United Nations Emergency Force: Tenth Report of the Secretary-General (A/6406)

**Page under construction**

Introduction
1. This report, submitted in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 1125 (XI), covers the organization and functioning of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) from 1 August 1965, the end of the period covered by the last report, through 31 July 1966.

2. The Suez crisis, the emergency which led to the establishment of UNEF in late 1956 and which gave rise to its description as the "Emergency Force", has long since ended. But the buffer function which UNEF undertook unavoidably almost from its beginning is still indispensable.

3. This Force continues to be a major stabilizing influence and the principal means of maintaining quiet in the area in which it operates. Despite a reduction in its strength, UNEF has continued to discharge its responsibility effectively, although it must be said that in the period under review it has not been confronted with any stern challenges in the form of major incidents. However, there have been some disturbing signs recently that a change in this favorable situation could occur.

4. It is an unhappy statement to have to make, but it is a reality all too apparent that, despite almost a decade of relative quiet along the long line on which UNEF is deployed, relations between the peoples on the opposite sides of the line are such that if the United Nations buffer should be removed, serious fighting would, quite likely, soon be resumed.

5. During 1965-1966, UNEF was reorganized. A United Nations Survey Team, seeking means of economizing without lowering the effectiveness of the operation, reviewed the functions of UNEF in late 1965. Most of the recommendations of this Survey Team have now been implemented. Details of the reorganization are set forth in section II below.

I. Composition of the Force in 1966, Current Rotation Policy and Air Support
6. The process of reducing the numerical strength of the Force has been continuing since 1957 when its numerical strength was 6,615. The present numerical strength is 3,959. In 1965-1966 the Force was reduced by 622 men.

7. The composition of the Force as of 31 July 1966 was as follows:

Grand Total: 3,959

8. The tours of duty and the rotation policies of contingents remain the same and are as follows:


 * (a) Brazil: One year tour of duty; half the contingent is being rotated after a six-month tour in August 1966 by air. Thereafter the rotation will be annual.


 * (b) Canada: One year of duty. Personnel are rotated in small groups throughout the year.


 * (c) Denmark, Norway and Sweden: Six months' tour of duty. All personnel are transported by chartered commercial aircraft in October/November and April/May. The Swedish and the "DANOR" contingents alternate each year (in April) to provide the Scandinavian battalion.


 * (d) India: One year tour of duty, rotated annually by ship in October/November.


 * (e) Yugoslavia: Six months' tour of duty, rotated by chartered ship or aircraft in November/December and May/June.

Air Transport Support
9. The 115 Air Transport Unit is provided by Canada. For the period under review the aircraft establishment was three twin-engine Caribous and two single-engine Otters. In September 1965, one Caribou aircraft was sent on loan to the United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission and was not returned until April 1966. One Otter was destroyed in an accident at El Kuntilla on 25 April and was subsequently replaced in May 1966. The five aircraft assigned to UNEF are utilized for the following purposes:


 * (a) Observation along the International Frontier;
 * (b) Logistics flights for the movement of personnel, stores, supplies and rations to UNEF outposts in the Sinai at El Kuntilla, Ras el Naqb and Sharm el Shiekh;
 * (c) Scheduled flights between El Arish and Cyprus for the rotation of Canadian troops;
 * (d) Scheduled communication flights to and from Beirut for postal, logistical and personnel movements;
 * (e) Special flights as directed by the Commander, including medical evacuation flights;
 * (f) Welfare flights as required and when aircraft are available (the cost of which are fully met by personnel using the flights);
 * (g) Scheduled flights for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the cost of which is fully met by UNRWA.

10. Long range air support of UNEF continues to be provided by aircraft of the Brazilian, Canadian, Scandinavian and Yugoslav Air Forces. The Canadian Air Force withdrew its North Star aircraft in November 1965 and replaced them with the C-130 Hercules operating between Marville, Pisa and El Arish. These aircraft continue to be the main long-range logistics carrier. From November 1965 until March 1966, UNEF and the United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission shared the Hercules flights originating in Marville which extended fortnightly from El Arish to Lahore and return. Hercules flights operate at present on a fortnightly schedule, mainly as cargo flights. In addition, personnel are rotated by Royal Canadian Air Force Yukon flights via Cyprus; cost of such flights is shared with the United Nations Force in Cyprus.

