320.2 AA/10–151: Telegram
The Chargé in Syria (Clark) to the Department of State 1
176. Re Beirut Legtel 35, Sept 28.2 Existing state of politics, in which army interference is privately acknowledged but publicly disclaimed, makes us wonder if private meeting between Blandford and Shishikli would achieve desired end obtain Syrian cooperation. We suspect that civilian leaders, who are already resentful Shishikli’s position and his past interferences, might publicize and use as basis for attacks on both Shishikli and West UNRWA approaches to him by-passing civilian officials. For this reason we doubt if Shishikli [Page 884] himself wld appreciate being bought out by UNRWA to put pressure on civilians re refugee question.
We have informally worked on Shishikli for more realistic Syrian attitude to whole Palestine problem at every possible opportunity and he is becoming more amenable. We believe that if, as presently appears likely, civilian leaders can be persuaded cooperate in three-year program Shishikli now ready go along. Positive advice from Azzam, Salaheddine, and Cherine to Shishikli and other Syrians wld of course be most helpful.