Israel-Syria ceasefire agreement – Acceptance of invitation – Cablegram from UN Acting Mediator

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CABLEGRAM DATED 21 MARCH 1949 FROM THE

ACTING MEDIATOR TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNING THE

ACCEPTANCE BY SYRIA OF AN INVITATION TO ENTER INTO ARMISTICE NEGOTIATIONS

For the President of Security Council:

"I have the honour to inform the Security Council that a favourable reply to my invitation of 30 January 1949  to enter into Armistice negotiations  has been received from the Government of Syria.  The text of the reply is as follow:

"'The Acting Mediator:

I have the honour to inform you that the Syrian Government agrees to enter into Armistice negotiations in pursuance of the resolution of the Security Council of 16 November 1948.

(signed) Chaled El Azeem

President of the Council of Ministers

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of National Defence.'

"The Government of Israel has been notified of the Syrian acceptance and has replied as follows:

"Rhodes, 20 March 1949

"'Dear Dr. Bunche,

"'This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date informing that the Syrian Government has formally accepted your invitation of 30 January I.949 to enter into Armistice negotiations with the Government of Israel in pursuance of the resolution of the Security Council of 16 November 1948. As requested, I have transmitted this information to my Government.

"'I have been authorized to confirm that Dr. Eytan's letter to you of 31 January 1949 constitutes acceptance of your above-mentioned invitation by the Israeli Government as regards Syria. 

(Signed) Mr. Shiloah

Head of the Israeli Delegation

at Rhodes.'"

"Arrangements for the Israeli-Syrian negotiations under United Nations chairmanship will be made in consultation with the two Governments.

Ralph Bunche

Acting Mediator

 

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