Office of the Historian

263. Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State1

Beirut,September 5, 1955—7 p.m.

254. From Johnston. Have had friendly reception here by Chamoun, Sami Solh, and Frangie but have thus far been unable bring them to grips with details my proposals or to elicit specific reactions.

In exploratory discussion between my staff and Abd El Al, latter stated Lebanese acceptance of program would be difficult obtain in view action Parliament unless offer made to assist in development Hasbani. This is confirmed by analysis Embassy here and comments previously made by Arab leaders area.2

However, Abd El Al freely admits aid other than for project planning may not be desired for about five years. We attempting formulate proposal embodying Lebanese agreement to accept final decision of engineering board as to technical and economic feasibility after detailed survey completed. Proposal will incorporate limitations on scope and US responsibility.

All available information indicates that it probably impossible secure presence Syrian Foreign Minister3 prior September 15 a.m. meeting Foreign Ministers states concerned. Mohammed Salim scheduled be absent Istanbul September 11–16, and Fawzi now understood trying postpone departure for UNGA until September 19. While continuing attempt speed up schedule, following may be best possible under circumstances:

  • September 6 Trozel and Criddle initiate technical discussions at Damascus4 with Masloum and Jazzar, while Barnes,Ludlow and I continue talks here with Frangie, Fouad Ammoun and Abd El Al.
  • September 7 conclusion bilateral discussions here. Trozel and Criddle return.
  • September 6–10 technical committee discussions Beirut.
  • September 11–14 unscheduled.
  • September 15–18 dates available for Foreign Ministers meeting Cairo.

Would appreciate comments Embassy Tel Aviv as to problems upcoming high religious holidays. Believe Tel Aviv should indicate to GOI possible postponement arrival Israel.

Heath
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/9–555. Confidential; Priority. Received at 4:43 p.m., September 6. Repeated to Amman, Damascus, London, Tel Aviv, Baghdad, Jidda, and Paris.↩
  2. In a unanimous vote on July 26, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies opposed Lebanon’s continued participation in the Jordan River negotiations and proposed instead the development of the water and power resources of the Hasbani River, a tributary of the Jordan. (Telegrams 90 and 99 from Beirut, July 26 and July 27;ibid., 684A.85322/7–2655 and 684A.85322/7–2755)↩
  3. Khalid al-Azm.↩
  4. Troxel and Criddle informed Johnston on September 7 of their impression that the Government of Syria was “firmly committed” to maintaining a united stand with other Arab States and that in effect, “this probably means support for whatever position Jordan takes on quantities.” (Telegram 212 from Damascus; Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/9–755)↩