UN Security Council – Nov. 1, 1956
November 1st in 1956 was met with the boiling crisis in the Middle East. Trouble in the Suez region of Egypt had hit crisis point and the UN Security Council met in emergency and extraordinary session to find some solution to the problem.
Here is a rundown of events as they unfolded, as of November 1, 1956:
Egypt announces blocking of Suez Canal, cutting off Middle East oil shipping to Europe, with sinking of Egyptian warship by British-French planes; President Nasser in fighting speech says people will fight from “village to village” win victory; air raid sirens whine five times in Cairo, and Egyptians claim six British planes shot down over Nile Delta; seven persons reported killed at Cairo Egyptians claim Alexandria, Port Said, Ismailia and Suez attacked; Egypt asks other Arab states to block oil pipelines, as shipping turns back from canal; government breaks relations with Britain and France; Egyptian command makes no mention of fighting with Israeli troops but says fourth of Israeli airforce wiped out.
LONDON – British-French air forces begin nonstop strafing and bombing on five Egyptian airfields. In Suez zone and Nile Delta areas, claim resistance almost negligible; landing of troops still awaited; spokesman say Britain does not regard herself at war with Egypt but prepares to reoccupy Suez bases with military forces.
TEL AVIV.-Israeli calls upon Egyptians to lay down arms In Sinai desert and warns them they will soon be encircled; Egyptians reported retreating in disorder as Israeli forces reach Rafa, in drive close to Mediterranean to cut off Gaza Strip.
UNITED NATIONS. U.N. general assembly prepares for emergency meeting to consider Yugoslav resolution calling members to use collective measures “including force if necessary” to stop British- French operation.
WASHINGTON.-President Eisenhower says United States does not intend to get involved militarily in Suez situation; calls British-French and Israeli attacks errors.
DAMASCUS -Syrian military forces fight skirmish in brief incursion across Israeli border, military spokesman says. Syria recalls ambassadors from Britain and France for consultations.
BAGHDAD.-Iraq orders full mobilization in case of Israeli attack on Jordan.
AMMAN, Jordan warns Britain not to use her airbase in Jordan attacks on Egypt.
PARIS -New apprehension strikes two million Frenchmen In North Africa as general strike call goes out in Morocco and Tunisia; French families leaving.
And here is an excerpt from the 10 hour long Security Council meeting as it was broadcast live on November 1st.
