683.84A/5–552: Telegram
No. 429
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State1
1149. In recent conversation with FonMin Sharett I inquired whether FonOff had any late info re developments in Huleh situation, adding it was my understanding Syrians were concerned over damage resulting from dam closure and were desirous enter into direct conversations with Israelis to work out mutually satis solution. Stated it was understanding my informant that Syrians would not be inclined renew their objections to continuation of work on [Page 926] project provided satis practical arrangement could be made to obviate damage to irrigation canals and crops on land in Syria dependent on Jordan water.
FonMin said he was uninformed on particular subject, but if above understanding correct, it represented new info to him of great importance. He said in fact it would be “too good to be true”. I reminded him of our efforts to encourage direct negots wherever possible and expressed hope Israel Govt would not object on basis any technicality to take advantage of this and any other opportunities direct negots.
Dept see Embtel 1115, April 27.
- Repeated to Jerusalem for the information of General Riley.↩