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

73. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Syria¹

Washington, February 3, 1956—6:15 p.m.

575. Syrian Aide-Mémoire on Banat Yaqub diversion project; Embtels 710² and 712.³ You may reply to GOS along following lines:

1. SC has held that Chief of Staff of TSO has general supervisory authority over DZ. US fully supports this position. Decision therefore as to whether or not Israel may recommence project in DZ is his. Whatever that decision we will support it.

2. Re arguments put forward by GOS we are confident General Burns would give them most serious consideration whenever he might be required to make decision. So far as US is concerned unless General Burns decides to contrary General Bennike’s decision of September 23, 1953 still stands as basis for Israel not proceeding with water diversion project. As for SC resolution of October 27, 1953, decision as to its binding effect is up to SC.

3. US has repeatedly advised Israel not to attempt recommencement of diversion project in absence of overall understanding, involving Chief of Staff’s consent, as to division and use of waters of Jordan River system.

4. US would take serious view of any action by Israel or Syria which might provoke hostilities.

Jerusalem inform General Burns.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/2–156. Confidential. Drafted by Ludlow, cleared with Bergus and Boardman, and approved by Bond who signed for Dulles. Repeated to USUN, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, London, and Paris; pouched to Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Jidda.
2. Document 57.
3. Document 61.
4. In telegram 338 from Jerusalem, February 6, Consul General Cole notified the Department of State that he had informed General Burns of the position that Ambassador Moose was to take with the Government of Syria. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/2–656)