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

783.00/9–2552: Telegram

No. 506
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Syria¹

secret

Washington, October 24, 1952—5:57 p.m.

265. Urdes 185 Sept 25 contains valuable info re possible Shishikli conditions for settlement of certain problems with Israel. Question arises as to how to utilize these suggestions. Israelis continually complain, with some justification, that Syrs unwilling even discuss any of problems contained in refdes. (Example: Syr postponements and restricted instructions Oct 9 mtg.) Dept therefore desires know under what conditions Syrs will discuss these problems. Also, can Dept make known Syr terms to Israel Gov without of course revealing source? Such an approach wld be made to ascertain whether or not possibility for negotiated modus vivendi between Syr and Israel exists.

Bruce

1. Repeated to Tel Aviv.