357.AC/4–1150: Telegram
The Minister in Syria (Keeley) to the Secretary of State
172. Depcirtel April 3; 1 a. m. Boisanger and party called on me today following unsatisfactory calls on Syrian officials. Latter were polite as usual but also as usual uninterested in discussion peace with Israel except in terms of as yet ignored UN resolutions, namely, [Page 852] return of Israel to partition boundaries and repatriation and compensation of refugees.
As Boisanger’s itinerary would cause him to miss seeing Prime Minister Azm I urged him to alter it sufficiently to enable him to talk here with Khalyd Bey who is scheduled return Friday. I feel that of current Syrian leaders he offers best hope of breaking impasse. If agreement in principle could first be obtained on above basis he would I believe be willing, in agreement with other Arab States, to negotiate details which might provide for some territorial adjustments and some resettlement of refugees elsewhere than in Israel proper if adequately compensated. Without change in attitude on Israel’s part I see no possibility of progress toward so-called permanent accord.
Boisanger gave me same report of Amman’s attitude as set forth so cogently by Drew (Amman Legtel 67, April 10 to Department) and said he felt that Jordan-Israel negotiations not likely even to be resumed unless Israel comes forth with some concessions. That holds for Syria as well except that concessions Syria will probably insist upon are those mentioned above, at least in principle.
Since PCC proposal was an unpopular one as far as Syria is concerned I feel it was best that French member put it forward, but I also feel that visit to Near East by Palmer could have beneficial results. At least it might help him better to understand gravity of the problem and depth of Syrian feeling thereof.
Sent Department 172, repeated Baghdad 31, Beirut 19, Jerusalem 8, Jidda 20, Tel Aviv 13. Department pass Amman 14, Cairo 38, London 22, Paris 20, Ankara 12, Geneva 4 for PCC.