320.2 AA/8–3151: Telegram
The Chargé in Lebanon (Bruins) to the Department of State 1
211. Rapun 209. Summary latest Blandford negots as reported to AdCom 29th.
1. Blandford called on new Syrian PriMin 22nd. After recounting history Pal problem for record, PriMin then stated Syria prepared recognize de facto situation mean that Syria had large responsibility for solution problem including for example that large number refugees presently Lebanon must be given better living and employment conditions Syria. Asked Blandford submit memo for Cabinet consideration and promised urgent consideration and cooperation. Blandford later saw Syrian FonMin who reiterated Syrian desire for memo and assurance Syrian good-will to PRA. Stated major problems ahead included: (1) Obtaining agreement Syrian landowners (later admitted some Syrian public land available), and (2) Syrian “public opinion” which still thought reintegration mere camouflage Israel’s thwarting 1948 UNGA res. Re latter FonMin stated PCC Paris mtg might introduce new complications.
2. Blandford saw Cherine Bey in Alex 23rd. Fol conversations Blandford gave Egyptian Govt written assurances: (1) PRA projects Sinai wld not overlap Egypt’s own projects such as [garble] dam; (2) PRA recognizes Egypt retains mineral rights Sinai; (3) will cooperate with Egypt working out procedures deal with Bedouin squatters presently occasionally occupying some reintegration sites; (4) PRA projects will not jeopardize refugee rights under 1948 res. Cherine strongly reiterated his suspicions (Brit experts in Sinai disguised intelligence agents and urged Blandford recruits personnel from smaller western countries). Blandford promised look for experts in small states. PRA water-drilling equipment shld arrive Sinai next few days.
- Repeated for information to Damascus, Cairo, Paris, and London.↩