S/PV.707 Security Council

Before l" call upoil the parties concerned, certain representatives on the Council have requested pennission to speak. '

The tragic incident which occùrred on the night of Il to 12 Deeember 1955 on the Syrian-Israel' border is considered as a matter of gI'eat and. grave concem by the Turkish Govemment. Although' the final report of the United Nations Truce Supervision Orgànization bas not yet been received, all the preliminary reports, as weIl as· the Press re1ease issued in Jerusalem on 12. December by that organization, ~akes it unfortunately clear that this reeent border incident was caused by the direct action of ISl'llel armed forces penetrating into Syrian territory~ 5. In considering this question teel !Iut we must expreSs our satisfaction ciation for the restraint which has by 'Syrian and other Arab forces of !srael. We have always deplored have eonsidered it a method which its own purpose. It is our earnest parties concerned will see clearly which such actions prod~ce' on world they will act accordingly in the 6. In conclusion, 1 wish to state reserves its right to intervene at debate, after we have studied the Truce Supervision Organization and d~tIy concemed. 7. '-M. LODGE (E~ts-Unis d'Amérique) early at this meeting to express the States Government at the military evening, Il December, whiçh the has announced that it undertook Syrian forces on the north-eastern Tiherias. 8. We have not yet received General Burns or from the Syrian-Israel tice Commission. 'f~~erefore we what must he the exact position of on this attack. 9. The United St2.tes Government, compelled to state, as we have said past, that we oppose such acts We realize that there may he action, and for any provocations, Ils le le ~s à is tg ~r "é Ilt ln le re re es 11. The peace and future welfare of the Near East rest in largest measure on the shoulders of the leaders of the countIies in that part of the world. There must he restraint regardless of what the provocations to fight may be. Should' fighting break out again, the only victors will be those who live and rule by misery and chaos. The United States Govemment is convinced that the responsible leaders in the Near East know this to he true. This Couneil should encourage as best can this continued sense of responsibility. Ils es è- llt ~s,eln le rt la 12. In conclusion, let me repeat here what the United States has already said to the Govemment of Syria: that we extend our sincerest sympathy for this tragic loss of life. le s- 13. 1 hope that the President of the Council will see fit to request an urgent report from General Burns detailing aIl elements of the military action, together with a text of the Mixed Armistice Commission's deeision, and setting forth the present situation with regard to the control and polieing of the demilitarized zones. We suggest that General Burns he requested to make speeific recommendations which may serve as a basis for the further deliberations of the Couneil when next we meet on this question. 1- re :rre st el te le liui 14. 1 reserve the right to speak again at a later date after we have received the report of the Truce Supervision Organization. lit ~t

The United Kingdom deiegation deplores the grave incident which occurred on Il to 12 Decemher on the Israel- ~ls te u, 17. We await a report from incident. It is aln;ady clear, however, of this kind can only complicate Government, with others, have to put an end to the disturbed area and to replace strife by the lity which are so badly required 18. 1 reserve the right to speak of the Chief of Staff of the Truce zation is in our hands. 19. Mr. SOBOLEV (Union Republics) (translated trom Council has before it a complaint Government against the State action launched_by Israel anned tory in the area of Lake Tiberias This attack by Israel anned forces of 37 members of the Syrian armed lians, including 3 women. Eight armed forces were wounded and 20. The USSR delegation tenders the Government and people of have suffered as a result of this the part of Israel anned forces of the United Nations Charter Armistice Agreement between increase tension in the area. 21. The USSR delegation Cionsiders Council, which bears the primary maintenance of international peace shut its eyes to so serious a Nations Charter and the General between Syria and Israel. cannot but condemn such acts which is to increase tension ln Council's duty to take effective similar incidents in the future. 1 OJI":ial Reoorœ of ,he Security Sup~No20. i sur dent mon avec ituad'y mité a uole ~ étatle la

If the practice of the Security Council allowed one delegation to associate itseIf with a statement made by another, 1 should certainly endorse every word the Turkish representative's stateInent at the beginning of this meeting. In common with him and with members of the Council who have spoken, 1 deplore behaIf of my Govemment the incidents of 11 Decemher arising out of an unprovoked military attack by Israel. We condemn this brutal and unjustified act. express our sincere sympathy with the familles of victims, and congratulate the Syrian Govemment its self-control and moderation. If the Syrian Government had not shown this spirit of moderation, peace of the Middle East would he in even greater peril, and we might even now be faced with a total )cÏa- ~ 1 de )rtée que ~ le lB la aque s et , ont faits 27. Like other members of the Council, 1 do propose to say any more for the moment and reserve the right to take part in the discussion after we received General Burns' report. 28. Mr. TSIANG (China) : Before we have heard statements of ~.e representatives of the two parties directIy concerned, and before we have received reports of the United Nations observers on the spot, is natural and prudent that we should not ardve final conclusions. However, it is clear that an unprovoked attack has been made. My delegation dep!ores such an attack, and my country, China, now extends its sympathy and that of our people to the famUies the victims of this incident. !CpririenS Ces uent ~ t~ ~s et '~~ Ile 1, ~• le le prin- :rnaln si e la 1 de iraël, cette pour eoir.

