683.84A/5–1352: Telegram
No. 432
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State1
1191. UNTSO Chief of Staff advises that fol has been reported to UN under date of May 12. He requests that Dept and Emb Damascus regard it as background and that content not be discussed with Syrian reps. Content of message as fols: [Page 929]
“On subject of adjustment of demarcation line, the senior Syrian del to the MAC asked the senior Israel del to state the position of the former’s govt on this subject. The latter replied in the presence of the MAC Chairman that the GOI was prepared to undertake secret discussions at high level on Syria–Israel relations, adding that in such discussions both parties submit any proposal and raise any question they wished. The senior Syrian del inquired whether the Israelis were proposing to discuss peace. Israel del replied in the negative. Syrian del said he wld submit Israel’s proposal to his govt forthwith but expressed as his personal opinion the belief his govt wld not undertake discussions this nature without UN reps being present. MAC Chairman expects to see Syrian Chief of Staff May 14 or 15 and believes high-level Israel-Syria talks may serve to reduce tension. Hence will make every effort obtain affirmative answer from Syria.”
- Repeated to Damascus and Jerusalem (for Riley).↩