890D.00/12–2749: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Syria
536. Reurtel 735 Dec 23.1 It is Dept’s view that since Aug 14 regime vested authority in Constituent Assembly, continued functioning Assembly with reasonable ability carry out its mandate and particularly with ability establish executive agency capable exercising de facto administrative control and discharging internatl obligations is essential element continuity Aug 14 regime. If above conditions fulfilled Dept perceives no reason consider diplomatic relations interrupted.
If you concur and are aware no other objective criteria which shld be applied you are authorized continue normal relations Syrian Govt officials unless it becomes apparent break in continuity has in fact occurred. If on basis subsequent events you shld become convinced latter is case you shld request Dept’s instructions re future relations.
Whenever warranted you are authorized emphasize that USG decision re continuance or interruption diplomatic relations will be based on objective criteria re continuity Aug 14 Govt and will not necessarily connote either approval or disapproval Syrian Govt aims, policies, or manner formation.2
- Not printed. Damascus, on December 19, bad reported that in a third coup d’état “At 6 a. m. today army group under Colonel Adib Shishakli arrested Chief of Staff General Hinnawi and now in control city.” (telegram 717, 890D.00/12–1949)↩
- This telegram was repeated to London and Paris for information. Damascus replied, on December 29, stating that the continuing functioning of the Constituent Assembly and the fact that the Cabinet, except for Khalid Azm who was both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented various political elements in the Assembly, seemed to meet the criteria set forth in the Department’s telegram 536 (telegram 749, 890D.00/12–2949).↩