United Nations Emergency Force: Seventh Report of the Secretary-General (A/5494)

by United Nations

Introduction

This report covers the functioning of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) during the period since 30 August 1962, when the last report was submitted to the General Assembly by the Secretary-General in pursuance of Assembly resolution 1125 (XI), paragraph 4.

A. Organization and Functioning of the Force

I. Effectiveness and Organization

1. In the period reviewed by this report, the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) has continued its function of guarding and patrolling along the Armistice Demarcation Line (ADL) in the Gaza Strip and the International Frontier (IF) in the Sinai Peninsula. This area has remained, as in previous years, free of any events of a serious nature.

2. The total numbers of violations of the ADL and of the IF and of cases of infiltration were approximately the same as in the year 1961-2. These violations, except for the very few cases which involved planned attempts on the parts of individuals to enter the territory of the other side, were of a quite minor nature, such as incursions of 10 to 50 meters until the parties were warned off by UNEF patrols. Air violations continue to cause concern. There was one incident of air combat in July 1963 between United Arab Republic and Israeli aircraft near the IF. However, as in previous years, the greater number of air space violations occurred in the northeast area of the Gaza Strip.

3. The feeling of security of the local population resulting from the continuing peaceful conditions and general stability in the Gaza Strip has been further expressed in the increase in agricultural development of land and commercial activity.

4. During June and July 1963 UNEF was called upon on short notice to provide administrative and logistics support for the United Nations Yemen observation mission. This support consisted of personnel, materiel and aircraft. In the initial stages, two of the five RCAF aircraft normally assigned to UNEF were placed at the disposal of the mission together with crews, maintenance personnel and equipment. The Force also provided certain key staff officers, together with the bulk of the required materiel and supplies to sustain the advance elements of the mission for a thirty-day period. Both personnel and materiel were airlifted to Yemen from the UNEF air base at El Arish. Preceded by a small advance party which was transported by air, one company of approximately 115, all ranks, from the UNEF-based Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion was embarked by ship from Port Said on 28 June under UNEF arrangements. Heavy equipment for the unit was provided by the Government of Yugoslavia but all pack rations, medical, canteen and miscellaneous stores such as uniforms, bedding, tentage, field cookers, refrigerators, communications equipment and a few vehicles and water trailers were supplied by UNEF.

5. During 1962-1963 there has been no significant change in the operational functions and pattern of deployment of UNEF, the details of which are set forth in Section II below. The strength of UNEF has remained very much the same except for minor changes in organization and the elimination of a few specific appointments as a result of reviews made from time to time. It is still the case that any appreciable reduction in the strength of UNEF, and thereby in its cost, would require a redefinition and review of its role, the area of its deployment and its over-all composition. It is also the case that UNEF is well into its seventh year of deployment in Gaza-Sinai at a substantial annual expenditure, and this assumes increasing importance in this period of financial crisis for the Organization. The Force, naturally, was not established as a permanent institution. It has been so effective, however, in restoring and maintaining peace along the Gaza-Sinai line that is has become virtually indispensable, at least until it be demonstrated that attitudes and relations between the peoples on both sides of the line have improved to the degree that a buffer between them is no longer necessary to prevent daily armed conflict. Still, the time may have arrived when it would be useful to look carefully into the question of whether there may be ways of redefining and limiting the functions of UNEF so as to reduce both its size and cost, without duly increasing the risk of a resumption of warfare along the line. At the wish of the members, I would, of course, undertake such a study and report on its results to the General Assembly.

6. The composition of the Force as of 31 July 1963 is as follows:

Contingent	Type of unit	Officers	Other ranks	Total
Brazil	Infantry	40	576	616
Canada	Reconnaissance unit; engineering, signals and service units; air transport unit (ATU)	88	852	940
Denmark	Infantry	45	518	563
India	Infantry, signals and service units	78	1,174	1,252
Norway	Infantry	57	437	494
Sweden	Infantry and medical units	57	472	529
Yugoslavia	Infantry reconnaissance battalion	67	641	708
Totals		432	4,670	5,102

7. It will be noted from the above table that there has been a change in the period under review in the manning of the UNEF hospital. This change was effected on 1 May 1963 at the request of the Government of Norway, which was finding it increasingly difficult to provide medical personnel. It was therefore decided, in agreement with the Government of Sweden, to replace the Norwegian medical company by approximately the same number of personnel from Sweden.

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

(a) Brazil: One year tour of duty; half the contingent being rotated each six months in a Brazilian naval vessel (in January and August 1963).

(b) Canada: One year tour of duty. Logistics personnel are rotated in small groups throughout the year and the reconnaissance squadron as a complete unit once a year (in February/March 1963). All personnel are transported in RCAF aircraft.

