421. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
1600. Embtel 1426.2 We agree bona fides this matter open to question but view reports from Syria, such as Damascus 1628 repeated Cairo 201,3 we believe affirmative response should be given. … we would welcome action designed impede Communist penetration Syria, which we have for some time believed poses grave threat security of Syria and entire ME. While we obviously cannot bind ourselves not to take action re Syria in next three months … we wish avoid impeding any Egyptian efforts to bring about change and in particular appreciate considerations re Bizri, Bakdash and Azm which [name deleted] has set forth. We agree to keep information [name deleted] has given us in tightest secrecy.
FYI—We have decided it is in our best interests seek agrément for new Ambassador to Syria, which not yet granted. This does not [Page 747] reflect any change our appraisal dangerous situation in Syria but rather believe we will be in better position exert influence there if represented at top level. Prior to announcement we will send circular containing points you may convey to GOE concerning this move. While latter may be considered in area as build up for GOS and thus for Bizri, Bakdash and Azm, we believe it is not type of action which [name deleted] cautions against. Please comment. End FYI.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783.00/12–1157. Top Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Rockwell and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Damascus.↩
- Supra.↩
- In telegram 1628 from Damascus, December 10, Strong conveyed a report received from a “well-informed Arab source” that, according to Prime Minister Asali, Azm was working with the Soviet Union and Syrian Communists. (Department of State, Central Files, 783.00/12–1057)↩
- Reference is presumably to the text of the draft resolution transmitted to USUN in Gadel 57 on October 21; see footnote 6, Document 410.↩