683.84A/7–351: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State
2. FonMin told me July 1 that lie sees no merit in proposal Syrian Govt that reps of Israel and Syria meet if sole purpose is to serve Syrian territorial ambitions; he feels conference wld only result in deadlock which wld weaken present armistice agreement. On other hand he wld not object to conference provided it is gen in scope and not confined to boundary question. He attacked attitude of Syrians with vigor saying their interest negative and purpose political not econ; they seek “stranglehold on Israel’s water sources” and territory which was never part of Syria. He pointed out Israel evacuated greater area in Lebanon without demand for either territory or creation demilitarized zone. FonMin stated with great positiveness Israel will not agree to any “deal with Syria” which will sacrifice Israel’s claim to demilitarized zone or compromise water sources. Emb understands Syria has now decided not to submit agenda for suggested talks with Israel.
Comment: Sharett spoke out more emphatically than his subordinate as reported in Embtel 928, June 28.1 He added nothing new however but merely confirmed view reported in earlier tels. His attitude was definitely more uncompromising than at any time during past two months and conflict in views with respect to implementation of SC [Page 743] res of May 18 appears inevitable (Embtel 906, June 22).2 Israel will expect SC or Chief of Staff TSO to take initiative in taking some action to prevent Arab landlords from holding up Huleh project and at same time will resist removal Israel police from demilitarized zone or any surrender actual Israel jurisdiction that area. Depcirtel 2, July 23 indicates similarity legal argument used to support Israel position.