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

683.84A/3–1953: Telegram

No. 585
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State¹

secret

Damascus, March 19, 1953—4 p.m.

601. According UNTSO, meeting March 16 Syrian and Israeli delegations discussed northern and central zones but not southern zone since documentation on land ownership not submitted (Embtel 592, March 12).² Israelis confirmed willingness give up Dardara and land above Huleh necessary compensate dispossessed central zone Arabs. MAC Chairman puzzled by uncompromising attitude Syrians who presented new demands such as for unlimited irrigation rights from upper Jordan waters. Taxis endeavoring obtain appointments see Shishikli ascertain whether Syrians changing position on zone settlement and to urge constructive attitude. Date next MAC meeting not yet fixed.

Taxis scheduled sail for US April 6. Apparently not yet decided who will replace him on Syro-Israel MAC.

Moose

1. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Amman, Jerusalem, London, and Paris.
2. Telegram 592 from Damascus contained a report of the Syria-Israel meeting of Mar. 10. (683.84A/3–1253)