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

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

Damascus, January 28, 1956—3 p.m.

701. Pass Army. During my call on him January 28 Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Ghazzi said that if I had not asked to see him he would have called me in. He referred to a radio broadcast yesterday reporting that Israel Ambassador to US had stated Israel would request about March 1 project to dry up Lake Huleh. Ghazzi went on that under terms of armistice agreement nothing was to be done by either side which would give one side an advantage, pending permanent agreement on frontiers.² Israel, he declared, was endeavoring to carry out Huleh project for own advantage and benefit. If Israelis do carry out work he said, it will be beginning of hostilities (ouverture de la guerre) and asked that I inform Department. He volunteered to send me a note. I replied that I would report matter to Department promptly but would like note nevertheless.³

Observing that I had no information this subject but had heard Israelis considering resumption work early spring on diversion canal at Jisr Banat Yacub, and would not necessarily alter conditions re Huleh, I asked Ghazzi whether he was sure Israeli Ambassador had referred to Lake Huleh or to Jisr Banat Yacub canal. Ghazzi insisted that broadcast concerned Lake Huleh. I remarked that Israel had been forced earlier by General Bennike’s decision to stop work in DZ at Jisr Banat Yacub and asked if Ghazzi knew attitude of General Burns.

Ghazzi replied that he did not, and he showed no interest in Burns’ attitude. His statement about “beginning of hostilities” was made twice in conversation concerning Lake Huleh.

Comment: Despite Ghazzi’s insistence Embassy inclined believe he is confused between project to drain Huleh, which is not in DZ, and project to divert Jordan at Jisr Banat Yacub, which is partly in DZ. Note, when received may clarify.

Syrian military leaders have repeatedly predicted further hostilities if Israelis resume work at Jisr Banat Yacub.

Moose

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/1–2856. Confidential; Priority. Received at 11:59 a.m. Repeated to Amman, Ankara, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, Rome, and Tehran.
2. Reference is to the General Armistice Agreement that Israel and Syria signed on July 20, 1949. (U.N. doc. S/1353/Add. 1 and 2 and Corr. 1) Ghazzi was presumably referring to Article 2 (1).
3. See Document 57.