My delegation cannot but deplore the events which occurred on 11 December in the frontier between Israel and Syria, since they introduce element of violence in the relations established under the auspices of the United Nations between Israel Syria, relations which should be peacefuI. 33. The PRESIDENt: As Council wishes to speak, 1 statement as repre~entative of 34. 1 wish to associate myself speakers who have :'JÎned in deploring bloodshed whic~_ -red Tiberias on the night of Il Decem::'er. goes out to the relatives of the 35. Although we do not have United Nations authority in that the deaths and injuries 11 December were the result Israel armed forces within Syrian 3,6. My Government has had censure the acts of anned violence than once been committed in New Zealand's term in the Security matter of deep regret to us that the collective views of the Council been heeded. Whatever agree with Mr. Lodge that there provocation, if such there be-a liation cannot but lead to a situation which is tense and explosive. has, therefore, received the preliminary latest attack with the deepest 37. 1 reserve the right to amplify later stage of this debate. 38. The SECRETARY-GENERAL: references to the full report we from General Burns, 1 wish to the Council that, foHowing the full report has been prepared. General Burns that it will be Thus we should have it at some next week, and should be able by that time.

The parties concerned, and 1 calI tative of Syria. 42. Before adducing the facts of our complaint, 1 be permitted to make these preliminary reiJ1arks? This item is not of an ordinary character. It one of those events which can he described lightly cunent incidents taking place across the annistîce lines. Israel bas made an attack against our country, our people and our army, an attack of a shocking nature, of unspeakable brutality and incredible agery. This treacherous attack was not only an breach of the Charter, a flagrant violation Armistice Agreement, an act of overt aggression, serious disregard for the principles of morality international decency. It brings to our memories ghastly war tacties of the Nazi regime against the United Nations mobiIized its material and spiritual resources. The Security Council is therefore upon, with ail its heart, with all its mind and with its will to live up to its sacred responsability of taining peace and order. Puisre la n ma NOE. li ont nt eu mt la uents Its de ,mble ~ 1dant taque ancée lâmer e fois velle- ~grettenu curité ltime, excu- 'epré- Irsque s. En 43. WhEt are the facts of the case? Horrible as are, they are easy to state. 44. On the night of 11 to 12 December 1955, 2.30 a.m., Israel armed forces launched a concentrated large-scale attack along the whole area lying ta the of Lake Tiberias. Israel commandos in boats on the eastern shores of the lake. An Israel estimated at approximately two infantry companies, crossed into Syrian territory from the river Jordan northward and from Ein Gev southward. forces were supported by armoured cars, aircraft, artillery and armoured launches. ~ que préliléclal'annous a été :s du lnfor- Burns 'alise. ie la nbres 45. Mter a fierce fight, which lasted for four Israel forces occupied four observation posts parallel 10 the eastern shores of Lake Tiberias and lying Syrian territory. As a result of this treacherous most of the Syrian oflicers and soldiers lost their ~hiIe in their trenches. Israel armed forces attempted, 10 addition, to advance eastward in Syrian territory with the purpose of occupying the principal defence Con- 1. Je Syrie. ~~ts. This act of armed a~ression led to 48. These facts have been substantiated, in the preliminary report of the United Supervision Organization in Palestine, on 12 December 1955. The report armed forces launched an attack on to the east of Lake Tiberias, between El Koursi. The report further states blew up the residence of Buteiha farm, mess hall and one civilian truck, and defence works and burned the barracks the Syrian army post. In addition, tPat the Israel attack apparently points at the same time, and that explosives for the destruction of positions. A the Syrian casualties, embodied in the forty-one killed. 49. These facts speak for themselves eloquence beyond the Iimit of mere words. ghastly attack by Israel was an act all the attributes of war except those bravery; for it is quite easy to mobilize and strike at isolated posts under darkness and with the treachery of surprise. still easier under the umbrella of an one party violates the armistice and confidence under its provisions. 50. Article l, paragraph 2, of the Agreement provides: "No aggressive action by the armed sea or air-of either party shaIl planned, or threatened against the armed forces of the other." ln this case, Israel mobilized land, against the people and the armed forces very international offence prohibited Armistice Agreement. The weapons airerait, armoured launches, armoured mortars, er.t':osives and other weapons have inflicted loss of life both civilian 52. Thus, the verdict is conclusive; the attack was planned, prearranged and preconcested. Iust1er, the attack was wilful, premeditated, and carried out with a light heart and in cold blood. This is the only possible, dreadful conclusion. Israel must stand before the world condemned for a crime unprecedented since the Armistice Agreement was entered into. Israel forces carried out this operation against natural barriers. They erossed a lake, a river, an armistice line and an international frontier with a rough terrain, and penetrated ioto Syrian territory. 53. The Israel attack, however, was of a special chamcter which must he placed hefore the Council fully, freely and frank1y. This armed aggression was carried out without justification. 1 say .. without justifification" although, under the Armistice Agreement, no armed attack has any justification. 