Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

328. Telegram From the Embassy in Syria to the Department of State¹

Damascus, May 4, 1956.

1033. Press May 4 features purported texts letters exchanged between Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ghazzi and Hammarskjold May 2 and released by GOS following day. Following are unofficial translations:

1. Ghazzi to Hammarskjold.

“I have honor to communicate to you declaration relative to Article III, paragraph 2, of Syro-Israeli GAA.

“I request you consider that declaration in question given within framework of UN charter, and on this occasion I would be grateful if you would take note of following declaration: ‘in accordance with provisions of Article 25 of UN Charter, which stipulates that all members this organization agree accept and execute SC resolutions in accordance said charter, GOS reaffirms desire to respect provisions of SC resolutions taken for purpose of preparing way for execution of Syro-Israeli GAA, including resolution taken on October 27, 1953.’

“I consider that this attitude of GOS should be accompanied by similar attitude on part of other party to GAA.”

2. Hammarskjold to Ghazzi.

“I have honor to inform you that I have received your letter of today in which you were kind enough to inform me of your declaration re article III, paragraph 2 of GAA.

“I appreciate this declaration, of which I have taken note. I have also taken note that GOS reserves to itself right of legitimate defense recognized by UN charter.

“This declaration does not lessen unconditional obligation to respect provisions of Article III, paragraph 2 of GAA. It is therefore necessary to interpret ‘legitimate defense’ in accordance with provisions of said paragraph and of UN Charter.

“I have also taken note of your declaration re general framework within which cease-fire declaration given. I can assure you that Article 25 of UN Charter is within general framework within which UNSYG’s conversations were carried out during accomplishment his present mission.”

Moose

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/5–456. Priority. Received at 11:32 a.m. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv.