683.84A/6–1952: Telegram
No. 447
The Chargé in Syria (Clark) to the Department of State1
788. Department pass Defense. Re Tel Aviv’s Embtel 1363, June 13. Allegation by Israel FonOff that recent developments on SyroIsrael border created as “diversion” from internal political developments appears completely unfounded. On contrary, notwithstanding increasing Syr concern over Israeli activities in demil zone, as revealed to us both privately and formally by Syr officials, we have not detected single instance public condemnation of Israel action in demil zone and zone has not even been mentioned in press since present regime came to power. We interpret this restraint as reflecting Shishikli’s genuine desire achieve mutually satis settlement demil zone question on basis new demarcation line. Shld Israel continue its steady encroachment on zone without any prospect its mtg Syria part way, it is possible Syr tactics might change in favor of airing Syrian grievances publicly. View tremendous appeal to Syr sensibilities press campaign on this most delicate question wld have, we hope progress can shortly be made in direct negots between Syr and Israel on zone question.
In this regard, we are reassured by reports that Israeli have acquiesced in MAC chairman’s request cease plowing begun last week on PLDC-owned land on east bank Jordan above Daughters of Jacob’s Bridge. This is land from which Arabs were ordered to withdraw early last month (Legtel 649, May 5).
Referring above Ein Gev last para Tel Aviv ref tel, on visit to this area June 17, Asst ArmAtt ascertained firing probably occurred in connection with routine night maneuver by small unit. Commanding officer asserted no firing directed toward Israel posts [Page 948] and maneuver was held in valley from which it was impossible even see Israel lines.
- Repeated to Amman, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, Ankara, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, and Jidda.↩