54. In the last two years-and 1 invite the attention of the Security Council to this fact-the situation along the armistice lines has been relatively calm, with only sporadic events of an ordinary character. For some time before this bloody attack, the serenity in the area had been comparatively normal. Syria had committed no ad that could provoke this heinous crime perpetrated by Israel. 55. In a statement issued by the Israel delegation to the United Nations on 13 -December 1955, as a background to the attack, it was stated that: .. In the first six months of 1954 alone, Israel casualties on the Sa [of GaUlee] were 2 killed and 7 wounded." In just six months, on the strength of this statement of the Israel delegation, as an explanation of this crime, it is claimed that two were killed and seven wounded. And again, the statement referred to a few incidents of a minor character from January to October 1955. 56. Even if we accept this statement without challenging it, there would appear to be no ground for Israel to carry out such a large-scale attack resulting in such loss of innocent human life and property. This point, however, need not be laboured at length, for neither 58. But this dispute is not unique Israel is aggrieved,' if Israel has a complaint and if Israel has a case to file, then cannot do it at the point of the gun. was done by aIl weapons of sea.. land can have recourse to many ways-civilized Israel can complain to the Mixed Armistice to the Conciliation Commission, or, the Internation21 Court of Justice. compiain to the General Assembly Council if the problem bas assumed But to resort to military foree is a flagrant the Charter. let alone the provisions Annistice Agreement. 59. This conduct of Israel, however, of mind which is worthy of deep reflection of the Security Council. Israel from the law of nations. Israel has the Armistice Agreement existed no the Mixed Armistice Commission was operation, as though the Security Council more. This is the crux of the qu~tion. roal cliallenge which the Security Council and to answer seriously and definiteIy. 60. 1 come now to deal with another angle. Israel admits the measure of retaliation. To begin outright that the attack could not retaliation. RetaIiation against outrageous had taken pIace to provoke retaliation. BrutaIity and savagery to events of a local or ordinary character, events were before the Security Council. retaliation, one bas ta have a grave diately before, and this is what 1 wish must he not only a grave situation, but which exists immediately hefore such otherwise the attack would he nothing agression, characterized by bloodthirstiness for war. 61. The question of retaliation, however, ta the Security Couneil. There is 63. The representative of New Zealand, the present President, said: ". . . the incident as recounted to us does not have the diaracter of a spontaneous foray. It is described to us as a military attack. Therefore, ü one side is exclusively at fault, it is at fault not as a result of the lawlessness of its citizens, but as a result of a delirate, planned and disciplined act which must be regarded as carrying governmental responsibility" [ibid., para. 37]. 64. The representative of China said: "Violent and premeditated aggression by one party, if substantiated, cannot be justified merely by continuous violations by the other party. That is particularly 50 because the Security Council is not paralysed in the Palestine question, and therc is therefore a place ta which appeal for remedy may he made" [ibid., para. 60]. 65. The representative of the United Kingdom said : "When the Security Couneil in 1953 considered the situation on the Israel-Jordan frontier after L'le Qibya incident, it most dearly rejected the thesis that retaliatory action was justified" [695th meeting, para. Il]. 66. The representative of France said: "The Israel representative has tried to justify this attack by relating it ta the situation which has prevailed in that region for several months and to represent it to us as a legitimate retaIiation for the many provocations for which he daims Egypt is responsible. " But even ü that situation is as Mr; Eban ,bas described it to us, nothing in the facts he related could serve as an excuse, and still less as a justification" [ibid., para. 21]. 67. 1 could gQ on giving more quotations from the remaining ,members of the Security Council on this point, but what 1 have said shows, without any shred of doubt, that armed attack is never justified and is no excuse whatever. In fact, the Security Couneil in its resolution of 24 November 1953 [S/3139/Rev.2] expressed the strongest censure of the retaIiatory action Il 69. The issue in this case is: war Arab Governments, are now under under great labour to face the wave indignation which the Israel attack the crucial question 1 am putting at measures are contèmplated by the What action does the 5ecurity Couneil 70. 1 put this question with great great anxiety, for the security of the upon the measures the Security Councii take. 1 can even say that the confidence world in this Organization now course of action the Security Couneil is why 1 seriously invite the Security serious consideration to the preventive àpplied. 71. 1 can take the liberty of saying carrying condemnation of the Israel the minds of the members of the Security verdict of condemnation would be the action of Israel, but 1 beg your your patience. This is no remedy 'against may be a remedy against a party with national responsibility, but Israel before the Security Council. The respectfully submit, should take full record before it adopts its verdict. 72. 1 shall not deal at length with shall limit myself to the facts which the remedy which we propose to suggest. 73. In April 1951, Israel earried out the Syrian frontier. The Security the Israel action constituted a violation provision contained in the Security of 15 July 1948 [8/902] and was inconsistent terms of the General Armistice Agreement gations assume<! by all Member States Nations under the Charter. 