683.84A/6–2952: Telegram
No. 452
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State1
priority
1431. Mytel 1426.2 Called yesterday on PriMin Ben Gurion, who confirmed Israel intention take part proposed mtg irrespective rank of Syrian rep. He deplored but readily understood reasons why Shishikli will not take part personally. He apparently had not been briefed on importance of question of work on east bank, and he evinced keen interest in our opinion that resumption of such work just now not only wld prejudice chance of successful mtg but might result in local outbreak hostilities such as occurred last year.
[Page 953]He and FonOff advisers Eytan and Comay asked whether ownership land was in question. Without citing source I based reply on info from Col Taxis that issue not ownership but broader matters of policy. Stressed that altho Israel might have technical legal right work land, question cld not be isolated from gen situation and from viewpoint Israels broad interests it might be highly impolitic proceed exercise right in present circumstances.
PriMin said he appreciated having Emb views, which he found disturbing since his govt has no desire provoke incident. Since interest was expressed in why matter regarded as so important, I replied it was Emb’s impression Syrians felt strongly Israel has extended police control over most of demil zone in disregard intent armistice agreement, May 18, 1951 SC res, and MAC chairmans requests re police and free movement to and from demil zone. Now consider project to plow up land east bank as attempt face Syria with further “fait accompli”.
It was concensus all present that too much cld not be expected from first mtg because viewpoints so divergent, but I stressed desirability avoid deadlock and continue conferences.
Stated Emb does not undertake suggest what concessions might be made, confining itself to helping bring about direct negots; expressed hope however mtgs wld eventually result in liquidation Huleh controversy, which shld be possible since Syria does not seem opposed development project per se, but interested in political questions re demil zone and particularly adjustment demarcation line.
PriMin replied Israel is of course determined continue Huleh development project. As to frontier his govt’s position well known, viz. border with Syria shld be that of Palestine under mandate. He added in summary however much depends on whether mtgs can lead to real step toward peace, in which case concessions might be made, but if Syria continues to say, and mean, it will take no step toward peace then Israel will have no choice but to maintain status quo under armistice agreement.