11. A review of operations and logistics support has been carried out resulting in new standing orders and operational procedures in the units.

II. Reorganization, Deployment, and Daily Routine
12. Before the reorganization of 1966, UNEF consisted of the Brazilian Battalion, "DANOR" Battalion, Indian Battalion, Swedish Battalion, Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion and Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron. Of these, the "DANOR", Swedish, Indian and Brazilian Battalions were responsible for the Armistice Demarcation Line along the Gaza Strip. The Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron and the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion were responsible for the International Frontier in the Sinai. On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the Swedish Battalion manned the post at Sharm el Shiekh.

13. As a consequence of the Review of the Survey Team of 1965, the Force was reduced in size and now consists of the following operational units: the Brazilian, Indian and Scandinavian Battalions and the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion. In pursuance of recommendations of the Survey Team, the Swedish Battalion as a separate unit and the Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron were withdrawn in February-March 1966 and the remaining operational units were reorganized as indicated in paragraph 7.

14. On implementation of this reorganization, the operational units were redeployed on the Armistice Demarcation Line and International Frontier as indicated below:


 * (a) Scandinavian Battalion:
 * The Scandinavian Battalion handed over its duties of guard company in Rafah to the Brazilian Battalion and the Sharm el Sheikh post to the Yugoslav Battalion. Certain guard duties previously allotted to this battalion in the Gaza were reduced. This battalion took over three kilometers of the Armistice Demarcation Line Sector which was previously the responsibility of the Swedish Battalion.


 * (b) Indian Battalion:
 * In addition to its previous responsibilities along the Armistice Demarcation Line, this battalion took over the remaining portion of the sector of the Armistice Demarcation Line previously allotted to the Swedish Battalion.


 * (c) Brazilian Battalion:
 * When brought to its authorized strength, this battalion took over the guard company duties at Camp Rafah from the "DANOR" Battalion. It also took over the northern part of the International Frontier from the Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron. One platoon of this battalion is now deployed on the International Frontier.


 * (d) Yugoslav Battalion:
 * Except for the portion of the International Frontier which is the responsibility of the Brazilian Battalion, the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion became responsible for the entire International Frontier in the Sinai. This Battalion also took over the additional responsibility of guard duties at El Arish airfield and at the 115 Air Transport Unit base camp at Marina, El Arish. Detailed information on the present deployment of the Force is given in annex V.

Before the Reorganization
15. Generally speaking, most observation posts were manned daily either from sunrise to sunset or at irregular times, at the discretion of the commanding officers. Foot and mobile patrols were regularly sent from every camp during the day and at night. The detailed pattern of observation and patrolling was as follows:


 * (a) Armistice Demarcation Line
 * (i) Observation posts manned either regularly from sunrise to sunset or at irregular times;
 * (ii) All watch towers manned from sunrise to sunset;
 * (iii) Daily mobile/foot patrols from each camp;
 * (iv) Foot patrols every night from each camp.


 * (b) International Frontier
 * (i) All observation posts manned from sunrise to sunset;
 * (ii) Regular mobile patrols along the International Frontier from Rafah corner to Ras el Naqb;
 * (iii) Air observation along the International Frontier and down to Sharm el Shiekh.

After the Reorganization
16. The system of patrolling, manning of observation posts and observation towers has basically remained the same after the reorganization. But taking into account prevailing conditions on the Armistice Demarcation Line and the International Frontier, and the reduced strength of UNEF, the system of observation and patrolling has been modified, and the intensity and frequency of the patrols have been reduced. The detailed pattern of observation and patrolling now in force is as follows:


 * (a) Armistice Demarcation Line
 * (i) All watch towers are manned from sunrise to sunset. In order to increase the efficiency of observation from watch towers, a few more watch towers have been erected in the Scandinavian and Indian Battalions' sectors of the Armistice Demarcation Line.
 * (ii) Observation posts are manned at the discretion of the commanding officers, depending upon the prevailing conditions and indicated needs.
 * (iii) During the day sensitive portions of the Armistice Demarcation Line are patrolled by foot or jeep patrols of three to four men as required.
 * (iv) A foot or jeep patrol of three to four men covers each company sector of the Armistice Demarcation Line during hours of darkness.
 * (v) Stand-by detachments in each company sector are earmarked so that one jeep with three to four men is kept ready on call during daylight hours and one section strength is kept ready at fifteen minutes' notice at all times.
 * (vi) Patrolling in cultivated areas, as a rule, is restricted to existing tracks. Commanding officers may, however, when they consider it advisable, institute patrolling off the tracks through cultivated areas in special circumstances.