(c) Denmark, Norway, and Sweden: Six months tour of duty; all personnel are rotated by chartered commercial aircraft (in October/November 1962 and April/May 1963).

(d) India: One year your of duty; rotated annually by chartered Indian ship (in October/November 1962).

(e) Yugoslavia: Six months tour of duty; rotated by chartered Yugoslav ship (in November/December 1962 and May/June 1963).

9. Since the inception of the Force the total number of rotations is as follows: Brazil 6 (11 half-yearly rotations); Canada 6; India 6; Denmark 13; Norway 13; Sweden 13; and Yugoslavia 13.

10. The air unit, 115 ATU, is provided by Canada and its establishment remains at three Caribous and two Otters. It is stationed at El Arish, in the Sinai, and its tasks are the following:

(a) Air reconnaissance of the IF;

(b) Movement of personnel, stores and supplies of rations to UNEF outposts on the IF at Kuntilla, Ras el Naqb and Sharm el Shiekh;

(c) Scheduled communications flights for postal and logistics requirements to Beirut;

(d) Commander's reconnaissance and duty;

(e) 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);

(f) Welfare flights as required (the cost of which is fully met by personnel using the flights):

(g) Assistance during rotations of contingents in moving personnel from the Gaza Strip to the airhead at Beirut.

The reconnaissance flights were increased slightly during the year but there has been little or no change in the overall flying hours. There has been a further reduction in the establishment, from ninety-one all ranks in 1962 to eighty-four in 1963.

II. Deployment and Daily Routine

11. The Force continues to be deployed along the western side of the Egyptian-Israeli ADL and the IF, covering a distance of 273 kilometers. The Sinai court from the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba to the Straits of Tiran, a further distance of 187 kilometers, is kept under observation by UNEF air reconnaissance. Forty-two platoons are employed on the ADL and the IF, seventeen on guard/protective duties and twelve in reserve. The total number of officers and men employed on operational duties is thus approximately 2,200. The rest are administrative and ancillary personnel. The chart below shows the employment of platoons by contingents:

Total number of platoons or troops

	Available for duty	On ADL or IF	On guard or protective duties	In reserve	Average strength per platoon/troop
DANOR Battalion	19	11	5	3	34
Swedish Battalion	7	3	4	0	37
Indian Battalion	16	13	3	0	42
Brazilian Battalion	12	7	1	4	35
Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron	3	2	1	1	17
Yugoslav Reconnaissance Squadron	13	6	3	4	25

12. By day, the entire length of the ADL is kept under observation from a series of sixty-nine inter-visible observation posts (OPs). Each OP is manned during daylight hours by two sentries on duty in shifts of approximately six hours. By night, the sentries are withdrawn from the OPs and are replaced by patrols varying in strength from five to seven men. These patrols move on foot and cover the length of the ADL on an average of three times each night, paying particular attention to routes likely to be used by infiltrators. Platoon camps, to the rear of the OPs, each hold a reserve detachment available to go to the aid of an OP or patrol whenever the need arises. Telephone communication by day and a system of flare signals supplemented by wireless at night ensure a speedy response for calls to assistance.

13. Along the IF, rough terrain and scattered, uncleared minefields continue to restrict the access routes for potential infiltrators and tend to confine their activities to certain areas. These sensitive areas are patrolled, as in the past, by the Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron and the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion. The former's sectors has two outposts and two OPs and the latter's sector has four outposts (each of approximately one platoon in strength) and six OPs. Motor patrols operating from these bases cover the areas between outposts and certain tracks leading to the frontier. In addition to ground observation, the entire length of the IF is also patrolled at irregular intervals on an average of three times a week by aircraft of 115 ATU. While on these patrols the aircraft are linked by wireless communication to the unit responsible for the particular sector. Any suspicious activity seen from the air can then be checked by ground patrols dispatched from the reserves available in these units.

14. A detachment of approximately one platoon of the Swedish Battalion, with Canadian administrative troops, is stationed at Sharm el Sheikh for observation of the Straits of Tiran.

15. Detailed deployment of units along the ADL and the IF is as follows:

(a) Armistice Demarcation Line

(1) Sector 1 (from the sea (GR 1017-1117) to GR 1020-0999) - DANOR Battalion

Battalion headquarters is located on Hill 88 approximately 2 km. east of Gaza. Four companies man 23 OPs along this 19 kilometers sector of the Line and include in their task watching the seaward extension of the ADL for possible violations of territorial waters.

