271. Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State1
285. From Johnston. Technical committee began discussions here by taking stand which represented least common denominator Arab views on all issues. After prolonged and difficult joint session with [Page 465] committee, however, believe we were successful in persuading it moderate its views.2
While precise nature of committee’s recommendations is unknown, I have reason believe it plans suggest to Foreign Ministers that last attempt be made to obtain (1) Yarmuk Dam foundation capable of supporting future increase in dam height, (2) larger overall allocation water, and (3) elimination provision permitting Israel supply 30MCM of water to HKJ at above Lake Tiberias salinity. However, committee not believed to be recommending insistence on any issue to point of rejection with possible exception of 30MCM brackish water. If this correct, decision on program as whole will be squarely up to Foreign Ministers.
Most serious current problem continues to be secure meeting Foreign Ministers in face lack of Syrian Government and resignation Lebanese Foreign Minister.3 Although Fawzi almost certain to depart for New York prior any date meeting can be held, I am continuing press for meeting with other Ministers and Fawzi’s Deputy4 at earliest feasible date. According to best available information, there is some possibility political difficulties Syria and Lebanon will be resolved to permit meeting on September 17 or 18, but if difficulties not resolved within next few days additional delay of week or more will likely result. If unable set up meeting by September 20 at latest, therefore, I plan make brief trip London to dispose of urgent business and return Cairo September 23 or 24. Despite difficulties convoking meeting am convinced we must maintain pressure for consideration and decision program through continued presence in area.5
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/9–1355. Confidential. Received at 4 p.m. Repeated to Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman, Damascus, London, Baghdad, and Paris.↩
- Summary minutes of Johnston’s discussions at Beirut on September 8 and 9 with the members of the Arab Technical Committee areibid.,NEA/IAI Files: Lot 70 D 254, The Fourth Mission—No. 21 (Negotiating File).↩
- Frangie resigned from the government on September 7.↩
- Ahmad Kheirat Said.↩
- Acting Secretary Hoover on September 15 supported Johnston’s decision to continue with his mission. (Telegram 512 to Cairo; Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/9–1555)↩