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Documents on Canadian External Relations
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Volume #22 - 142. | |||
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CHAPTER I THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE SUEZ CRISIS | |||
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PART
2 SUEZ CRISIS | |||
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SECTION
C ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM GAZA AND SINAI | |||
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142. |
DEA/50134-40 | ||
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Permanent Representative to United Nations to Secretary of State for External Affairs | |||
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TELEGRAM 1129 SECRET. IMMEDIATE. |
New York,
November 6th, 1956 | ||
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Repeat London, Washington, Paris, NATO (Information). RELIEF AND REHABILITATION IN EGYPT We have of course been concentrating on measures for the promotion of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of the UN emergency force. It would be desirable, however, to anticipate and to prepare for some measures of relief assistance to Egypt. We do not know, of course, the extent of the damage done in Egypt by the UK and French military actions. It is clear however that a substantial additional refugee problem will have been created by the Israeli action particularly in Gaza. 2. UN machinery already exists for assistance to Palestine refugees for which I note Cabinet has just approved a continuation of the present level of Canadian contributions.143 However no special UN machinery now exists for such assistance as may be necessary for Egypt. 3. We can anticipate that the USSR may seek to maintain its prestige in Egypt by offering substantial relief assistance. Probably the USA is already thinking in terms of what help it could provide but I think there would be good reasons for the UN playing an active role. In addition to the political and psychological advantages, the UN has personnel experienced in the area, possibly still in Egypt, who could undertake relief as well as technical assistance responsibilities. 4. If a UN operation on the UNKRA model, but presumably on a much smaller scale were to be set up, you might wish to give consideration to how Canada could play its part. It would be useful to make some comment soon about relief measures as a help in promoting cooperation from the Egyptian authorities. I am assuming that a cease fire can be maintained and that there has been sufficient destruction in Egypt to justify UN action. Your comments would be appreciated. 5. Separate messages? are being sent concerning the preliminary
consideration which has been given to financial problems
connected with the UN emergency force.
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