74. In January 1953, Israel military and 76 mm mortar, bangalores, machine-guns, 76. In October 1953. Israel forces attacked at night the inhabitants of Qibya village by firing from automatic weapons and throwing grenades and using bangalore torpedoes. together with TNT explosives. The result was a massacre and annihilation. Fortyone dwelling houses and a school building were completely blown up. and there were 42 killed and 15 wounded. induding men. women and children. In ifs resolution of 24 November 1953 [S/3139/Rev.21 the Security Couneil condemned Israel in the strongest terms of censure for this massacre. . 77. In March 1954. Israel forces. heavily anned. earried out a massacre in the village of Nahhalin. resulting in great 1055 of life and property. The Mixed Armistice Commission condemned in the strongest tenns the action of Israel [S/3251, para. 11]. 78. And lastly. in February 1955. Israel committed an attack against the military forces of Egypt in the Gaza strip. resulting in 39 killed. 32 wounded, and the destruction of military installations. The Security Couneil again condemned Israel for this act in ifs resolution of 29 March 1955 [S/3378]. 79. In aIl these Israel attacks. heavy weapons were used. and life and property were destroyed. These attacks were military operations and not mere violations. AlI were designed and prearranged. Israel was condemned for aIl of them. 80. Today the Security Couneil is dealing with military operation similar in design but greater in dimensions. Today the Security Couneil is seized of a complaint of a highly serious character. The cases 1 have cited permit us to diagnose that Israel is afBicted with the disease of war and aggressive tendencies. The cases 1 have cited disclose a system, a palicy, a pattern which Israel is following persistently and consistently. 81. It is sufficient to read the lecture delivered by the Israel Chief of Staff. Brigadier General Moshe Dayan. ta his officers-this is not an article or a press clipping but a lecture delivered by him to ms officers-published in the Jewish Frontier in October 1955. In dealing 83. Israel was condemned by the but Israel is purs~g its aggressions Thus Israel has not heeded the Couneil's To Israel, condemnation seems to demnation has not deterre:::! Israel ~ attack we are now considering. 84.. It was onty in March of this CounciI, in its resolution on [8/3378], decided to caU again-and attention of the Security Couneil _cc upon Israel to take aU necessary measures such action". The c again:t refers on the Qibya massacre [8/3139/Rev.2], attack, where theSecurity Council quote the decision of the Security I~rael .. to take effective measures actions in the future". 85. Israel bas been condemned been called upon again and again such action. The Security Couneil bound to taIte deterrent measures in that have so far proved to he in vain. 86. 1 must, a~ this stage, however, Couneil that its deliberations on ~bout to end in preventive measures seems to us that the Cauncil wished chance to conduct itself in accordance with decency. 87~ The representative of Iran, to the Security Council on the Gaza cc Indeed, mere condemnation aggression has caused 50 many deaths. Cauneil must shoulder its responsibilities accordingly" [692nd meeting, pa,a.27]. 88. The representative of Franc~ and ability placed the matter in its declared: "From the bottom of our Israel will appreciate the Couneil's value, as a final warning [695th Ïs IS. il, r· le 90. Alternatively, and on the same grounds, we respectfully ,.urge the Security Couneil to decide on economic Sanctions, as p~ovided for in the Charter. This becomes more imperative, since Israel is receiving loans, financial aSsistance and grants-in.aid from national and international sources. Israel is further receiving contributions through its agents abroad in fabulous amounts. Whether directIy·or indireetly, t..'lls economic support actually enabling Israel to commit these aggressiollS. Israel is duty bound to make account to the world, it is through ibis stream, of financial assiatance Israel is able to make up a budget of its own. le !la et le es Its 1/ re ~t lil es es 91. Israel cannot have it ,both ways. Israel cannot ,continue to be financed by the international community and, at the same time, ignore the wishes of the international co~unity. Israel has chosen to ignore standards of morality, the basic principles of international decency, the provisions of the Charter, the terms of the General Armistice Agreement and, finally, which ia most important, the condemnations of the Security Council. It is therefore high time to apply economic sanctions against Israel. a le té 1 ici ~ té ùt re lël le 92. 1 have intentional1y limited my statement to sunject-matter of this complaint. 1 have refrained ftOm referring to any aspect of the Palestine question, political or otherwise. Israel may choose, however; unfold matters of no relevance, in an attempt to cloud, the present issue or plunge it in a manufactured controversy. To us the matter is different. This outrage committed by Israel places a sacred duty upon the Security Council. No matter what difference obtains in the Council on international matters, voice of the Council must he unanimous on question. sé le le ut et 0- ri· 93. The time and place of this tragic event must inspire the Council to action, and effective action. ~ël ur ij. co~ission ~f this international· offence took place around 'Lake Tiberias and the river Jotdan, whete 95. This statement is highly a message that couId not escape Council. Frank, sincere and bold, places the.. whole question before proper context. The letter states Council has not prevented the recurrence of Israel. This is a fact which' no deny. The Egyptian Government bound to deal with the situation of its anned forces, to maintain area. 96. The issue, therefore, is crystal or no war. And it is Israel's decide the issue and that will finally answer the 97. The Security Council is no of the conclusions, and of the future now it is for the Security Council

