Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

890D.01/9–1749: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation in Syria ¹

confidential
priority

Washington, September 17, 1949—5 p. m.

420. While deploring summary executions Pres Zaim and PriMin Barazi² and cognizant other factors mentioned urtels 540, Sept 13³ and 541 Sept 14,⁴ Dept has no evidence present civ[ilian] govt implicated in coup or executions, with possible exception alleged prior knowledge Hawrani (Legtel 480).⁵ On contrary, Leg reports have indicated coup planned and carried out by Army (see for example Joint Weeka 38 CL 329 Aug 19)⁶ and corroboratory info this effect received from Brit and other sources. As stated Deptel 141 Apr 5⁶ de facto control, public acquiescence and respect internatl obligations are criteria US recognition policy. Legitimacy no longer determinant factor and wld be inappropriate refer in recognition note to tragic circumstances in which govt formed or express regret over resort to bloodshed. Such action might also lend itself propaganda thesis US favored dictatorial regime for Syria.

In view Syria’s polit unrest, Dept realizes recognition any Syrian Govt involves risk regime may not be permanent. However, it feels continued non-recognition wld hamper Syrian Govt in its expressed desire stabilize itself along democratic and constitutional lines. Lack official contact with Syrian Govt also prevents adequate diplomatic prep and assistance to ESM, and non-recognition wld be potential source embarrassment USUN in its dealings with Syrian Del at forthcoming GA Session.

Since reports from Leg and assurances from Syrian Min Washington indicate criteria for recognition have been reasonably fulfilled insofar as Syrian situation can presently be judged, Dept preparing request President’s auth recognize Syrian Govt within few days. Dept has already given advance notice SAG, Egypt and appropriate western countries US actively considering early recognition.

If Pres approves Dept’s recommendation you will be informed immed and you shld then consult with appropriate diplomatic colleagues concerning timing recognition notes. Suggested text US note being sent separate tel.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to London, Paris, Cairo, and Jidda and sent by pouch to Baghdad, Amman, Ankara, Beirut, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.
2. Regarding the coup of August 14, see Secretary Acheson’s memorandum of September 19, p. 1635.
3. Not printed; it expressed Minister Keeley’s concern that “in Department’s exchange of views with British and French Governments no evidence that consideration has been given to possibility of expressing to Atassi Government regret at brutal means by which former regime was liquidated.… While it would be desirable to have British and French Governments join us in condemning violence, I feel that whatever may be British and French attitudes we shall have to reckon with our own consciences and consequences if by our silence we tacitly condone such barbarity which unless checked may well serve as pattern for further bloodletting in Syria and other Middle Eastern states to detriment of peace and stability for which our interests call.” (890D.00/9–1349)
4. Not printed; it reported information from French and British diplomatic officials at Damascus that their governments had “decided time now propitious for recognition Atassi Government and have instructed their Embassies Washington to seek US agreement that France, Britain and US missions Damascus make coordinated communications this sense sometime during current week.” It advised further that these officials favored a “simple statement that ‘change in government will in no way alter friendly relations that have heretofore subsisted’.” Minister Keeley concluded that he was unable to share their views as to the timing or manner of recognition and expressed his preference for a “communication which takes note of formation of cabinet in tragic circumstances, expresses regret over resort to bloodshed and gives assurances of friendly support if cabinet is able to realize its announced intention of guiding nation back into democratic constitutional channel.” (890D.01/9–1449)
5. Dated August 16, not printed; Akram Hawrani was Minister of Justice and of Health.
6. Not printed.
6. Not printed.