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

683.84A/1–1653: Telegram

No. 542
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Tel Aviv, January 16, 1953—7 p.m.

1141. Embtels 779² and 902.³ Although Deptel 679, January 14⁴ was not received until today, January 16, Embassy lost no opportunity express USG interest in success of talks and stress advantages settlement demilitarized zone problems. Most recent occasion was January 13 when matter was discussed with Kozlek now Director General office Prime Minister, who agreed that all possible should be done reach settlements with Arab neighbors. Later he advised that he had discussed matter with Ben Gurion, who is now taking vacation in Tiberias, and that latter was in agreement re importance of making real effort improve relations.

In presence of Director General Foreign Ministry, Walter Eytan this morning, Joseph Tekoah who attended yesterday’s meeting as representative Foreign Ministry reported that meeting was convened at 11:30 a.m. at Rosh Pina where UNTSO was represented by Colonel Taxis and Mr. Vigier Syria by Lieutenant Colonels Jaddid and Shetula, and Israel by Brigadier General Dayan, Lieutenant Colonel Gaon, and Majors Friedlander and Modai. He stated that in opening remarks General Dayan accepted Syria’s suggestion that negotiations be within framework of armistice agreement. Colonel Jaddid then proposed agenda of four points, namely implementation of Security Council resolution May 18, 1951; status quo in demilitarized zones; restoration of normal civilian life therein; and modification of demarcation line. Israeli Government representatives raised Yugoslav delegation objections to considering first three points, adding observation that if agreement should be reached on point four discussion of others would be unnecessary.

Informant stated Colonel Taxis supported proposal to exclude first three points in order to “get along with” important fourth point. Jaddid accepted, whereupon Chairman called a recess during which Jaddid stated informally he would propose demarcation line that would extend through center of Huleh Lake and thence along course of Jordan River through center of Lake Kinnereth (Sea of Galilee). He intimated this would not necessarily be last word, which was taken to mean that Syria would be disposed to consider a line taking into account Israeli agricultural settlements on eastern shore of both lakes (Dardara on Huleh and Ein Gen on Sea of Galilee). It was agreed that meeting should be reconvened so that Syria delegate could make his proposal of record and Israel’s representative could make reply for consideration of Syrian Government prior to next meeting.

After recess Jaddid put forward proposal as above outlined; and General Dayan replied line as suggested would be unacceptable to Israeli Government, which considers international boundary with possibly minor modifications to East and West, proper basis for settlement. Next meeting was set tentatively for Monday January 19.

It was mentioned in conversation which followed that Syria proposed stipulation that agreement would be “without prejudice to a final settlement”, concerning which Eytan remarked facetiously that he might add “and without advantage to Israel”. In discussing Syria’s interest in fishing rights, those present expressed view there should be no difficulty over this point since Israeli Government had already taken position it would recognize rights of individuals to fish as under mandate. It was apparent however, that Foreign Ministry representatives felt that proceedings of meeting had gone much as expected, and although not optimistic they consider it desirable proceed with negotiations.

Davis

1. Repeated to Damascus; sent by pouch to Jerusalem, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, and Jidda.
2. Document 516.
3. Document 528.
4. Printed as telegram 411 to Damascus, supra.