683.84A/4–1452: Telegram
No. 420
The Minister in Syria (Cannon) to the Department of State1
585. Department pass Defense. Thanks Major Jaddid’s cooperation attitude MAC chairman Col. Taxis obtained Syrian consent in January Israel closing Jordan River sluice gates in order repair Daughter Jacob’s Bridge (Legtel 462, February 6). Israeli have made little effort repair bridge, but have taken advantage opportunity work intensively on drainage project when weather permitted.
Now that water level receding Syrians state floodgates must be opened permit continued irrigation valuable crops Bouteiha farm and last week asked Taxis relay request. Israeli refused, stating Syrians had no say on affairs in zone which is “under Israel sovereignty”. Syrians aroused by Israel intransigence and there were some mutterings they would take action open floodgates if Taxis unable do so.
In emergency meeting with Israel chairman April 12 we understand Taxis succeeded in obtaining his agreement open gates provided Taxis would seek consent Syrians allow closing gates few hours daily for short period permit completion repairs bridge. While Jaddid and owners Bouteiha farm probably would agree [Page 915] such arrangement, they are convinced Israeli using bridge repairs only as pretext pursue drainage project. Situation thus continues potentially dangerous and military attaché and Legation officer planning early visit zone observe developments.
Comment: Most unsettling factor continues be Israeli reiteration claim of sovereignty over zone and denial Syrian demands discuss in MAC affairs within zone affecting Arabs including drainage project which also affects property owners in Syria (Legtel 319, December 4 [3]2). Israel continued non-compliance important provisions May 18, 1951 SC resolution is factor striking root Syrian confidence in UN and west which in other fields has been improving.
- Repeated to Tel Aviv, London, and Paris.↩
- For text, see Foreign Relations, 1951, vol. V, p. 1309.↩