Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

683.84A/1–653: Despatch

No. 539
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State

secret
No. 402.

Damascus, January 6, 1953.

Ref:

• Embtel 462, January 1, 1953¹

Subject:

• Head of State Selo Comments to Ambassador on Syro-Israeli Relations

During a conversation on subjects of mutual interest on December 29, General Selo made some interesting observations on his country’s present and future relations with Israel (see enclosure),² in the course of which he predicted “peace” with that country in due course if Israel would abandon its provocative tactics. The Head of State ridiculed Israel complaints about Syrian “aggressive” intentions, stating that there was no thought of using arms which Syria has or may eventually secure against Israel, and indicated his willingness to give assurances to this effect if the additional arms Syria needs for its defense could thereby be obtained.

So far as the Embassy knows, this is the first reference by a Syrian official, even privately, to the possibility of “peace” with Israel. General Selo’s comment reflects the increasingly realistic view which he and Colonel Shishikli are taking of the Palestine question. His remarks lend added moment to Syria’s standing offer to Israel (Embtel 400, 12/1/52)³ to undertake direct negotiations with a view to replacing the present demilitarized zone with a de facto frontier. Though the Syrian Government will hardly go as far to meet Israeli desires as the Tel Aviv Government would like, it is hoped that the opportunity created by the Syrian willingness to negotiate some points of difference now will not be lost through continued delay in the Israeli reply. A limited frontier accord such as is now desired by Syria need not exclude the possibility of more general settlements in the future.

James S. Moose, Jr.

[Enclosure]

Excerpt From Memorandum of Conversation of December 29, 1952, Between Ambassador Moose and General Selo

General Selo ridiculed Israeli complaints about Syrian “aggressive intentions”. He stated that Syria is desirous of eliminating frontier incidents with Israel, adding that he recognized the fact of Israel’s continued existence and the need for Syria to accommodate its policy to that fact. He predicted peace with Israel in the course of time, provided Israel can be persuaded to abandon its provocative tactics. He described the role of “God’s chosen people” as being difficult for any nation and said that Israel has hitherto been anything but a good neighbor to Syria. However, the Syrian authorities have no thought of using arms which they have, or may eventually secure, against Israel. General Selo indicated his willingness to give assurances to this effect if he could thereby be enabled to secure arms which Syria needs for its own defense.

1. In telegram 462 from Damascus, Jan. 1, Moose reported on his conversation of Dec. 29 with Chief of State Selo and Colonel Shishikli. (783.5/1–153)
2. Below.
3. Not printed, but see footnote 4, Document 528.