Al-Aqsa mosque -telegram from Jordan

TELEGRAM DATED 21 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND

MINSTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JORDAN ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF

THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I have the honour to bring the following to your kind attention.  This morning a new Israeli grave act of lawlessness which has shaken the conscience of mankind was committed against Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest places of Islam.  At 7.20 fire broke in the mosque lasting for over three hours and causing complete destruction of the southern part of the ceiling, the twelfth century pulpit and severe damage to the walls.  The Jordan Government holds the Israeli authorities responsible for this horrible crime.  The Arabs who throughout their history have protected all holy places and ensured freedom to all religions emphasize to the whole world that this irresponsible behaviour has taken place while the Holy City and all the Western Bank were under the odious Israeli military occupation.  We call upon the Security Council to take strong and effective measures against the Israeli authorities to put an end to Israeli violations and to remedy the situation.  This is more so since Israel has failed to show any regard to the United Nations resolutions on the Jerusalem question.  We request that this cable be circulated as an official document of the Security Council. Please accept, etc.

Abdul Monem Rifai

Deputy Prime Minister and

Minister of Foreign Affairs