United Nations

“ As in any military organization, though perhaps to a lesser degree in UNEF, a substantial part of the personnel is necessarily engaged in vital support functions such as administration, signals, engineering, supply and transport, workshop, ordnance, medical, dental, postal, pay, provost and movement control. Elements of the Force engaged in such activities, as the Commander has pointed out, are neither suitable nor available for patrol and guard duties. ”

“ The main considerations weighed in determining the size and composition of the Force have been: the needs of the Force on the basis of its functions and responsibilities, at first in the Suez Canal region and, later, in the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip areas; the desirability of balance in the Force with regard to considerations of both geographical distribution and military organization; the comparative utility, in the light of assessed needs, of the troops offered ”

“ The morale of the Force has been high throughout. Contributing factors have been the realization by the troops that they are making history through participation in a unique and pioneering peace effort, and the fact that this has been a first visit to the area for practically all members of the Force. The mail arrangements have worked well, which always boosts morale. Members of the Force are entitled to mail, free of charge through use of a UNEF cancellation stamp, five air letters per week to their home countries. ”

“ There is also an effective welfare programme which has built up a steady flow of books, magazines, sports equipment, games and phonograph records, and especially motion-picture films, which constitutes the backbone of the entertainment activities. ”

“ Cases requiring hospitalization for more than a fortnight are taken out of the Force's field hospitals, usually to Naples. There have been fifty-two such cases. There are two UNEF hospitals, the Base Hospital at Gaza, staffed by the Norwegian medical unit, and a Canadian-manned hospital in the Rafah maintenance area. The Base Hospital has sub-units attached to contingents and outposts. Some of the national contingents have their own medical officers and maintain their own medical inspection rooms. ”

“ The terms of service of the men, of course, have a direct bearing on the length of time they may serve with UNEF. What is described as the "rotation" prevailing in UNEF had its first application in April, when the terms of service of the men in one contingent were about to expire. ”

“ In general, the contingents are rotated on a strength-for-strength basis, with the new troops arriving as the veterans depart. The rotations have resulted in no appreciable change in the numerical strength of the contingents. Significantly, 400 men among six of the contingents thus far rotated have volunteered to remain with UNEF for a second six-month tour of duty.
6. Well-Being of the Force 20. The general state of well-being of the Force is excellent. In health and morale it has fared well. ”

“ Incidents 41. Since the Force was deployed along the Gaza line and to the south of it there has been a steady reduction in both the number and the severity of incidents along that line. Indeed, as of 15 September, no report of any serious incident had been received since 14 July when a UNEF patrol was fired at, without casualties. There have been no raids from either side, whether in retaliation or of the fedayeen type. Military elements of Egypt and Israel are never in sight of each other. ”

“ He urges that the Force be maintained at a strength permitting a minimum of seventy-one duty platoons, which takes into account necessary allowances for leave, rotation, sickness, training and essential reserve. Through planned reorganization and adjustments in support units, however, it is expected that a force reduced from its present total of 5,977 o about 5,600 officers and men would permit this minimum need for deployment to be satisfied. ”

“ Resolution 1125 (XI) calls for placing the Force "on the Egyptian-Israel Armistice Demarcation Line" but no stationing of UNEF on the Israel side has occurred to date through lack of consent by Israel.
5. Rotation 16. The status of the troops varies in the several contingents comprising UNEF. In some instances, they are drawn from the regular army and are professional soldiers. In other cases, they are volunteers or conscripts who are enrolled for specific terms of service. Most of the officers in all contingents are regular military personnel. ”

“ The members of the Force wear their national uniforms, which are provided by their countries. Casual and inexpensive hot-weather uniforms, however, have been provided by the United Nations for the entire Force. The troops are also provided with and wear for easy identification UNEF blue plastic helmets, blue wool berets, blue desert caps and blue shoulder patches. ”

“ Some of these vehicles accompanied the national contingents; others have been purchased for UNEF from various sources. All have clear United Nations markings. The acquisition of spare parts for certain of these vehicles presents great difficulties. As far as practicable, a reserve of gasoline, oils and lubricants equal to one month's maintenance stock is held on the ground at the maintenance area. ”