357.AC/6–1950: Telegram
The Minister in Syria (Keeley) to the Secretary of State
347. ReDepcirtel June 16, 6 a.m.1 Legation has repeatedly pointed out that more conciliatory attitude on part of Israel re UN resolutions on refugees and boundaries would seem prerequisite to any [Page 934] expectation of negotiations by Arab League States with Israel (Legdes 352 June 16, 314 June 5, 224 April 18, etc.). Legation believes that impasse can be bridged only if right at least to repatriation of Palestine Arabs and our compensation of those resettled elsewhere accepted in principle, by Israel. If Israel agrees in principle to negotiate on basis pertinent UN Resolutions, it should be possible to find a formula for final settlement based on realities situation through give and-take of actual negotiations.
In comment on forthcoming tripartite statement, Legation suggested that endeavor to remove in text any possibility implication acceptance territorial statics quo should be made (Legtel 256 May 7). Separate French démarche requesting assurances from Syria and Lebanon prior to joint delivery of note, interpreted locally as sphere of influence deal, was unforeseen development. These two aspects statement were largely seized upon by unfriendly local press to discredit good faith of agreement as whole. Legation is still of opinion that tripartite statement was welcome in Syria by more responsible political (Legtel 299 May 28) and military (Legtel 315 June 2) circles notwithstanding press campaign to discredit it.
Sent Department 347; repeated info unnumbered Arab capitals, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Ankara.