367. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey1
1285. For Ambassador. Request you seek early appointment with Menderes and inform him that we should like current exchange of views regarding Syria in light of recent ME developments.
[Page 739]You should inform GOT that our evaluation of Syrian situation has not changed and that we remain deeply concerned extent to which Syria has subjected itself Soviet influence. We aware situation in Syria continues to be deep concern to the other Arab states, although for political reasons their concern has not been made public.
Soviet-Syrian motives in recent extensive anti-Turkish propaganda and in charges that US prodding Turkey to military action against Syria difficult evaluate. We would appreciate Turkish estimate and specific comments upon these charges which are totally unfounded insofar as US concerned and, we believe, insofar as Turkey is concerned. However, we hope that GOT agrees that in view of recent developments, particularly in UN, no action should be taken which enemies of Turkey could use as attempt to demonstrate that charges have substance. In particular, we would suggest that every effort be made to insure that Turkish forces now located along Turkish southern border be deployed in such way as to minimize possibility of incidents arising from their disposition.
You should tell GOT US looks forward close consultation between our two governments with respect to tactics for handling Soviet-Syrian charges at UN. Separate messages being sent this connection.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 682.83/10–2057. Secret. Drafted by Rountree and signed by Dulles.↩