 * (b) International Frontier
 * (i) Patrolling in sectors from Rafah corner to Fort Robinson and from Fort Saunders to a distance of approximately 10 kilometers south along the International Frontier (GR 0916-0340):
 * a. In the 500-meter zone
 * By day - one mobile patrol per platoon sector at any one time.
 * b. In the 2000-meter and 5000-meter zones
 * Patrols are sent at the discretion of the commanding officer depending on the situation. The 2000-meter and 5000-meter zones are patrolled at least once every 48 hours.
 * (ii) Patrolling of the International Frontier from GR 0916-0340 up to Ras el Naqb to those parts which are accessible to vehicles. Usually patrolling is confined to areas within a few kilometers of UNEF platoon camps which are astride the main approaches into the Sinai:
 * a. By day
 * i. From El Amr Camp
 * One daily patrol and one weekly patrol;
 * ii. From El Qusaima Camp
 * One daily patrol, one weekly patrol, and two fortnightly patrols;
 * iii. From El Kuntilla Camp
 * One daily patrol and one weekly patrol;
 * iv. From Ras el Naqb Camp
 * One daily patrol and one fortnightly patrol;
 * b. By night
 * Two to three patrols per week from each camp.

Reorganization of UNEF Maintenance Area
17. The Survey Team of 1965 undertook only a broad review of the functioning of the maintenance area and it made two principal recommendations:
 * (a) That the Indian Signal Section and the Indian Transport Platoon be withdrawn and that these functions be undertaken by the Canadian contingent;
 * (b) That certain reductions be made in the administrative units of the UNEF Maintenance Area.

These recommendations have been carried out.

18. In the meantime, UNEF Support Group (which UNEF Maintenance Area has now been renamed) has been reorganized with a view to improving and streamlining that organization. The staff at UNEF Headquarters Support Group is now integrated and suitable representative of all the nations providing contingents to UNEF. Certain day-to-day functions which were previously performed at UNEF Headquarters (Logistics Section) have now been transferred to the Support Group. The Logistics Section at UNEF Headquarters now devotes more attention to logistics planning and policy matters.

Reorganization of UNEF Headquarters
19. Consequent to the reorganization of the Force and taking into account the new national balance and the recommendations of the Survey Team, the functioning of UNEF Headquarters has been examined in detail. With a view to economy, some sections have been reorganized and certain staff posts have been abolished. This further reorganization of UNEF Headquarters came into effect on 1 July 1966. Officers and staff found to be surplus in the new establishment are being adjusted gradually as the incumbents complete their tour of duty.

III. Incidents
20. The number of ground violations of the Armistice Demarcation Line and International Frontier has shown a slight decrease during the year under review as compared with 1964-1965. Most of these violations were of a minor nature, involving violations of the Armistice Demarcation Line or International Frontier by a few meters on either side. There were, however, two serious incidents. On 16 October 1965 a group of twenty-five persons from Israel in three trucks and one jeep violated the United Arab Republic territory by two kilometers in the El Qusaima area (Sinai). They were stopped by a UNEF patrol and turned back. On 23 November 1965, an Israeli Defense Force patrol of nine armed personnel encroached several times on United Arab Republic-controlled territory in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. At first they refused to go back when warned by the UNEF patrol, but finally they complied.

21. The number of violations of the restricted zone along the Armistice Demarcation Line by military groups and individuals has decreased in 1965-1966 as compared with the previous year. However, there have been cases in which a UNEF patrol has had to apprehend of disarm armed individuals. Owing to good understanding and cooperation between UNEF and the local authorities, such incidents have not developed into anything very serious.

22. The number and type of air violations are listed in annex I. It will be noted that there is an increase in the number of air violations when compared with the annual report of last year. Most of these violations were committed by Israeli aircraft in the northeast corner of the Gaza Strip. They are apparently due to the location of their airfield, which is in close proximity to the Armistice Demarcation Line.

23. Violations of the seaward extension of the Armistice Demarcation Line were also minor in nature and were committed by commercial or fishing craft.

