Office of the Historian

683.84A322/11–2653: Telegram

No. 741
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State1

secret
priority
Damascus, November 26, 1953—2 p.m.

215. Deptel 209, November 24.2 Saw Shishakli morning November 26 and left with him aide-mémoire summarizing US views reported Deptel 209, except last sentence paragraph 3 which he might have resented. Syrian President stated had no official information but understood from press Jordanian representative New York had already rejected Israeli proposal. Shishakli declared proposal was ill-timed and noted that Israeli policy vis-á-vis Jordan of coupling aggressive acts with attempt bring about general negotiation paralleled Syrian experience in recent MAC negotiations. I replied US agreed moment not propitious, but US consistent in desiring support UN machinery established handle problems Palestine. For this reason US Government had supported UNTSO in Jordan diversion dispute and would similarly support UN Secretary General should he call conference as provided under Jordan-Israel Armistice Agreement. Shishakli then speculated re Jordanian reaction, as non-member UN, to call from UN Secretary General, but appeared appreciate fact Secretary General action would be pursuant agreement signed by Jordan. He did not criticize Israel action in extreme terms. On other hand, a limited press comment so far has characterized move as “desperate attempt” divert attention from Security Council Resolution and force direct Arab-Israeli negotiations.

Shishakli indicated throughout he regards question as important. Concluded that he would endeavor ascertain position Jordan Government and inform me results inquiry.

Comment: Syrian President may see in present Israeli request indication of way SC Resolution on Jordan diversion project may develop.

I did not regard occasion as favorable for discussion Syrian influence on Jordanian attitude TVA proposals (Embtel 213, November 25).3

Moose
  1. Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Judda, Jerusalem, Paris, and London.↩
  2. Printed as telegram 231 to Amman, Document 739.↩
  3. Not printed.↩