356. Memorandum of a Conversation, White House, Washington, August 14, 19571
PARTICIPANTS
- The President
- The Acting Secretary
- William M. Rountree—NEA
SUBJECT
- Present Situation in Syria
The Acting Secretary handed the President the NEA memorandum of August 13,2 together with its attachments, outlining proposed steps in response to recent Syrian Government actions against the United States. He told the President that this matter had been reviewed thoroughly by him with Messrs. Henderson, Murphy, Moose and Rountree, and he felt the proposed course should be followed. After reading the paper, the President said he fully agreed with the proposals, and suggested that the Syrian Chargé be called in without delay.
Mr. Rountree said we were fully aware that the suggested course involved certain dangers; indeed, it was possible that the Syrians would sever diplomatic relations with the United States. This would leave a fairly open field to the Russians, since the British and French did not have representation in Syria. The President responded that this risk would have to be taken since he felt the United States must react to the Syrian measures. Moreover, severance of relations by Syria would at least demonstrate to the public the seriousness of the situation in that country.
The President said that in taking these measures against Syria, it might be very helpful if we could appropriately announce some action or measures which we would take to benefit our friends among the Arab states. While he had no specific suggestion, one thought was the possibility of saying something about aid to Arabs in connection with the completion of the Congressional action on the MSA bill.3 It was agreed that we would give further thought to the possibility of some favorable statement.
The President suggested that we immediately telephone Senators Knowland, Johnson, Wiley and Green, and Representatives Gordon, Chiperfield, and Morgan, to inform them of what we are doing.
[Page 636]There arose in discussing this matter the question of military aid to Jordan. The President restated the views which he had previously discussed with Secretary Dulles about offensive military equipment being provided under our military aid program. He was aware that the Jordanians were extremely anxious to receive heavy equipment and said he was inclined to believe we should be prepared to meet their request to some extent. The possible Israeli attitude was discussed, the President feeling that this could not be the determining factor in connection with the policy which we decide upon if it were in our interests to provide some heavy equipment. He indicated that he would favor a reply to the most recent messages from Amman to the effect that at least some tanks would be included in the program.