24. The 1965 Survey Team reported:
 * "Immediately behind these zones" [referring to the 500-meter zone along the Armistice Demarcation Line and the five-kilometer zone behind the International Frontier], "however, there are military presences of various kinds. On the Armistice Demarcation Line a network of observation posts is maintained by Gaza police and the Palestinian Liberation Army, while on the International Frontier the United Arab Republic Army has a number of posts behind the restricted zone."

All of these, of course, are beyond the restricted zones.

25. There is no appreciable change in the situation in the 5,000-meter zone along the International Frontier since the last report. The activity of the Palestine Liberation Army, however, has increased. Besides the network of observation posts maintained by them along the Armistice Demarcation Line immediately behind the 500-meter zone, their patrolling activity immediately west of this zone has increased. This has led to some differences with UNEF personnel which, however, with the assistance of the local authorities, were quickly resolved.

26. It is not for UNEF to undertake any estimate of the strength of the Palestine Liberation Army and it has no means of doing so in any case, but public indications by local sources in Gaza have put its strength at about 12,000. The operational deployment of detachments of the Palestine Liberation Army just outside the 500-meter zone of the Armistice Demarcation Line and increased patrolling and training activity of their units in this area are unavoidably of concern to UNEF and its functioning.

27. The type and number of incidents observed by UNEF troops between August 1965 and July 1966 are indicated in annexes I to IV.

IV. Well-Being
28. The general health of the Force has been good. Military patients admitted to the UNEF Hospital during the year numbered 460. In addition, a number of civilians were admitted for emergency treatment. There were 1,586 outpatients (both military and civilian). Other figures are similar to those of previous years, except for the incidence of venereal disease, which has been decreasing. Fifteen patients were sent outside the area for treatment.

29. The welfare programme embraces the following activities:
 * (a) Leave Centre (winter season at Cairo and summer season in Lebanon);
 * (b) Entertainment and film shows;
 * (c) Welfare tours;
 * (d) Sports and athletic competitions.

The winter leave season at Cairo catered to 281 officers and 2,952 other ranks. The summer leave season in Lebanon opened on 5 June 1966. Because of the reduction in troop strength, it has been found possible to reduce the leave centre operation to fourteen weeks in each place.

30. Entertainment was provided by the following groups since July 1965:
 * Talent show - August 1965
 * Scandinavian show - September 1965
 * Danish show - January/February 1966
 * Canadian show - May 1966

These entertainment groups normally visit all locations of the Force, thus giving a chance to all men to enjoy them. The UNEF troops talent show, which took place in August 1965, was very successful and approximately 110 people representing all contingents took part in it.

31. The UNEF film programme is still operating in the service of forty-two locations supplied with four films per week. In addition to this, the various contingents receive films through their national sources and usually they make such films available for circulation to other contingents.

32. The Welfare Section organizes tours at reasonable prices to a number of places of interest in the area. In the past year approximately 3,500 men made use of welfare organized tours.

33. The semi-annual sports programme is still conducted with fifteen events. Two full seasons have been completed since last June and trophies and medals were presented to individual and team winners of all events. This programme creates lively interest and a high spirit of competition among all troops and contingents. All equipment and supplies necessary for the sports programme are supplied by UNEF.

34. Besides the welfare-sponsored sports programme, there are two self-supporting golf clubs, one in Rafah and one at Gaza airport, where tournaments are organized. A large number of UNEF personnel have become members of these clubs.

35. The public information programme consists of publication and distribution of literature, display kits and films concerning the United Nations and its related agencies, including United Nations films in the languages of the troops represented in UNEF. The UNEF paper, "The Sand Dune", continues to be published every month. An information circular is also issued five days a week containing timely news.

36. Contingent commanders continue to be responsible for the maintenance of discipline within their respective units. Disciplinary cases of a serious nature, however, are dealt with in consultation with UNEF Headquarters. The Commander is assisted in the maintenance of discipline and good order by a military provost company composed of specially trained military personnel provided by each of the participating countries.

37. There have been 177 vehicle accidents during the year. The number of such accidents has dropped 27 per cent in this period.

V. Logistics
38. The primary effort in this field has been in the streamlining of policies evolved during the previous period (August 1964 to July 1965) and the implementation and completion of equipment and stores scaling. As a result, economies have been achieved in nearly all fields as outlined in the following paragraphs.

