Office of the Historian

320.2 AA/11–2552: Telegrams

No. 525
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State1

secret
Damascus, November 25, 1952—6 p.m.

384. Deptel 319, Nov. 18.2 Concur conclusion Dept reps re utility acceptance by Israel limited repatriation (para 1 reftel). US efforts “establish general recognition that repatriation refugees to Israel no longer feasible” wld only prejudice execution Syro-UNRWA agrmt and worsen US relations with Syria (cf. Amman tel 388, Nov 18).3 Beyond lip service principle repatriation Emb unaware recent activities by Syrian leaders “keep refugee issue inflamed” Shishikli decision to sign with UNRWA is realistic forward step. While Syria progressively more willing accept fact of resettlement, attempt to disavow principle of repatriation likely drive them to extreme position in supporting it.

Para 2(b) points to conclusion US assistance Israel will be required permit that govt pay compensation. If this occurs in context diminution US aid available Arab states (as seems possible under new Congress) good effect on Syrians of compensation payments likely be lost in renewed condemnation US “partiality”. It is hoped indicated approaches will reveal Israeli progress with plans compensation program foreshadowed Depcirtel 325, Sept. 23.4

Shld inaugural new Israel Pres take place Jerusalem, adverse reaction may be expected here. If question arises hope Israel may be influenced hold ceremony elsewhere.

Interested US missions and Dept agree re desirability Israel and Syria undertaking direct negots (Deptel 316, Nov. 15) and mtg Oct. 9 was considered by Syrians as effort that direction. UN resolution [Page 1072] calling for direct negots believed to be of doubtful value. Such resolution might in fact prejudice renewal Syro-Israel contacts.

Moose
  1. Repeated to Tel Aviv, New York, London, Paris, Ankara, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, and Jerusalem.↩
  2. Printed as telegram 517 to Tel Aviv, Document 522.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. See footnote 3, Document 480.↩