would again be thrown into an effort to turn from recrimination to a renewed productive and constructive advance towards the settlement to which we are all publicly committed, and which all the peoples of the Middle East so desperately need. 115. In this long-drawn-out tragedy of the Middle East, the search for common ground was undertaken last year. We succeeded on 22 November. Moreover, our efforts to provide the structure of a settlement have not been repudiated. They have not even been questioned. On the contrary, they have been increasingly accepted. There has been a growing realization, a steadily mounting certainty, that only by proceeding along the road we took last November can disaster be averted, , 116. Our confidence in the Secretary-General’s representative, Mr. Gunnar Jarring, has not been diminished. His patient and persistent endeavours have reinforced the admiration we all feel for a statesman of such skill and such discretion and such courageous perseverance, 117. In many of the disputes and conflicts of the world we grope for some basis, for some beginning, for some method of making a start towards a settlement. In the Middle East we are past that stage, We know what the basis of the solution must be, We have all agreed on the principles to be applied, Moreover, we have agreed on how we should proceed to put those principles into effect. We all welcomed the appointment of Mr. Jarring by the 118. Now that this debate is finished, it is the most earnest wish of my Government, as I believe it is the wish of us all, that we should all support and encourage and facilitate the efforts to put agreed provisions and principles into practical effect. Let us put behind us wrangles on wording and exercises in animosity and diversions in disagreement. We should be partisans only for peace. We should show that we have the goodwill and the good sense to put everything aside except further effort finally to achieve a just peace. 119. As we have continued our consultations and our debate we have heard daily of acts of violence and declarations of hostility. We think of the thousands of innocent people who suffer in want and hardship and fear. Surely we must all recognize the urgency of pressing on with the work, for the purpose stated in our unanimous resolution of last November and repeated in the resolution we have just passed. It is a just and lastink peace we work for. Nothing else and nothing less must be our urgent concern and our overriding preoccupation. 120. As our proceedings have been concluded, I shall bring our debate to an end. Unless there is some objection, I propose to adjourn the meeting. The meeting rose at 6.35 p.m. HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS United Nations publications may be obtoined from bookstores and distributors throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Notions, Soles Section, New York or Geneva. COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES Les publications der Notions Unies sent en vente dons les libroirier et les ogencer d6posifaires du monde entier, Informer-vow oupr&s de votre libroirie ov q dressez-vous 6: Notions Unies, Section des ventes, New York ou Gen&ve. HAK IlOJlY’iMTb #SfiAHHR OPTAHM3AUMH 06bEAMHEHHblX !iAI~Ufi ~h~tlllllll Op~llllll:llll[Illl bh~,~llllClllllKi Ihl[llii ~IOilillO lQ'l.lIITb II lillll~lilll~lX ~1&rll31111FIX II i1I‘CIITI'TIIPS 110 PI'PS ~l;lilOll~X >lllplL ~~llIlO~llTC Ml[WMill 06 ll:l~lllllltlX I3 IllllllP?d lillllilillOY HBTB:IllIIC 11.111 l.llllUllTC If0 IlJlW~: Oprannaaqi~~ ~~~~~IIII~IIIIIJ~ lIn1~11k CC~IIH uo UpO;laXiC Il:I~lllllll"l, IIhrO-flOllli ll.lll &llClllL. COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Las public&ones de lar Naciones Unidar est6n en vcnto en librerias y cosos distribuidorar en todar partes del mundo. Consulte a su librero o dirijose (I: Nacioner Unidos, Seccibn de Ventas, Nueva York o Ginebro. Litho in United Nations, New York Price: $U.S. 0.50 (or equivalent in other currencies) 35719-September 1972-2,100