684A.85322/1–1354: Telegram
No. 766
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State1
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275. Embtel 271, January 12. Substance paragraph 3 (a) Deptel 281, January 11, conveyed to Shishakli during long interview January 13. Syrian President made following points: (1) Government of Syria desires SC resolution on diversion project; (2) sole Syrian aim is to protect its rights in Jordan waters and Zeineddine suggestions drafted this aim in view; (3) professed inability understand how US Government could approve text so detrimental Syrian interests, emphasizing Government of Syria could not accept less than explicit recognition rights; (4) if justice not obtainable, Syria could as last resort rely upon Russian veto.
I stated Department aware this possibility and emphasized views paragraph 3(b) Deptel 281. Shishakli replied continued indifference tripartite powers would leave him no choice but reluctantly accept Russian help. His attention was called risks attendant cooperation with Soviets and danger Israeli resumption work if no resolution passed. Syrian President declared he recognized risks and emphasized Syria would use all its resources defend its rights in event work resumed. Added “this time Syria will not be kicked.”
- Repeated to Beirut, Cairo, London, Tel Aviv, Paris, Moscow, Baghdad, Amman, Jidda, and Jerusalem; passed to New York and to the Department of Defense.↩