683.84A/5–2951: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 1
743. On appropriate occasion your discretion you shld remind govts to which accredited fol position which Dept has indicated to Israel and Syria number previous occasions: It was not design of sponsors Res bring about permanent cessation of drainage operations in Huleh area which dependent on work in Demilit Zone. This made clear on May 18 in SC when spokesman for sponsors stated all sponsors agreed Huleh drainage project wld undoubtedly promote gen welfare of area. First objective Res, however, to bring about suspension of drainage operations in Demilit Zone enable Chief of Staff of TSO bring about negotiated settlement between owners of affected land and Palestine Land Development Co. Sponsors did not intend give veto power over drainage swamp to any party but believe that through appropriate UN machinery already established handle problem, rights Arabs in area cld be safeguarded and at same time useful project cld be carried out.
Dept believes Riley shld be given opportunity deal with problem in Demilit Zone (re Damascus Legtel 670, May 26)2 and any action by states members SC to back up Res shld only be undertaken on basis report to UN from Riley that either party is refusing or has failed comply with Res.
You may assure govts to which accredited that US will continue watch situation Demilit Zone carefully and will consider serious matter failure either Syria or Israel comply with SC Res.
Potentially dangerous is idea “this time US siding with Arabs.” US action SC was and is strictly impartial and statement to contrary only jeopardize strength US position. Both Arabs and Israelis shld understand this.