The shores and borders of Lake Tiberias and a resu1t of the tensions which between Syria and Israel. 99. Syria took a 1eading part by Arab forces in 1948. Its pattern of that aggression was to stranglehold on Israel's ooly source .gation· and power. At that time upper Jordan, the HuIeh region Tiberias, have been the main targets ments and assaults. 100. In JuIy 1949, Syrïa belatedly followed of ·other Middle Eastern Governments an annistice agreement with lOUS Linsi .verion, tres, aintià pas • lOtte du tien, :tive i. Il n'a aises sure qu'il e le x et 102. The Security Council is aware from its intimate experience of the acute tension prevailing between the two countries which face each other the shores of Lake Tiberias. The central fact implacable hostility of Syria towards Israel, accompanied by a determined resolve to prevent any crystalliiation of peaceful attitudes or practices. 103. This hostility has not always fallen short even the eruption of Syrian forces on to Israel soil, as Syrian attack at Tel el MutiIla, which cost so Israel lives. The Security Couneil will recall its own records how the Syrian Government conferred a military honour on the commander of that invasion and how United Nations authorities certified that as an overt act of Syrian aggression. 104. But throughout the whole of the armistice Syrian authorities have continued their aim of attempting to reduce Israel to a wilderness by denying use of water resources which are exposed with special vulnerability to Syrian encroachment. aire. Ipte, ance , des ; il 105. The Council itself was seized for several weeks the Syrian attempt under the pressure of armed violence to prevent the drainage of the Huleh marshes. Syrian claim collapsed under the weight of its frivolity, and this heneficent work went forward. Jater a new campaign of interference and intimidation was launched by Syria agaiilst Israel's electric project, which was temporarily postponed two years pending its urgent consideration by the Security Council at that time. Le iade qui dans plan ssion lurte 106. In the meantime, a central concern of the Government has been to obstruct any plan for co-ordinated use of Jordan waters, for fear lest agreement might remove the main potential source conftict which Syria desires at aIl costs to keep alive. iD et haut 1 lac ~ctifs ardï- rient Jette 107. These attacks and intrusions on Lake Tiberias and elsewhere must be viewed against the wider 109. On 20 September 1955, made a radio broadcast to bis terms: "Israel is Syria's avowed rest as long as this thieving the holy soil of the Arab .world. will therefore reject aIl peace aIl forms of contact with ment will keep hefore it the blockade against Israel with to continue the struggle against 110. More recently, on 20 October èfesign was expre~d in terms which was candidly interpreted "It is not logical that Egypt idle and merely look upon after signing the pact, without to·help the sons of their people for the second round. Woeunto Arab peoples are ready Then will Israel he visited 111. In yet another statement, referred· to Egypt.and Syrîa as with two sides of a pair of seissors. 112. These are illustrations of reIationships ag~t wmch frontier between these two States. occasion to tell the Security hostility and. hatred directed Suite bas its direct and inevitable wh~re the two countries meet. the United Nàtions Chief of how· a fundamental condition cu1ar point of explosion in ci>riflicts ~ a purely localized aspect. ,the two countries cannot he 1 vous .arâbes , .. a mOl, :ement 11-t. Geography dictates that life in the greater of Israel, and especially in the area we are disçussing, is lived within close range and view hostile Arab border. In sucb circumstances, a minimal condition of stability is a readiness by the Arab to leave Israel alone, to let our economic, agrarian iIidustrial development proceed unhindered, to abstain from any perverse temptation to use the geographical adVàntage for constant harassment and violent assault. Sc long as Arab palicy is directed to the disruption Israel 1i!e, often by armed force; Israel poliey must partially directed towards the prevention of dlsruption. tre de radio- Ous: ne ri pré- arabe. propo- ~pports à bien rsuivre 115.' Nowhere is this general dilemma more acute in Israel's northern lake region, where much €ountry's vital development work is intensively pur-sued. ln our conception and desire, Lake Tiberias, the inarshes and the upper Jordan are the domain farmérs, worken and fishermen who seek nothing the "opportunity to follow their pursuits in Israel's defence forces have no other objectives in region than to ensu.woe a mm;Tna! t!'anQt1;n;ty for mnocent. and fruitful enterprises, while safeguarding the established territorial integrity of the State. esseins e avec 'rie de lement $tioe; l de se e I~ur .e renarabes 1 Des ~stice Agreement confers upon Israel the right ~" tranquillity, and upon Syria the duty of helping to ensur~ it. syrien &gypte d'une 116. The obligations of the parties in the Lake Tiherias region are fully defined in the General Armistice ment itself,and in the key resolution adopted Mixed Armistice Commission on 15 March 1954. h,nportant verdict cQvers a specifie incident in Syria at that time elicited the Commission's censure; b-Qt; more importantly, it defines the general system rignts and obligations on which the Commission ta establish tranquillity in this region. The resolution atmoSs. J'ai Irité à d'haslt ~e passe ays ~ d'étàt.