39. At the end of 1965 a complete stock-taking was again made, the results of which showed a holding of a book value of $4,825,247.90 in stores and equipment. The inventory is under constant review and any unnecessary stock is disposed of locally in accordance with established financial regulations.

Equipment
Vehicles and Vehicle Establishments

40. The Vehicle Establishment Committee continues to operate under the terms of reference established last year. A complete review of unit establishment has been carried out following reductions in the Force, changes in requirements and the age of vehicles. The primary object of the review was to provide units with vehicles of types and in quantities compatible with their needs. The result has been a reduction in general purpose vehicles from 634 to 557 and in special purpose vehicles from 87 to 85, a total decrease of 80 vehicles.

41. Efforts at standardization in the general purpose vehicle field have met with success. In the case of special purpose vehicles, funds will be required to replace heavy mobile equipment which has deteriorated, particularly engineer automotive equipment.

Vehicle Repair

42. The policy established early in 1965 governing the repair of vehicles is being followed and has proved effective and economical despite the expense of establishing a float of major assemblies such as short engines, transmissions and differentials. Repair levels and scales of spare part holdings for all types of vehicles have been established. This system of repair has further reduced the need for contractual repair of vehicles which in the past has proved to be expensive and, in most cases, unsatisfactory.

Generating Equipment

43. The generating equipment is old and, moreover, the types and makes are numerous and incompatible with one another. This requires UNEF to carry large stocks of spare parts in order to keep generators running, or to resort to expensive contractual repairs. The current expenditure for spare parts and repairs is too high. Efforts are being made to adopt a single family of generating equipment possessing the required characteristics for desert operation.

Pumps and Refrigeration Equipment

44. The situation now is similar to that which exists with regard to the generating equipment. Again, the standardization of equipment appears to be the answer.

Communications Equipment

45. The radio tower construction programme, including the installation of new antennas, has been completed. The underground cable project in Camp Rafah will be completed this year. Plans are being developed to install a cable plant in Gaza town to service UNEF establishments. The standardization programme for telephones and switchboards is proceeding satisfactorily.

Medical and Dental Equipment

46. The medical equipment provided to the UNEF Hospital is also old and, although the hospital renders emergency treatment, more modern equipment is desirable. The dental equipment is in good working condition.

Spare Parts

47. Provision of certain types of spare parts remains difficult owing to the age and diversity of equipment held. An example is the inability to procure the requisite spares for Bedford vehicles which has resulted in equipment being unusable for excessive periods during which time other components deteriorate rapidly.

Buildings and Accommodation

48. The current reductions in the Force and consequent redeployment of troops has made it possible to close down some camps and to surrender several rented villas with resulting economies.

Fire and Fire Prevention

49. There have been fires resulting in three deaths, without major property loss from this cause. All contingents have taken steps to prevent fire accidents. Unit holdings of fire-fighting equipment have been inspected and brought up to the required standard.

Disposal of Surplus Stores and Equipment

50. During the calendar year 1965, write-off of UNEF surplus property with an initial value of $1,266,704.60 has been affected. Scrap, condemned vehicles and stores no longer of use of UNEF have been sold.

51. The programme aimed at reducing the number of line items held by the UNEF Ordnance Company from 33,000 to 25,000 is still in operation and, as of 31 December 1965, a figure of approximately 26,500 had been reached.

Supplies
Water

52. A detailed study of water supply throughout the Force has indicated that the present method of operation, although not wholly satisfactory, is the only economical way, without embarking upon a major new construction project requiring a very substantial capital outlay.

Rations

53. The quality of rations being provided is, in general, good, and efforts to improve quality of certain items are under way. Although both in quantity and variety the UNEF scales of issue are adequate, they are under constant review in keeping with national requirements.

54. A secondary problem involving rations is concerned with the excessively long periods of time that large quantities must be stored in the UNEF area prior to consumption. This situation is created by long lead times required for procurement and delivery from world markets. Storage facilities in Port Said and Camp Rafah are not primarily designed for very long-term storage of perishable items.

55. Small holdings of pack rations are available for emergency use.

Petrol, Oil and Lubricants

56. The consumption of all types of fuel has been kept under regular review with the result that considerable economies have been achieved. This is particularly evident with regard to petrol. Effective 1 December 1965 the procurement of MT 70 was discontinued in favor of 85 Octane on the premise that, as a result of increased engine efficiency, consumption would decrease and maintenance costs would be less. Overall monthly consumption has dropped steadily until it is now 62,000 gallons per month, whereas in 1964 it was 90,000 gallons per month and in 1965, 71,000 gallons per month.

