Mideast situation – Letter from Israel

LETTER DATED 9 FEBRUARY 1967 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ISRAEL ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I have the honour to refer to the two letters to you from the Permanent representative of Jordan, dated 6 February 1967.

On 11 December 1966, the Government of Israel publicly announced that the army parade on Independence Day this year (falling on 15 May) would be held in Jerusalem, "within the framework of the Israel-Jordan Armistice Agreement".

This announcement was generally published in the Press. The Government of Jordan was without doubt fully aware of its contents and saw no reason to react comment at the time.

Nearly two months later, the Permanent Representative of Jordan has suddenly addressed to you a letter which misrepresents the published decision of my Government and misleads the members of the Security Council. The letter alleges that the proposed parade will constitute a "provocation" of Jordan, a "defiance" the United Nations, and a "violation" of United Nations decisions.  These charges are groundless. It is deplorable that the Government of Jordan and its representative should seek artificially to create tension.

The other letter to you from the Representative of Jordan, contained in document S/7722, is obviously written with the same propaganda intent.  Questions concerning the investigation of a complaint to the Mixed Armistice Commission are matter to be dealt with on the local MAC level, not taken out of context and inflated in this fashion. The conclusions drawn in the Jordanian letter are mischievous and absurd.

(Signed)  Michael COMAY

Permanent Representative