501.BB Palestine/10–549: Telegram
The Consul at Jerusalem (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
604. Riley declared today crisis has now arrived in both Syrian and Egyptian MAC’s. He does not anticipate any resumption of hostilities. Following occurred:
Syrian MAC—at Damascus Col. Hinnawi flatly informed Riley Syria would not proceed with demolition of fortifications at Mishmar Ha Yarden and evacuation until Israel ceased violations of armistice in Ein Gev sector and carried out decisions of MAC. Added Syria entitled take six weeks from date Israel complied with MAC decisions to complete withdrawal from Mishmar Ha Yarden. Under terms of armistice required to evacuate by October 12. Riley hinted that instead of violating armistice herself Syria should refer Israel violations to SC. Hinnawi scoffed at this, stating Syria could never obtain just decision and if obtained UN would not enforce it. Riley showed Consulate General letter mentioned Contel 603 third1 from Syrian Foreign Office which lists Israel violations and strongly criticizes Chief of Staff for not forcing Israel comply. Major violations are failure Israel to remove settlement in Ein Gev demilitarized zone despite MAC decision given September 5 and failure destroy fortifications at Ein [Page 1421] Gev despite directive from MAC chairman dated September 9. Letter concludes with statement that Israel violations have placed armistice agreement in jeopardy. Hinnawi requested Riley return to Damascus by eighth with written answer and discuss matter with Foreign Minister.
Riley states no question exists but that Israel has violated armistice and furthermore failed to carry out decisions of MAC and directive from MAC chairman. This has prevented successful carrying out of armistice terms. He feels Syria is erring in failing to report these violations to SC and instead retaliating by refusing to carry out terms of armistice which Syria previously observed faithfully. Riley hazarded guess that for international political reasons Syria may wish postpone evacuation of Mishmar Ha Yarden until after elections, especially when faced with Israel actions. Riley will attempt to persuade Dayan to remove settlement and destroy fortifications before eighth but is not hopeful.
Egyptian MAC—Shiloah still endeavoring prevail on Riley to write interpretive letter mentioned Contel 6032 as prior condition to Israel acceptance this decision (not yet rendered) on location of line.
Government House—UN administrative personnel now ordered to move to Beirut. This will leave only UN armed guard at Government House. Riley does not need this building and does not wish to assume responsibility for its preservation. In talks with both sides Government House treated as headquarters for PCC, Consul General believes UN should definitely retain Government House for use in future activities here.3
Sent Department 604, repeated Bagdad 64, Beirut 117, Cairo 33, Damascus 77, Tel Aviv 118. Department pass Amman 74.
- Not printed.↩
- This message reported that Mr. Shiloah had requested General Riley to write a letter giving his opinion that nothing in the Israeli-Egyptian armistice agreement precluded Israel from founding new settlements in the Negev. General Riley had declined on the ground that such a letter would prejudice his neutral position. (501.BB Palestine/10–349)↩
- Jerusalem, on October 12, reported
information from General Riley that (1) “Israel destroyed
fortifications at Ein Gev and removed settlement as agreed.
Riley flew Damascus and informed Syrians who apparently
satisfied. Are evacuating troops from Mishmar Hayarden sector
today, and by agreement with Israel will complete destruction of
fortifications and removal of mines within three weeks”; (2)
“Israel and Egypt signed map on tenth showing line extending
from center of Aqaba coastal strip in accordance with Riley’s
and Egyptians’ interpretation.” (telegram 617, 501.BB
Palestine/10–4249)
The last paragraph of telegram 617 reported information from Mr. Shiloah that “Israel stood ready at any time to appoint representative to discuss directly with Arab states any mutual question in effort to reach either formal or informal final settlement. Added this standing offer made with full authority of Sharett and government.”
↩