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

683.84A322/10–1753: Telegram

No. 693
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Damascus, October 17, 1953—7 p.m.

147. Athens for Johnston. Limit distribution. Due Friday Moslem holiday unable deliver President’s message² Shishakli until 11:00 a.m. October 17 (Paris Embtel 1488, October 15, 1953).³ Shishakli had already learned of mission from press (Deptel 134, October 15).⁴ He indicated little enthusiasm for proposed visit declaring in view Johnston’s pro-Zionist views (Embtel 145, October 17)⁵ his appointment this mission augurs poorly for modification of US policy in sense more favorable to Arabs. I demurred stating I had no knowledge any acts or statements President’s envoy indicative such orientation. Shishakli replied would be happy hear and consider Johnston’s proposals when latter arrived.

President then repeatedly warned against continuing Israel work Jordan diversion project, emphasizing throughout that US aid to Israel had made project possible and that US therefore has special responsibility in matter. He feared Syrian peasants who face loss of water essential to their lives and livelihoods would not await results UNSC consideration and that incident similar to that of Telal-Mutilah might occur.⁶

It clear from foregoing that settlement Banat Yaacov affair of paramount concern Shishakli and Johnston mission would have better reception here if it can be disclosed prior his arrival that USG taking positive action secure stoppage Israeli works.

To improve chances Johnston’s success Department may wish authorize me inform Shishakli of measures already taken by USG (Deptel 110 September 25)⁷ to discourage further work on Israeli diversion scheme.⁸

Moose

1. Repeated to London priority, Paris priority, Athens priority, Amman, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.
2. A message from President Eisenhower to President Shishikli concerning the Johnston mission to be delivered on a date specified by telegram from Johnston in advance of his arrival, was contained in telegram 133 to Damascus, Oct. 14, not printed. (120.280/10–1453) Similar messages for transmission to leaders in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Israel were contained in telegrams 165 to Amman, 443 to Beirut, 422 to Cairo, and 294 to Tel Aviv, all dated Oct. 14. (120.280/10–1453)
3. Telegram 1488 from Paris, Oct. 5, concerned the delivery of messages from President Eisenhower. (120.280/10–1553)
4. Not printed.

5. Telegram 145 from Damascus, Oct. 17, reported in part that a government radio official in Damascus was temporarily withholding the general release of a United Press story to the effect that Eric Johnston was a “pro-Zionist” and calling attention to his membership in the American Christian Palestine Committee. The story also reportedly contained the reaction of some Arab delegation leaders to the effect that Johnston was a “well-known pro-Zionist.” The Embassy felt that if the story were not countered, public opinion might be prejudiced against the Johnston mission, thereby creating an obstacle to unbiased consideration of his proposal by the Syrian Government. (120.280/10–1753)

   The Department responded on Oct. 17 in part as follows:

   “Johnston’s office confirms he is one of nine vice chairman [sic] American Christian Palestine Committee. Joined pro forma some years ago in response request ACPC but never active. Not member any other organization known to be pro-Zionist nor ever active in support Zionist activities. Johnston is member and officer many organizations in U.S. His stature and nation-wide connections make it impossible consider him as front for any group Zionist or other.”

   Citing examples of Johnston’s objectivity, the Department stated that it would be desirable to emphasize where necessary that the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government “has full confidence in Johnston’s integrity, impartiality, and competence and has pressed this important mission upon him as patriotic duty.” (Telegram 140 to Damascus, Oct. 17, 10:18 p.m.; 120.280/10–1753)

   Johnston, from Paris, authorized the use of the following statement by himself: “In taking an assignment from the President of the United States I accepted the responsibility of carrying it out with absolute objectivity and impartiality. This I intend to do to the best of my ability.” (Telegram 1519 from Paris, Oct. 18, 3 p.m.; 120.280/10–1853)

6. On Oct. 19, Ambassador Moose reminded the Department as follows:

   “Re Shishakli, fear incident similar Tel Al-Mutilah may arise out of Banaat Yacub affair, Department will recall in Huleh dispute (April-May, 1951) Syrian Army went to aid local Arabs during bloodiest battle entire Palestine conflict. President no doubt intended point out danger Syrian troops may become involved in present incident though he at no time said the Syrian Army would take the initiative.” (Telegram 149 from Damascus, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.; 683.84A322/10–1953)

7. Not printed.
8. On Oct. 19 the Department approved the suggestion contained in this paragraph, adding that it hoped in addition its press statement of Oct. 18 on the Qibya incident (Document 695) and the U.S. action to take the matter to the Security Council would also help. (Telegram 144 to Damascus, Oct. 19, 7:16 p.m.; 638.84A322/10–1753)