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

683.84A/12–352: Telegram

No. 528
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Tel Aviv, December 3, 1952—6 p.m.

902. Deptels 519² and 538.³ Foreign Minister assured me few days ago continuation talks with Syrian MAC reps was receiving active attention, and Reuven Shiloah, special advisor to FonMin, told me yesterday IG intends express readiness renew talks in near future. In view above and Damascus’ 400 to Dept,⁴ believe approach IG Embassy Washington unnecessary at present.

Comment: On the whole Embassy believes prospects for success somewhat more favorable as result IG reaction to jet deals and general discouragement due to possible implications Prague trial. After saying he strongly favored IG’s continuation talks with Syria, Shiloah stated candidly that he doubted whether Syrian Govt would find it politically feasible enter into agreement with Israel even if basis for division demilitarization zone could be agreed upon. He thought moreover that jet deal and any other steps toward supplying armaments to Syria would definitely lessen feeling that settlement with Israel is either necessary or advantageous. He continued, however, that defeatism should not be permitted prevent real effort find some basis for agreement.

He expects Syria’s opening proposal to be more than Israel can accept, but hopes some middle ground can be found that will make agreement possible. He feels that “merely to break ice” would be worth some sacrifice, but question is whether price will be too high and whether leadership can carry matter through even if agreement reached. He was not sanguine on either score. Needless to say I encouraged recognition value of any settlement and desirability make real effort achieve results.

Davis

1. Repeated to New York, Damascus, Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, Cairo, London, and Paris. Sent by pouch to Ankara, Jidda, and Jerusalem.
2. Not printed, but see footnote 3, Document 521.
3. Document 524.
4. In telegram 400 from Damascus, Dec. 1, Ambassador Moose reported that Colonel Shishikli had stated that Syria was ready to resume discussions (as indicated in telegram 323 to Damascus, Nov. 19, described in footnote 3, Document 521). Shishikli was awaiting advice through Colonel Taxis that the Israelis were likewise ready. Moose added that an approach by the Department to the Syrian Embassy appeared unnecessary. (783.00/12–152)