Ammunition and Defense Stores

57. As a result of changes in operational policy it has been possible to reduce the quantities and types of ammunition and defense stores held by units. Consequently, expenditures during 1966 have been reduced considerably.

Transport
Road

58. Second line transport requirements are provided by the UNEF Transport Company, between Rafah, Cairo, Beirut, once and week, and between Rafah and Port Said, three times a week. In addition, the rotation of the "DANOR" Battalion last spring required full employment of motor transport for personnel and freight from Gaza to Cairo and Back, owing to UNEF's inability to use El Arish airport.

Sea

59. The bulk of sea transport in personnel and freight is managed in the UNEF area normally through Port Said. Two contingents rotated by sea, Yugoslav and Indian. Freight other than rotation baggage and unit stores of other contingents on rotations has been transported by ship.

Air

60. As indicated earlier in this report, logistics and operational requirements are provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Support flights by Yukon and Hercules aircraft between Trenton, Canada, and Marville and between Marville and El Arish are used for freight airlift and for rotation of Canadian personnel. Freight to and from Scandinavian countries is airlifted to Pisa and by Canadian aircraft to El Arish and from El Arish to Pisa. Some rotations of UNEF personnel are carried out by commercial airlines.

Air Terminal - El Arish

61. Repairs to the UNEF runway at El Arish were completed in September 1965. Some deterioration took place during the winter rainy season, necessitating patch work repair by the contractor, which is now complete. Negotiations are presently under way to have the contractor seal cost the entire surface of the runway against further damage. UNEF flying operations by the 115 Air Transport Unit and the Royal Canadian Air Force were not delayed at any time by runway conditions. However, the "DANOR" Battalion rotation flights by charter airlines were disrupted in April 1966 when the United Arab Republic authorities closed El Arish airport because of moisture damage to their runway. These flights were routed via Cairo. The future status of the United Arab Republic runway for use by UNEF charter aircraft in excess of 60,000 lbs. is not yet resolved.

VI. Financial Stringencies and Efforts Towards Further Reduction
62. The 1965 Survey Team proposed a reduction in the size of UNEF from 4,581 officers and other ranks to a total of 3,959 - a reduction of 622 all ranks. In implementing these reductions, arrangements were made for special airlift at dates when troops were ready for departure from UNEF to adjust troop strength. Between 20 February 1966 and 30 April 1966, 1,008 military personnel were withdrawn and 404 men joined the Force, resulting in a net reduction of 604 military personnel. The remaining 18 personnel were returned before 31 July 1966.

63. The Survey Team recognized that several months would be required to reduce the Force by 622. Funds would therefore be required for these men for the first four months of the year. The Survey Team had proposed that, if the reductions were accepted, the resultant savings on a full year's basis would be approximately $3.5 million. However, as indicated above, time would be required to implement the Survey Team's proposals during the first year. Budgetary requirements for 1966 were therefore estimated, on the basis of the Survey Team's proposals, at $16,489,000, a reduction of $2,030,000 as compared with the initial estimate of $18,519,000. The General Assembly, however, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, voted an appropriation of $15 million only for 1966. While accepting this figure as a target for the 1966 expenditure, it was stated on behalf of the Secretary-General that the appropriation would be subject to such review as might prove necessary at the twenty-first session of the General Assembly in the light of the progress actually achieved.

64. Thus, faced with less funds than anticipated and needed, the Force Commander initiated action to control expenditures and to introduce economies wherever possible to make savings in the day-to-day operations. When, by April 1966, it became evident that, despite attempts to economize in every field, scale of expenditures was in excess of funds available, additional efforts had to be exerted to try to keep expenditures within budgetary limits.

65. The Commander inspected every unit and detachment on the Armistice Demarcation Line and the International Frontier to determine essential troop requirements for effective performance of UNEF operational role. It was found that some further reduction was possible in the size of the Force by a greater utilization of watch towers and mobile ground patrols and in view of the generally favorable conditions in the area of operations. In May 1966 the Commander proposed that the Brazilian, DANOR, and Indian Battalions and the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion should each be reduced by 150 men at the time of their next rotations.