- de la ts qui ement ns ,de ~ads as follows: .. The Mixed A.rmistice Commission "1. Find'S that, on 15 March 1954, the army positions near Kafer Aaqeb directed flI"e 117. It will be noted that the Mixed mission has thus established that the Israel territory and has rejected any intrude upon activity therein. This fishing and ta the use of the 10-metre eastem shore. It is, moreover, laid Syrians have no right to interfere with vity on the lake, where Syria has no status. 118. In discussing that resolution, which is !:wis of the present position in the area, sentatives suggested negotiations for 1923 agreement which provided for in the Sea of Galilee. Syrla, however, such discussions and also rejected that individual Syrlans, on personal responsible authorities, be granted pennit!. 119. The majority of the Mixed Armistice DO dcubt sincerely hoped that the adoption ruling on jurisdiction would eliminate tensions in the area and would perhaps dations of an improved local relationship two countries. 120. But the Syrian Govemment, mently opposed the Commission's ruling, upon a steady course of frustrating its artillery was established close to the frontier, Israel territory on the eastem shore of metres of the lake's surface. Exploiting dable advantage, Syrian forces have, attempted to banish Israel from its own ding activity on its waters with a constant Fire bas been repeatedly opened on northem corner of the Jake. 123. Thus the basic difficulty has been ..ud continues to he Syria's refusaI ta accept the ruling of 15 Malm 1954, under which Syria has no right to -exercise any intervention, and least of all intervention by armed force, against Israel activity on the lake. This verdict was assaiIed so vehemently by Syria, both in words and in deed of violence, that the Commission felt obliged to r;;peat the substance of its position only a few months Iater. Thus, in its resolution of 29 July 1954, the Commission ruled: " The Mixed Armistice Commission " Notes the existing serious situation on the eastem shores of Lake Tiberias; " Resolves: Oô 1. 5yria and Israel are bound by article IV, paragraph 3, of the General Annistice Agreement, confinned by various undertakings made by their representatives during the official Mixed Annistice Commission meetings, which have the same binding force as the Amllstice Agreement, ta ensure respectively that no crossings from Syrïa into Israel territory and from Israel into Syrian territory take place; "2. Any crossing from Syrïa into the lO~metre strip on the eastem shore of Lake Tiberias, as well as from Israel into Syrian territory, is a violation of article IV, paragraph 3, and of the above-mentioned undertakings; ~ "3. Syria and Israel are bound by articles of the General Annistice Agreement, confumed by various undertakings made by their representatives, ta ensure that no interference whatsoever with activities within the territory of the other party occurs; .. Calls upon the Syrian and Israel authorities to eusure the full implementation of the General Annistice Agreement and their undertakings; and [.1... ~ ~ ,. Calls upon the Syrian authorities ta ensure no interference whatsoever with any Israel activities in Lake Tiherias and on the 10 metre strip, and or no œossing whatsoever into Israel." "Tonight Israel forces advanced positions to silence the batteries responsible attack, in order to avert further and to ensure the security of Israel ID their lawful occupations. Syria has called upen by the Mixed Armistice put an end to interference with Israel Israel territory, particularly with fishing The Mixed Armistice Commission's however, proved of no avail, and an Nations representatives to bring mentation have failed. Syrian batteries have, on repeated occasions, attacked and police beats. The season in the into unabated Syrian aggression against which considerable damage and casualties inflicted.n 126. As a background for its central point out that, during the first eleven there were recorded 108 violations General Annistice Agreement; in average of one every three days, over to only about 22 miles in length. these border incidents occurred in the Jake, in the demilitarized zone to the northern corner of Lake Tiberias. &ring on farm workers, firing on Israel barassment of fishennen on Lake Huleh, of Israel territory in the demilitarized 'Yhere, and armed interference with fishing Galilee. 127. During that period there were from Syrian army posts on Israel boats launches in the northern corner of the illegal incursion by Syrians on to the under the cover of Syrian fire, 44 cases Syrian army posts on villages, fann civilian activities, Il cases of &ring on Israel police patrols, 9 cases of armed troops into the territory of Israel, 5 130. The profound issue underlying Arab-Israel relations under the armistice system is whether the peaceful exercisc of legitimate rights must be suspended whenever there is an Arab threat of force, and whether the Arab Governments have a right to practise belligerency and hostility against Israel, and themselves enjoy complete immunity against any responsibility. This is the very text and theme of our discussion today. 131. For what does MI'. Shukairy's selective history of the armistice really amount ta? It says nOthing more than that the people of Israel have become progressively more reluctant ta sit back and suffer the consequences of a unilateral Arab belligerency. That is absolutely the only thing which he has proved. Now this reluctance to be the passive victim of a regulated siege is an increasingly conspicuous element in the sentiment and policy of Israel. _..