(2) Sector 2 (from GR 1020-0999 to GR 0988-0962) - Swedish Battalion

Battalion headquarters is at Gaza. One company mans 6 OPs along approximately 5 kilometers of the ADL.

(3) Sector 3 (from GR 0988-0962 to GR 0898-0843) - Indian Battalion

Battalion headquarters is at Deir el Ballah. Four companies man 22 OPs along approximately 16 kilometers of the ADL.

(4) Sector 4 (GR 0898-0843 to GR 0802-0703 or junction with the IF) - Brazilian Battalion

Battalion headquarters is at Rafah. Three companies man 18 OPs along approximately 19 kilometers of the ADL to its junction with the IF.

(b) International Frontier (IF)

(1) Sector 1 (from ADL/IF junction, GR 0802-0703, to GR 0916-0340) - Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron

Mobile patrols operate from two outpost camps and cover the entire length of the IF in this sector twice by day. By night, patrols stand by ready to move out should the need arise. Squadron headquarters is located in the UNEF maintenance area at Rafah.

(2) Sector 2 (from GR 0916-0340 to the Gulf of Aqaba, GR 1405-8785) - Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion

This area is kept under observation by mobile patrols by day and standing patrols at irregular timings by night operating from the four permanent outposts and by OPs established at Taret Umm Basis, El Amr, El Quseima, El Sabba, El Kuntilla and Ras el Naqb. Battalion headquarters is at El Arish.

(c) Guards and Detachments

(1) Headquarters UNEF and Installations in Gaza

One company (three platoons) of the Swedish Battalion located in Gaza provides these guards.

(2) UNEF Maintenance Area, Rafah

One company (four platoons) of the DANOR Battalion guards the perimeter of the maintenance area by manning the searchlight towers as well as by patrolling on a twenty-four hour basis.

(3) UNEF Air Station, El Arish

The area of the El Arish airfield controlled by 115 ATU and their camp at Marina are guarded by two platoons from the Yugoslav Reconnaissance Battalion.

III. Incidents

16. The type and number of incidents observed by UNEF troops between 1 August 1962 and 31 July 1963 are indicated in the annexes to the present report. Incidents reported by Israel or United Arab Republic authorities which could not be investigated and which, therefore, were not confirmed, have not been included in this report. It will be noted that the number of incidents involving firing both in the area of the ADL/IF and on UNEF troops has slightly increased.

17. Regarding incidents of firing across the ADL/IF some were random shots heard by UNEF patrols; others were exchanges of fire between Israeli patrols in Israeli-controlled territory and local Bedouin in United Arab Republic-controlled territory and were observed by our OPs. The incidents of firing on UNEF troops occurred when infiltrators were challenged by our patrols at night but it was not possible to locate or apprehend the culprits. There were no casualties.

18. The number of incidents of other types shows a decrease as compared with the year 1961/1962, except in the case of violations of the ADL by persons from ICT. These violations occurred most frequently between January and May 1963 and were due mainly to the fact that the Israelis were at that time constructing a road very close to and parallel with the IF for a distance of approximately 10 kilometers south of Rafah.

IV. Well-Being

19. The state of health of the Force during the year has been very satisfactory. The main health problem has again been gastroenteritis. During the period 1 August 1962 to 31 July 1963, 536 military personnel and 327 civilians were admitted to the UNEF hospital. These figures include 11 staff members and 79 local employees, as well as 237 local inhabitants, mostly children. Cases requiring specialized treatment were hospitalized outside the area.

20. Chronic cases are repatriated to home countries on the recommendation of the UNEF medical board. The total number of those repatriated for this reason during the year was 77.

21. There were 2 fatal cases, both due to the accidental discharge of weapons. (The total number of such cases since the inception of the Force is 59.)

22. The UNEF hospital is now staffed by the Swedish medical company, which took over from the Norwegian medical company on 1 May 1963.

23. The exercise of disciplinary powers continues to be the responsibility of the respective contingent commanders under the overall supervision and control of the Commander. All military personnel are governed jurisdictionally by their national civil and military laws.

24. 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. This company has received full cooperation from the commanding officers as well as from the local civil and police authorities.

25. The welfare programme for the Force embraces the following activities:

(a) Leave centre (at Cairo in the winter and in Lebanon in the summer);

(b) Sports and athletics, including inter-unit and inter-contingent semi-annual competitions;

(c) Welfare tours;

(d) Entertainment above.

26. All officers and other ranks are entitled to one week's leave for every six months of duty at a UNEF leave centre. From November 1962 to April 1963, a total of 304 officers and 3,911 other ranks from all of the contingents took this leave at the Cairo leave centre. Transportation was provided by special trains. The leave centre at Broummana (Lebanon) opened in May 1963. To this centre transportation is provided by chartered commercial aircraft.

