{The U.N. and Palestine}[7th February 1970]

[Redbook1:119-122][19700207:1100b]{The U.N. and Palestine}[7th February 1970]

Saturday 7th February 1970  11 a.m. [continued]

            I should like to see the Suez Canal and its Zone taken over by the United Nations, and defended by them, for ever.

            Sinai, I think, rightfully belongs to Egypt, and should be returned to her; but one understands the Israelis’ point of view.  The Canal and the Gulf of Suez are much easier to defend.

            The possibility of a second U.N. Canal, or even two, should be looked into; one from Eilat straight across to the coast somewhere between El Ahrish and Gaza (a fairly mountainous route), the other down to the Dead Sea and up the Jordan, leaving it just south of the Sea of Galilee and cutting up the valley to Cape Carmel.  A third possible route would go north from Eilat and Aquaba until just south of the Dead Sea, then turn west for a shorter route over the less high ground to Gaza.

            These would at least offer alternative routes during crisis; but if the U.N. were to guard the Canal, these should not be necessary.

            N.B. possibly also from Red Sea to Nile (11/2/70).

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