501.BB Palestine/7–1849: Telegram
The Minister in Syria (Keeley) to the Secretary of State
389. Prime Minister told me yesterday that because of heavy cost (30,000 Syrian pounds monthly) and belief of Syrian delegation that nothing likely to be accomplished at Lausanne because of Israeli intransigence he proposed cut delegation to one officer and one clerk. I replied that while composition Syrian delegation matter for his decision its reduction at this time might be interpreted as weakening Syrian interest in work of PCC which would be unfortunate on eve arrival Paul Porter whose appointment I extolled.
Also took advantage of occasion to convey sense Depcirtel July 16, 1 a. m. and to urge that Syria take leadership in constructive approach at Lausanne (Bern for USPCC). In reply to Prime Minister query “tell me what you want me to do” I suggested strength Syrian delegation be maintained at least temporarily and be given full authority and instructions to discuss all outstanding problems which fall within purview of PCC, particularly status Jerusalem, territorial settlement and disposition refugees.
After some discussion he agreed and added that he would strengthen Syrian delegation by replacing Farid Zaynaldin “who is too rigid dialectician” and by adding one or more realists, perhaps bringing Edmond Homsi, Syrian Minister London to Lausanne. In addition Prime Minister said he would use his influence with other Arab states to get them to adopt more positive attitude. He would do so out of his conviction that it is in interest Syria and other Arab states to follow advice and leadership of US in solving Palestine problems. As Syria has already followed US advice in armistice [negotiations?] with Israel (mytel 387, July 17) so it is prepared to do in peace talks in belief said Prime Minister that US influence would henceforth be increasingly exerted toward ends of justice.
Pointing out again how difficult it is for Arab states to take initiative in compromising with Israel Prime Minister indicated willingness go along on any reasonable arrangements that would serve cause some peace in Middle East. He recalled statement he had made to Ambassador Griffis and me months ago in this connection (mytel 651, October 18, 19481) and reiterated hope that UN under US inspiration and leadership would speedily impose Palestine settlement based on partition plan of November 29, 1947 which Arab states would in present circumstances have to accept as force majeure.
[Page 1235]If present friendly Syrian Government remains in office and if [garble] request initiative and leadership (mytel 384, July 14 and 388, July 172) in refugee resettlement and in working out reasonable compromise in other matters before PCC Legation believes and Riley concurs that Syria now offers best Arab leadership in reaching overall peace settlement.
If we want peace and stability in Middle East we must boldly accept leadership in achieving it.3
Sent Department 389; repeated London 102, Paris 87, Bern 25, pouched Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ankara.
- Not printed.↩
- Latter not printed.↩
- In reply on
July 20, the Department instructed Damascus to convey to the
Prime Minister “US appreciation Syria’s cooperative attitude
reflected in his forthright action in reinforcing Syrian
participation in PCC meetings
and for endeavoring influence other Arab states act similarly.
US confident continuation this policy will be most beneficial in
speeding settlement outstanding problems.” (telegram 287, 501.BB
Palestine/7–1849)
Minister Keeley transmitted these sentiments to the Prime Minister on July 21. The latter urged the United States Government “keep secret his offer endeavor influence other Arab states realistically to adopt more positive policy at Lausanne and to follow US lead. Prime Minister reemphasized success his efforts this respect likely to be in proportion to how well secret kept.” (telegram 400, July 22, 10 a. m., from Damascus, 501.BB Palestine/7–2249)
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