27. Sports and athletics and, particularly, inter-contingent competitions are very popular. Sports fields and recreational facilities are found in all of the camps. Welfare supplies and sports equipment are also provided and, in addition, grants are made from the UNEF Institute receipts to supplement and improve unit recreational facilities on a self-help basis.

28. Cinema shows continued to be given regularly in all camps and outposts in both the Gaza Strip and the Sinai. The present Indian Battalion includes a brass band as well as pipes and drums, both of which have been made available to other contingents for parades and other functions. A Canadian Army band once again visited UNEF and remained in the area for nearly three weeks, providing concerts and light music for all contingents.

29. Most contingents have their own chaplains (Pandits and Garanthis for the Indian contingent) and services are held regularly. Special programmes, church services and festivities were organized during the Christmas and Easter seasons and on other days of special significance to each contingent.

V. Logistics

30. Further progress has been made in the past year in bringing reserves of equipment and stores into closer alignment with approved establishments and scales. In addition, the present standardization policy for vehicles, generators and other major equipment has continued with non-standard makes being gradually phased out as these reach the end of their useful life. Accommodation, messing and sanitation facilities in all camps have been further improved in accordance with a phased works programme and available resources. With minor exceptions, all personnel are now housed in masonry-type buildings, and the remaining tents, which are few in number, are being utilized for storage purposes. The main engineer effort is now directed towards maintenance of existing buildings and facilities, while new works are kept to the minimum commensurate with the needs of economy. Further, in an effort to phase capital outlays over a prolonged period, only certain items of heavy equipment have been replaced during the year.

Equipment

31. Vehicles. The standardization of vehicles as to makes, types and models has continued. However in an effort to reduce the logistics overhead of the Force, older type vehicles which might otherwise have been retired are being retained on a "run down maintenance basis", i.e. no substantial quantities of spares are being demanded.

32. The Force vehicle establishment was again revised in late 1962 in order to bring unit holdings into balance with operational tasks. Procurement of vehicles in the future is to be limited to the quantities required to meet normal wear and tear and to permit a continuation of the standardization programme.

33. Communications equipment. An overall improvement in the telephone system has been achieved by the addition of new telephones and switchboards in replacement of worn-out and outmoded equipment. Emphasis has been laid on increasing the effectiveness of communications for emergency purposes, and a radio network is now in continuous operation. In addition, six panel trucks equipped with mobile radio stations are available to link Force headquarters with all units of the Force.

34. Ordnance stores. Timely provision of spare parts remains a problem and certain vehicles has been off the road for varying period awaiting needed parts. In early 1963 a new procedure was introduced for replenishment of both spare parts and other items of supply. This, combined with the vehicle standardization programme, is expected to improve the situation in the next few months.

35. Maintenance and repair of equipment. The repair workload imposed on the UNEF workshop remains heavy. However, introduction of new procedure for provisioning and stocking of spare parts, together with a slight increase in technical personnel, and new vehicle procurement, should increase production and thereby overcome the existing difficulties.

36. Transport requirements. The vehicle establishment of the transport company of the Force was revised early in the year and holdings reduced considerably, thereby effecting substantial economies.

37. Water supply. Water to the ADL and IF platoon camps continues to be delivered on a daily basis by tanker trucks. No change in this system is contemplated because of the cost factor.

Rations

38. The standard of rations has generally improved. This has been achieved by minor adjustments in scales to suit requirements of various nationalities, without increases in cost.

39. Locally procured items such as fresh vegetables are not in all cases up to required standards. This condition is further aggravated by lack of adequate cold storage facilities for such perishables. To ease the situation during the summer period, when the need is felt most, all outposts in the Sinai are not being supplied with canned vegetables regularly. Other units in the theater are given occasional issues.

40. Petrol, oil and lubricants. The petrol rationing scheme mentioned in previous reports remains in effect. The arrival of lighter and more economical vehicles and the withdrawal of older and heavier types has had a significant effect on petrol consumption.

41. Ammunition. The scales of ammunition and the total ammunition holdings of the Force have been reviewed, keeping in mind operational commitments and training requirements. National contingents are discouraged from importing ammunition on a contingent basis and UNEF now arranges entire procurement. This has resulted in stricter control and further economies by elimination of certain non-essential types of ammunition.

42. Sea and air shipments. The main movement by sea has been carried out through Port Said. During the year the average sea cargo was 682 metric tons per month for inbound freight and 23 metric tons for outbound freight. In order to provide improved and covered accommodation for UNEF stores and increase the security of attractive items in transit, an agreement has been reached between UNRWA, the United Arab Republic and UNEF whereby UNEF will utilize part of the UNRWA warehouse facilities at Port Said, rent-free.