-- 132. We envisage these armistice agreements in terms of absolute reciprocity both in rights and in obligations. We do not believe that Arab forces have a right to send their agents and their commando units to kill and plunder in Israel and then seek the shelter. of the annistice agreements as a barrier against defensive reaction. We do not hold that the Arab Govemments have a right to sail the seas and international waterways of our region in peace and forcibly deny that freedom to Israel. We do not think that whenever an Arab gun is levelled against an Israel development project, the gun must prevail and the development project be halted. We do not consider tbat an Egyptian invading force should be allowed to go beyond its frontiers into a demilitarized zone, or anywhere else, and entrench· itself on Israel soil. We do not consider that we should he called upon ta reconcile ourselves, on the Israel Lake of Tiberias, ta a choice between abandoning our rights or exercising them in constant peril ta life. 133. It might have been more congenial to Arab purposes if these infiltrations, maraudings, commando raids, blockades and intimidations had been passively elliSured by Israel. There are others, more disin- 135. A solution to the crisis lies in armistice agreements into a final have quoted the standing policy of and the General Assembly. A more less valuable approach would he a of every word and line of the armistice effort to ensure their precise fuIfilment. fulfilment of the agreements as they were signed, blockades and maritime interceptions, trine of a state of war, without shooting boats on Lake Tiberias, without the units, and without Egyptian incursions Such an agreement, restored to its ready to implement :!li a prelude a more lasting seulement. 136. In tlùs connexion, my Government the communication from the Prime Mr. Nasser [S/35141 asserting Egypt's armed forces, land, air and navy, situation itself. It is, in our view, communication. It would not interests, or in the interests of the to act on the basis of tlùs communication, am instructed to comment as follows. 137. Mr. Nasser's communication General of the United Nations is telegram addressed by the Secretary-General Arab League to the Secretary-General Nations on 15 May 1948 [S/745], identical terms to those of the present heralded the inauguration of open countries of the Arab League against 138. Notwithstanding the Armistice requires the cessation of all hostile transition to permanent peace, Egypt continue to carry out aggressive against Israel. Notwithstanding the 140. The operations of Israel forces mentioned in Mr. Nasser's communication were nothing but acts of rosponse to an uninterrupted succession of aggressive aets which preceded every single reaction carried out by Israel. It is true of the past, as it is true of the present and will he true of the future, that if Egypt maintains calm from its side of the armistice demarcation line, it can count on complete immunity from any trouble from the other side. 141. The pact between Egypt and Syria, to which Mr. Nasser refers in his communication to the Secretary- General, has no status or authority whatever within the system of the United Nations. It was conceived outside the Charter and in violation of its principles. It is, in faet, nothing but an overt conspiracy directed against Israel. It confers upon Egypt no rights of intervention in this or in any other dispute. Conspiracy for attack upon Israel is, indeed, the very purpose which the leaders of Egypt and Syria have bath ascribed .l.) this pact. The very conclusion of this pact was a contribution to the sense of tension and insecurity which prevails in Israel and which has been increased by the recent disturbance in the balance of armaments. In this connexion, the present communication by Mr. Nasser is itself a link in a long chain of aggressive threats and declarations on the part of Egypt's leaders. 142. The Government of Israel cannot ascribe any sineerity to Mr. Nasser's reference to the alleged failure of the Security Council to prevent hostilities in the Middle East. For over four years, since 1 September 1951, Egypt has been in constant violation of the Security Council's basic decision against belligerency and blockade [558th meeting]. This act of defJance, as much as any other single cause, lies at the root of the tension prevailing between Egypt and Israel. 143. Israel has no aggressive intentions against neighbouring countries. It is prepared to carry out the armistice agreements in every detail, including all the 145. My Government does not crisis will be alleviated by the expressed in Mr. Nasser's letter, Mr. Shukairy's invective or by ms religious prejudice. This aisis in a purposeful attempt by Arab understanding that they have a in leaving Israel aIone. Leave on sen, on the frontiers and in Gulf of Akaba, on Lake Tiberias the pursuit of our commerce and our land. If you wiU not constructive relationship, then at a situation in which we leave Perhaps out of such a negative positive stability may one day arise. PropouI to aU • General Couf'erenee , of the United Nations for the purpoee Charter (Article 109 orthe Letter datecl 12 Decemher 1955 GenenI .àresaed 10 the President CoaneiI (8/3S03) 1~. The PRESIDENT: The have heard the observations of regarding the probable date on Genera! Burns' report. What the Couneil, having deaIt 50 far first item on its agenda, should second item. MT. Eban and MT. Shukairy

The Couneil has draft resolution submitted by Brazil, Kingdom and the United document is self-explanatory and

paragraph 3 of Article 109 of the of a review conference is made decision both by the General Security Council. That article Council's decision sball be made 1 This resolution ÏB abo reproduced rIae Cmfral Auem61y. Tenth Se..wn, œeolution 992 (X). rise prit par tive ière les e si u'il 1'aël sur res, sur lent ulez ela· ans aÎx. our 150. 1 need not ,repeat here the arguments in favour of the resolution adopted by the General Assembly. My Government's views wcre fully explained there speeches made by members of my delegation on 17 21 November [542nd and 547th plenary meetings]. The General Assembly has set up a committee which will consider the question of'fixing a time and place for the conference. As Sir Pierson Dixon said in General Assembly, that committee will he free to report in 1957 that the time has not yet come to hold a conference. T~ere is no danger of the United Nations being rushed into holding a conference before it would be wise to hold one. 1 hope, therefore, that there be a wide measure of agreement that the Council should endorse the Assembly's decision and that it should adopt the draft resolution noW' before it. raie au rte) rie cu·

