Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

683.84A/5–3151: Telegram

President Truman to President Weizmann of Israel ¹

restricted
priority

Washington, May 31, 1951—7 p. m.

My Dear Mr. President: I have recd your tel of May 18, 1951 concerning the four-power res regarding the situation in the Demilitarized Zone on the Israel-Syrian border. As you know, this res was adopted by the Security Council on May 18, 1951 by a unanimous vote. I want to assure you, Mr. President, that the United States reps in conjunction with their Brit, Fr, and Turk colleagues considered the matter most carefully before introducing this res in the Council.

As was pointed out in the sponsors’ statements before the Security Council on May 16 and 18, the fundamental consideration in this res is the strengthening of the Israel-Syrian Mixed Armistice Comm and of the authority of the United Nations Chief of Staff in dealing with the points at issue regarding the Demilitarized Zone. I can assure you that it was not the design of the sponsors of this res to bring about a permanent cessation of drainage operations in the Huleh marsh area. At the same time, the Security Council has expressed the view that such activities in the Demilitarized Zone should only be carried on in accordance with the procedures established under the Armistice Agreement. The United States will continue to support the position of the United Nations on this matter, noting that if either side is dissatisfied with the terms of the present agreement, the necessary United Nations machinery is always available to permit modifications to be made.

I am very happy to have reed reports that fighting in the Demilitarized Zone has now ceased and both sides are abiding by the terms of the Security Council’s cease-fire of May 8. We are also confident that both sides will similarly comply with the terms of the res of May 18.

It is my hope that in the near future the limited arrangements represented by the armistice agreements can be supplanted or expanded by additional agreements between Israel and the Arab states which will result in final peace settlements. Meanwhile, in the absence of more comprehensive settlements, the armistice agreements are the only, and therefore invaluable, instruments safeguarding peace in the area. As such, they must be carefully preserved. It is my belief that only through the scrupulous adherence of both sides to the armistice agreements and Security Council resolutions can a solid foundation be laid for an eventual permanent peace.

I send to you, Mr. President, my warm regards.

Harry S. Truman ²

1. The text of this message is printed in the form in which it was transmitted in telegram 535 to Tel Aviv, May 31, which also includes delivery instructions.

   Mr. Waldo drafted this message on May 25. In a memorandum of May 28, which covers part of his discussion of foreign policy that day with the President, Mr. Acheson stated: “I left the draft telegram with the President, who said that he would study it and let me hear from him.” (Secretary’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 65 D 238) No response from the President has been found in Department of State files. The message as transmitted is unchanged from Mr. Waldo’s draft.

2. In telegram 833 to Washington, June 4, Ambassador Davis stated he had personally delivered this message to President Weizmann on June 1. He commented in part: “Also said I had impression matter was being permitted to assume more importance in Israel than it merits, and that public was being given idea that resolution indicated unfriendliness on part sponsors, which simply is not true.” (683.84A/6–451) In a letter to the Ambassador of June 12, marked “Personal—Confidential”, Mr. McGhee commended Mr. Davis for stressing this point. (McGhee Files: Lot 53 D 468: File “D” Letters)