683.84A322/10–2153: Telegram
No. 701
The Ambassador in Syria (Moose) to the Department of State1
priority
156. Pursuant instructions Deptel 143, October 19 I saw Shishakli at noon today. He at once expressed gratification over Secretary’s statement to press concerning deferment further US aid Israel, noting that US action was promoted by Israel flouting UN authority re diversion Jordan River in demilitarized zone. He said action had increased his confidence in US administration and in President Eisenhower and gave him hope for the future.
I conveyed contents reference telegram and expressed firm desire for peaceful settlement. He observed, however, that Israel continues to work on the diversion canal in defiance UNTSO and said if peaceful means fail Syrian Government could not divest itself of responsibility to protect legitimate Syrian interests. While admitting Israel could not completely divert Jordan for some time to come, he asserted that Arab-owned mill and farm called Aalmine had already been deprived of water.
Comment: I have never before seen Shishakli so well disposed toward US. I feel confident he will continue exercise restraining influence while awaiting outcome present UN action.
- A copy of this telegram was sent by Secretary Dulles to President Eisenhower on Oct. 23 under cover of a memorandum which reads: “You may be interested in the attached cable from Syria.” (683.84A322/10–2153)↩