United Nations Security Council Resolution 61

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 377th meeting, by 9 votes to 1 (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic), with 1 abstention (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), on 4 November 1948

The Security Council,

Having decided on 15 July 1948 that, subject to further decision by the Security Council or the General Assembly, the truce shall remain in force in accordance with resolution 54 (1948) of that date and with resolution 50 (1948) of 29 May 1948 until a peaceful adjustment of the future situation of Palestine in reached,

Having decided on 19 August that no party is permitted to violate the truce on the ground that it is undertaking reprisals or retaliations against the other party, and that no party is entitled to gain military or political advantage through violation of the truce,

Having decided on 29 May that, if the truce was subsequently repudiated or violated by either party or by both, the situation in Palestine could be reconsidered with a view to action under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

Taking note of the request communicated to the Government of Egypt and the Provisional Government of Israel by the Acting Mediator on 26 October [1] following upon the decisions adopted by the Security Council on 19 October 1948;

Calls upon the interested Governments, without prejudice to their rights, claims or positions with regard to a peaceful adjustment of the future situation of Palestine or to the position which the Members of the United Nations may wish to take in the General Assembly on such peaceful adjustment:

(1) To withdraw those of their forces which have advanced beyond the positions held on 14 October, the Acting Mediator being authorized to establish provisional lines beyond which no movement of troops shall take place;

(2) To establish through negotiations conducted directly between the parties, or, failing that, through the intermediaries in the service of the United Nations, permanent truce lines and such neutral or demilitarized zones as may appear advantageous, in order to ensure henceforth the full observance of the truce in that area. Failing an agreement, the permanent lines and neutral zones shall be established by decision of the Acting Mediator;

Appoints a committee of the Council, consisting of the five permanent members together with Belgium and Colombia, to give such advice as the Acting Mediator may require with regard to his responsibilities under this resolution and, in the event that either party or both should fail to comply with sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) of the preceding paragraph of this resolution within whatever time limits the Acting Mediator may think it desirable to fix, to study as a matter of urgency and to report to the Council on further measures it would be appropriate to take under Chapter VII of the Charter.

---

[1] See Official Records of the Security Council, Third Year, Supplement of October 1948, document S/1058.