Office of the Historian

351. Telegram From the Embassy in Syria to the Department of State1

Damascus, May 17, 1957—5 p.m.

2779. Two weeks after by-elections2 Syria reflects further entrenchment leftist control government, strong criticism of government policy by disorganized but vocal opposition, continuing leftist ascendency in army, stagnant business conditions partially relieved by prospects excellent harvests, increased isolation from all neighbors and increased economic, military and political intercourse with Soviet bloc.

[Here follows a detailed analysis of recent developments concerning Syrian political parties, the Syrian economy, the Syrian Army, and the Syrian Government in general.]

5.
Conclusion. Pro-Western and moderate elements continue to lose ground to increasingly entrenched ASRP-Communist-fellow traveler-opportunist vanguard of proletariat which using self-induced isolation to snuggle up close to Soviet protector in economic, military, political affairs. Battle against Israel now phrased in terms of battle against imperialist US and its imperialist satellites with Soviet Union depicted as only source of strength. USSR policies of establishing influence over military by arms deal and over politicians by support in UN and outside against Zionism and colonialism (imperialism) have been effective. Syria has willfully become base for anti-American propaganda, leftist penetration of labor, sabotage and Communist activity throughout area. Centers of resistance are elements of army suspicious of Soviet Union and Communism, some large landholding families, some Moslem and Christian religious leaders, businessmen. However, opposition shows no sign of competent and courageous leadership nor of spirit of sacrifice and hard work in ranks.
6.
Recommendation. View GOS readiness follow USSR Department may wish study possibility diverting Arab and world attention from Egypt to Syria as Soviet tool and base of Communist operations in Near East, and contrast with courageous Jordanian defense of independence willingness even desire Syrian ruling elements submit to Soviet domination.
Moose
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783.00/5–1757. Confidential. Repeated to Amman, Ankara, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, Tel Aviv, Aleppo, London, Paris, and Moscow.↩
  2. During the Syrian by-elections held on May 4, 1957, three Syrians with Ba-th Party connections were elected to the Chamber of Deputies.↩