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

683.84A/1–2153: Telegram

No. 544
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State¹

secret

Tel Aviv, January 21, 1953—6 p.m.

1168. Embtel 1158.² In informal conversation with Embassy officer, General Dayan mentioned that atmosphere Israel-Syrian messages has been cordial and that he had been instructed make every effort reach agreement with Syria. Added that in his opinion nature of these meetings should not be understood “as beginning of peace negotiations for which Israel continues to hope”, but rather an analogy of meeting of divorced couple for purpose clearing up troublesome aspects of separation agreement. Embassy continuing indicate US interest in satisfactory outcome present Israel-Syrian negotiations but considers above to be realistic appraisal of situation.³

Davis

1. Repeated to Damascus; sent by pouch to Jerusalem, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, and Jidda.
2. Telegram 1158 from Tel Aviv, Jan. 20, contained a report from the Israeli Foreign Ministry on the Israel-Syria meeting of Jan. 19. (683.84A/1–2053) Ambassador Moose also conveyed a report on the meeting, observing that the scheduling of further discussions on Jan. 22 was a “hopeful sign.” (683.84A/1–2153)
3. Telegram 1186 from Tel Aviv, Jan. 25, contained a report of the Jan. 22 meeting of the Syria–Israel Mixed Armistice Commission. The Embassy noted that it was continuing to “encourage every effort to reach an agreement.” (683.84A/1–2553) Telegram 518 from Damascus, Jan. 26, also contained a report of the Jan. 22 meeting. (683.84A/1–2653)