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

885.211/9–1153: Telegram

No. 663
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Syria¹

secret

Washington, September 11, 1953—7:53 p.m.

95. In anticipation General Bennike’s having to make decision soon after September 15 on Israel’s attempt to divert Jordan and in understanding that he may wish indication of support from US, you may inform him of following:

1. US is of view that Article 5 of Armistice Agreement formally establishes UN Chairman of ISMAC, and not Israel or Syria, as responsible party for general supervision and administration of demilitarized zone. This authority has been acquiesced in by both parties. This situation remains until Israel and Syria reach agreement to contrary or armistice agreement is modified. US took this position in SC debate on Huleh dispute in May 1951. It will reiterate this position as often as necessary.

2. We are prepared in absence full details in this incident of damming Jordan to assure him of US general support in any decision he may make within his authority since we are firmly of conviction MAC machinery must have adequate backing to assure effective enforcement of Armistice Agreements.

Dulles

1. Repeated to Jerusalem as telegram 18, to New York as 118, and to Tel Aviv as 204.