784A.00/6–2851: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State
928. Chief US Division FonOff1 advises Israel Govt received suggestion via Israel-Syrian MAC that FonOff reps of the two countries meet to discuss possible improvement in relations. He considers proposal motivated by desire Syria gain territorial advantages. Says spokesman replying suggested agenda be prepared from which it cld be determined whether meeting worth while, and that if purpose solely to raise boundary question there wld be “nothing to discuss”.
In conversation with Secretary of Labor Tobin Monday, PriMin Ben-Gurion expressed once more his belief Egypt key to Israel-Arab relations. Recalling his conversation with Mr. Hoskins, however, Embtel 865 June 12,2 he said he knew some officials of US Govt do not agree but he still believes Israel relations with its neighbors wld improve rapidly if Egypt cld be persuaded to take lead.
Comment: Emb understands from well-informed source that both Syria and Egypt have their price for making peace with Israel in form of territorial settlements. He believes that Syria wld make no further objection to Huleh project if Israel wld agree to divide demilit zone and establish frontier at Jordan River, and that Egypt likewise wld abandon blockade and make peace if Israel wld give up outlet on Akaba Gulf.
At present both proposals unthinkable from Israel point of view and no political leader wld dare make such concessions. In fact Emb sees little chance realistic approach to problems unless both sides come to feel it vitally important to their security and welfare to find early basis resumption normal relations. Even then public which has long been subjected to provocative propaganda wld have to be conditioned to accept realistic settlement.