120.280/11–153: Telegram

No. 720
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State1

secret
priority

176. From Johnston. Moose and I with Bergus, Barnes, Clark had two hour session Shishakli this morning. At conclusion the door remained open, I had assurances Syria would study and consider Jordan Valley plan, and I would be welcome if I returned for further discussions. Shishakli’s attitude was as follows:

1.
He steadfastly insisted on hinging Syrian acceptance of TVA plan on Israel’s “compliance with UN Resolutions”. Obviously a large element of political self-protection in this position which might become less categorical later on but I was unable to move him from it despite every possible effort do so.
2.
He was interested in (a) military aid, (b) our help in liquidating DZ’s, (c) other economic aid. He insisted however that these matters were entirely separate from the Jordan Valley development plan. While undoubtedly recognizing our willingness to cooperate in other measures as quid pro quo of Jordan Valley cooperation on his part he refused to accept it as such at this time. He agreed discuss these three matters with Moose however while at same time considering final position on Jordan plan.
3.
He had not studied the TVA plan nor had any of his engineers but from what he had seen of it he was not pleased. He feels that it disregards Syria’s legitimate rights and took position that Syria had right to half of the waters of the Jordan between Huleh and Tiberas. Also mentioned possibility of diverting Banias before confluence with Jordan. We assured him that reasonable modifications of plan were possible provided they were economic and did not involve the wastage of precious water merely to keep it from someone else who could use it economically.
4.
He was not impressed by the suggestion that the TVA plan could be accepted by the several parties through unilateral declarations instead of multi-lateral agreement.

Comment: At least the door is open. Even more than in Jordan I encountered a disposition to premise future action upon the correction of past alleged injustice.

Shishakli wants US economic and military cooperation but seemingly not at the price of having to cooperate with US in any step indicative of rapprochement with Israel. While the political unreality of his position re partition, refugees, and other matters previously covered by UN resolutions may be apparent to us it is also apparent that stern political realities here make it difficult for him to take any other attitude. The crack in the door may be widened but it will take a great deal of persuasion and pressure to do it.

Moose
  1. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, and Tel Aviv.