Egypt Challenges U.N. Authority, Sends Administration into Gaza; U.S. Rejects Kremlin's Proposal

UNITED NATIONS, N.Y., March 11-Egypt today challenged the authority of the U.N. Emerergency Force in the Gaza Strip and said it is sending its own administration in to take charge.

President Gamal Abdel Nasser set forth Egypt's intentions in a cable from Cairo to Secretary General Dag Hammerskjold here.

The formal Egyptian move followed a weekend of tumultous demonstrations for Egypt by Gaza residents. Many are refugees of the 1948 Palestine war.

Israel expressed grave concern.

The Mediterranean coastal strip was given up by Israeli troops last midweek under and Israeli "assumption" that it would not revert to Egyptian control.

Reject Russian Proposal

WASHINGTON, March 11--The United States acting jointly with Britian and France, today rejected a proposal for a Big Four declaration covering the Middle East.

The American government said the great nations should not "arrogate to themselves decisions on matters of vital import" to the Middle Eastern countries.

Admiral Byrd Dies

BOSTON, March 11--Retired Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd, USN, 68, the first man to fly over the North and South Poles, died peacefully in his sleep tonight at his Brimmer St. home.