4. Telegram 9888 From the Department of State to the Embassies in Lebanon and Israel, January 21, 1969, 2342Z
ACTION: Amembassy BEIRUT
Amembassy TEL AVIV
INFO: USUN NEW YORK
STATE
SUBJ: ICAO Meeting on ME Aviation Incidents
REF: STATE 8296
1. ICAO Council Jan 20 decided by vote of 11 (US) to 10 to consider ME issue in open meeting and, by vote of 14 to 12 (US), to confine its order of business to Lebanese complaint, thereby refusing to include Israeli counter-complaint. Latter vote followed statement by US REP that USG did not regard ICAO as appropriate or competent body to judge alleged responsibility of GOL for terrorist acts mentioned in Israeli letter of Jan 14.
2. In ensuing discussion, Lebanese REP gave relatively moderate statement, mentioning sanctions but giving no specifics and indirectly suggesting expulsion of Israel from ICAO but not in such way as to indicate serious effort to this end. Israeli REP Rosenne (Deputy Israeli PERMREP to UN) covered points made in SC debates, expressing strong regret and surprise ICAO Council had not included Israeli letter on order of business. Statements by Tunisia, Belgium, US, Spain and Argentina followed, with all but Tunisian REP favoring Council consideration of general problem of how to protect international civil aviation from all acts of force and violence. Council Pres Binaghi interrupted Tunisian from chair to say he would not countenance political discussion.
3. Council agreed meet again Jan 21. Following completion of general statements we expect Council to adjourn until members have had time to consult to develop line of action. US REP already working with British, Australian and Canadian REPS to develop draft resolution urging all states do utmost to prevent acts of violence against international civil aviation and establishing committee to study problem and recommend action designed to bring an end to such illegal interference.
4. Posts requested not include Amcongen Montreal as addressee on tels this subject. Dept will pass them to US REP ICAO as occasion demands.
END
ACTING
BOHLEN
The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.