43. Urgent shipments are carried out by air through scheduled flights between the UNEF area of operations and Pisa, Italy. Pisa links UNEF with Canada, the Scandinavian countries, ONUC and other overseas suppliers. On the average, 36,000 pounds of airmail and freight plus 100 personnel are airlifted monthly between Pisa and El Arish by RCAF scheduled flights, the extended SCANAP flight and the monthly Brazilian Air Force aircraft. During the latter half of the year, the air support was reduced by one flight per month.

VI. Local Arrangements

44. Cooperation with United Arab Republic authorities and the Gaza administration, primarily through the medium of the United Arab Republic liaison staff located in Gaza, continues on an effective basis. Relations between the Force and the local population have been very good throughout the year.

B. Financial Arrangements and Cost Estimates of the Force for 1964

45. Budget estimates for the maintenance of the Force in 1964 are being submitted to the General Assembly in a separate report.

Annex I - Tables of Incidents

Ground Incidents

	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total
Crossing of ADL/IF involving firing	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Firing across ADL/IF	0	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	1	1	8
Firing on UNEF troops	0	0	1	2	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	6
Crossing of ADL/IF involving thefts	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Crossing or attempted crossing of ADL/IF not involving firing, theft or kidnapping	5	6	10	4	9	18	10	18	13	9	8	3	113
Totals	5	9	11	6	11	19	11	18	15	9	9	4	127

Air Incidents

	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total
Air violations by United Arab Republic	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4
Air violations by Israel	18	18	40	49	12	33	24	18	18	58	10	20	318
Air violations by unidentified aircraft	5	4	2	12	4	15	0	1	1	1	0	12	57
Totals	23	22	42	61	16	48	24	19	19	59	10	33	376

Sea Incidents

	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total
Violations of Israeli-controlled waters by boats from UAR-controlled waters	14	24	7	5	2	4	0	0	3	4	7	2	72
Violations of UAR-controlled waters by boats from Israeli-controlled waters	1	3	2	1	2	1	1	0	2	5	4	8	30
Totals	15	27	9	6	4	5	1	0	5	9	11	10	102

Annex II - Local Incidents

From 1 August 1962 to 31 July 1963

Type of Incidents	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Total	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total	Grand Total
Firing on UNEF personnel	0	0	1	2	2	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	6
Movement of local civilian or military in area close to ADL in UAR controlled territory or Sinai	0	1	3	4	8	16	8	3	5	7	3	3	4	33	49
Total	1	4	6	10	21	8	4	5	7	3	3	3	4	34	55

Annex III - Summary of Footprints from Persons Crossing ADL/IF Discovered by UNEF Sentries

From 1 August 1962 to 31 July 1963

Direction	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Total	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total	Grand Total
UAR/UAR-controlled territory to Israeli-controlled territory	4	10	4	8	13	39	7	5	6	6	10	5	2	41	80
Israeli-controlled territory to UAR/UAR-controlled territory	8	10	7	4	13	42	10	6	11	7	5	1	6	46	88
Total	12	20	11	12	26	81	17	11	17	13	15	6	8	87	168

Annex IV - Summary of Incidents Caused by Persons from United Arab Republic-Controlled Territory

From 1 August 1962 to 31 July 1963

Type of Incident	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Total	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total	Grand Total
Crossing of ADL/IF involving firing	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Firing across ADL/IF and UNEF	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	2
Crossing of ADL/IF involving theft or occasionally kidnapping	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Crossing or attempted crossing of ADL/IF not involving firing, kidnapping or theft	3	2	5	5	11	26	10	3	3	7	1	5	0	29	55
Total	3	3	5	5	11	27	10	3	3	8	1	5	0	30	57

Annex V - Summary of Incidents Caused by Persons from Israeli-Controlled Territory

From 1 August 1962 to 31 July 1963

Type of Incident	Aug 1962	Sept 1962	Oct 1962	Nov 1962	Dec 1962	Total	Jan 1963	Feb 1963	Mar 1963	Apr 1963	May 1963	June 1963	July 1963	Total	Grand Total
Involving mines	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Crossing of ADL/IF involving firing	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Firing across ADL/IF and UNEF	0	2	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	1	0	1	1	4	6
Crossing of ADL/IF involving theft or occasionally kidnapping	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Crossing or attempted crossing of ADL/IF not involving firing, kidnapping or theft	2	5	7	0	0	14	9	7	13	6	6	3	0	44	58
Total	2	7	7	0	0	16	10	7	13	7	6	4	1	48	64

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