Office of the Historian

363. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the President and the Secretary of State, Washington, August 21, 1957, 11:30 a.m.1

Washington, August 21, 1957, 11:30 a.m.

Syria

I said I was much concerned about the situation. I felt that unless there was some reaction the consequences might be very serious indeed. The neighbors of Syria were all much concerned and it was a good time to mobilize that sentiment. All in turn were watching what the United States thought. I said that we planned a meeting at the State Department at 2:30 and I would report to him fully after that. I said that General Goodpaster would be present. The President suggested that John Eisenhower also be present.

The President agreed with my estimate and threw out the suggestion that we might give arms and money rather freely to Syria’s neighbors as part of some program.

[Here follows discussion concerning disarmament and China.]

JFD
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, Meetings with the President. Secret; Personal and Private. Drafted by Dulles.↩