Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

683.84A/5–752: Telegram

No. 430
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Tel Aviv, May 7, 1952—7 p.m.

1164. Knowing FonMin’s personal desire to avoid deterioration Huleh controversy and in view his obvious interest in possibility direct negots with Syrian reps re damage to canals and crops resulting from work on project (Embtel 1149, May 5), I told him today Emb has report that certain acts of a provocative nature have been committed by Israelis in Huleh region recently, similar to those which led to armed hostilities last year. Without citing source I outlined substance allegations set forth Damascus Legtel 649, May 5 to Dept. It was obvious Sharett was extremely interested and stated matter wld receive immed attention. He told me he had suggested apropos question of damage to canals and crops, that Israel reps agree meet Syrian reps for frank discussion of question with view to finding mutually satis arrangement which wld obviate damage and yet permit continuation work on project.

Davis

1. Repeated for information to London, Paris, Ankara, Moscow, Rome, Tripoli, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, and Jerusalem (for Riley).