ln connexion with present item, the Council has before it a joint draft resolution which is in fact an endorsement of General Assembly resolution of 21 Novemher 1955 aiming at la review of the Charter. Les du 0US proloin asse 152. As the USSR delegation stated in the General Assembly [520th meeting], the Charter is entirely adequate in its present form to the purposes of strengthening universal peace and developing international co-operation in the political, economic and other fields. A review of the Charter aiming at the revision of fundamental principles would in no way help strengthen confidence in relations among States; on contrary it would hinder the attainment of that goal. For these reasons, the USSR delegation opposed General Assembly resolution of 21 Noverrber and voted against it. Le par Uni les ~ 3 une Lia une que 153. We held then and we hold now that the United Nations Charter sets forth the main purposes and fundamental principles of the United Nations, whose les ~up' 155. The Charter determines assumed by Member States: their international disputes by a manner that international peace endangered; the obligation ta relations from the threat or use gation not to intervene in the States. 156. In addition, the Charter of the unanimity of the five Powers which are members of the Security Council main responsibility for the maintenance peace and security. This principle of the activity of the United reflects the fact of peaceful coexistence tion between States having economic systems to be found 157. AIl these principles and written into the Charter fOIm fruitful international co-operation; on which relations between States 158. The Soviet Union therefore United Nations Charter as it none of its importance and international that it is an entirely satisfactory the demands made on it and needs kind. We consider that a review the calling of a General Conference United Nations for that purpose bute ta the strengthening of confidence among States, ta the further relaxation tension or to the effectiveness of Nations. 159. For these reasons, the USSR and will vote against the draft Council [813504], the pUlpOse with that of the General Assembly November 1955, namely, to subvert Organization. 160. The USSR delegation wishes that if the Security Council adopts thereby giving effect to the General Hales leurs ques, erna· dans 162. My delegation believes that this decision of Assembly should be concurred in by the Council, the draft resolution now before the Council seeks accomplish that purpose. It would reaflirm the judge- ment of our founders, who looked ahead to a United Nations system growing in effectiveness with growing experience, and changing with changing needs, if there might be. ~nace S les una- nents pon- le la mgu- hjee- péra- èmes dans 163. A wide range of views is apparent on this subject: aIl the way from a desire to hold such a review ference soon, to a determination recently expressed the representative of the Soviet Union that no <:onference should be held. General Assembly discus- sions, however, indicate that neither of these views generally held, and that a third view represents true consensus of the membership. This view favours a decision in principle that a review conference shall held, but at a time when circumstances are favourable. Jncés pour base finir. 164. The resolution of the General Assembly explicitly recognizes that such a review should be conducted under auspicious international circumstances, and the resolu- tion provides for a committee consisting of aIl Members of the United Nations to consider, in consul- tation with the Secretary-General, the question fixing a time and place for the conference, and organization and procedures. As a further aid careful preparation, the resolution requests the Secre- tary-General to complete the publication programme aiready undertaken and to continue to prepare circulate supplements, as appropriate, to the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs, which aIl have found so useful. con- S sa :e et ins- exi· ,cune !J.arte éraie rien dans ment lma- [one- ~\f" ovié· r. '1 It le 1 que du ~ 165. Now let me say that my delegation regrets the representative of the Soviet Union has repeated statement that the Soviet delegation will not participate in the work of this committee of the whole. It not seem to us to coincide with the oft-repeated asser- tions of the USSR that it seeks international co-opera- tion in aIl matters. ~ larte ii 'Ojet. 1 ,time cas réso- 167. In the light of this, that we are not here called that the Charter must he revised, be changed or, in the words must be subverted, we firmly should express its concurrence the General Assembly. Such will constitute an affirmative Kingdom representative has obligations placed upon us of the Charter. '168. Mr. VAN LANGENHOVE ted Irom French): As has Assembly decided in its resolution that a General Conference he held at an appropriate time. 169. My delegation stated [543rd plenary meeting], shortly was adopted. 170. We now have before posing that the Security Assembly resolutiq.n. My to voting in favour of the abstract nature. Our affirmative be without prejudice to Article may indeed be wondered whether the Security Council will not 109 when the question arises conference, follûwing the recommendations by the committee appointed

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