The revolution and pacts (71). The 1949 Armistice Agreements (IX). GAAs violations (cont.). The ‘Mixed Patrols' Proposal. ‘Start talking if you wish to stop fighting.' The Mixed Armistice Commissions (MACs) that emanated from the General Armistice Agreements (GAAs) of 1949 were perhaps the only forum where it was possible for Arabs and Israelis to talk face-to-face. Border incidents were investigated by MACs, whose very name carried the notion of direct talks between the belligerents. The mixed commissions' concept was further developed when the Chief UN Truce Supervisor, General E.L. Burns, proposed the creation of yet another mix: mixed (or joint Egyptian-Israeli) patrols to help ‘prevent infiltration' across the much-troubled borders. The Egyptian Mail of April 16, 1955 carried a report from the UN headquarters in New York shedding adequate light on the ‘mixed patrols' concept. Headlined: General Burns Reports ‘Some Progress, the Egyptian Mail report said: “The United Nations Palestine Truce Chief reported today that some progress has been made in his efforts to set up new border safeguards along the Egyptian-Israeli armistice line. “In a detailed account of recent developments, Major General E.L. Burns told the Security Council that Egypt has agreed in principle to his plan for setting up joint patrols along the Gaza Strip. “Israel, he said, has not yet replied to his urgent proposal. General Burns stated that both sides are prepared to meet to consider a local commander's arrangement to deal with incidents on the spot. “He said he also had assurances that only disciplined, regular military and police forces are being employed in the border zone. He reported that Israel agreed to his plan for setting up a barbed wire obstacle to help prevent infiltration. The Egyptians see some difficulties in this proposal, he said, but are prepared to consider ways and means of carrying it out. “General Burns said additional UN observers are being posted on the Egyptian side of the border at Egypt's request to keep a closer watch on the situation. He added that in his view, the recent incidents are due to emotional tension following the action at Gaza on February 28. This was the most serious of recent clashes. “General Burns dealt at length with a later incident near the village of Nahal Oz. He associated himself with the findings of the Israeli-Egyptian Armistice Commission which held that both sides had violated the Armistice Agreement of 1949. “General Burns concluded that ‘It would appear that the actions for which Egypt has been condemned may be due to unofficial retaliation by military and civilian personnel in the Gaza area, and in some cases to the hasty opening of fire against what was believed to be a threat of attack.' “In any case, if the situation is not to continue to deteriorate, such actions must be repressed by Egypt, and on the other hand, Israeli forces must avoid any provocation or action which might legitimately cause Egyptian forward troops to fear attack.” [email protected]
