Egypt-Israel General Armistice Agreement/Evacuation of Egyptian troops – Cablegram from UN Acting Mediator/Corrigendum

CABLEGRAM FROM THE ACTING MEDIATOR DATED 1 MARCH 1949

TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNING EVACUATION OF

EGYPTIAN TROOPS FROM AL FALUJA

For the President of the Security Council:

"In fulfilment of Article 3 of the Egyptian-Israeli General Armistice Agreement the Egyptian force which had been pocketed at Al Faluja since the fighting in the Negev which began on 14 October 1948 has been completely evacuated under United Nations supervision today, beyond the Egyptian frontier. This evacuation was directed by United Nations observer, Colonel Lerette, United States Army, with the assistance of Belgian, French, and American observers and enlisted personnel, in accordance with a plan of withdrawal formulated by General William E. E. Riley, United States Marine Corps, United Nations Chief of Staff of the truce supervision. The evacuation of the Egyptian force totalling 2,900 men and all of the military equipment and personal possessions of that force began 26 February and was completed on 28 February.  All of the Egyptian sea heavy equipment has been stored at El Arish under United Nations guard, as prescribed by the agreement.

"In addition to the Egyptian force 1,050 of the 3,569 civilians in the area who wish to go to Gaza were also evacuated under United Nations supervision.  Civilians wishing to go to the Sebron area will be evacuated on 3 March under United Nations escort. A United Nations observer team remains at Al Faluja.

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