66. The report of the Survey Team of 13 December 1965 states:
 * "In view of the proposed reduction in strength of the Force and considering the large United Nations investment which the Rafah Base represents, the Team recommends that the Base should be surveyed in detail by independent experts with a view to possible consequent savings in this area also."

67. In pursuance of the above requirements, the Force Commander was asked to give early consideration to a reorganization of the maintenance support of the Force. After a preliminary examination, the Force Commander recommended that, in view of the specialized nature of UNEF operations, it would not be possible to improve on the expertise available within the Force and the Secretariat. An expert who would be unfamiliar with this type of operation would require several months to familiarize himself before being useful.

68. Following a detailed survey of this operation, the services units, i.e. Supplies, Ordnance, Workshops and Transport, were reorganized into the UNEF Support Group. It was clearly desirable, for maximum efficiency in management and control, to assign the responsibility for these services to a single national contingent. Already the Canadian contingent had assumed responsibility for transport in accordance with the recommendations of the Survey Team. Following this principle of streamlining and centralizing responsibility, the Force Commander recommended that the control and issuance of petroleum products and rations be assumed by the Canadian contingent within their authorized strength, as recommended by the Survey Team. Accordingly, the Force Commander suggested that the Indian Composite Company, Army Service Corps (88 all ranks), currently responsible for petroleum products and rations, be withdrawn in October 1966 during the Indian contingent rotation.

69. In addition to the above economies, it has been found possible to plan for greater utilization of local civilians to replace military personnel in services and support units.

70. A number of reductions in minor units is also under consideration for implementation during this year.

71. In the early months of 1966 a special review was made of all demands for supplies. Considerable savings were made on an ad hoc basis. As a result of this experience, it was determined that expert advice was required in specialized areas of provisioning and distribution. Accordingly, experts from Canada will submit a special report to the Force Commander by September 1966.

72. On the basis of recommendations made by the Force Commander, discussions were initiated at Headquarters, New York, with the contributing countries concerned with a view to bringing about a further reduction of the Force during 1966. It was requested that the Brazilian Battalion be reduced by 90 men, the DANOR Battalion also by 90 (60 Danes and 30 Norwegians) and the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion by 150. As regards the Indian contingent, it was originally proposed that the Battalion be reduced by 150 men and the Indian Composite Company, Army Service Corps, be withdrawn. The request concerning the Indian Battalion was subsequently reduced to 50 in recognition of the difficulty that would be encountered in India in disposing of a fragment of a battalion not sent with its unit. Finally, a report was made to Denmark to reduce the personnel of the UNEF Hospital by 20 men.

73. Agreement has been reached on the reduction of the Brazilian and DANOR Battalions, which will be reduced by the proposed numbers at the end of August and November, respectively. Concerning the Indian contingent, it has been agreed that the strength of the Indian Battalion be reduced to 910 and that the Indian Composite Company, Army Service Corps, be withdrawn although a small detachment of the Indian Supply Unit will be retained. This small detachment, which will be attached to the Canadian Administrative Unit in charge of supplies, will be responsible only for supplies to the Indian contingent. The Force Commander will consult the Indian Contingent Commander about the desirable size of this detachment. The Government of Yugoslavia has advised that it would consider favorably the proposed reduction of its battalion by 150 men on the next rotation in December 1966 provided that there is a corresponding curtailment or readjustment of the duties of the contingent. Discussions are continuing on the outstanding aspects of the proposed reductions.

74. The intention is, within the coming months, given a continuance of existing of approximately 3,400 officers and men. At this figure, the Force would continue to perform essentially the same functions as in the past, although necessarily with some reduction in the intensity of its activities. The principle being applies in effecting reductions in UNEF is that the reductions must not cause any impairment of the effectiveness of UNEF as a peace force. At its present strength the Force is operating without an effective reserve, and, of course, would have to continue to do so under a further reduction. There is, perhaps, an element of risk in this, but only in the event of some unanticipated emergency. Any significant lowering of this basic figure, however, would make it impossible for the Force to carry on as a peace force with its present functions and responsibilities. It would then automatically become, in effect, an elaborate observation operation. This is pointed out because it needs to be made very clear that any action which would result in a reduction of the Force below the basic figure indicated would have the unavoidable result, for all practical purposes, of changing the nature of the operation in a fundamental way.

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