124. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Kennedy0
SUBJECT
- Recognition of the New Syrian Government, Establishment of an Embassy, and Designation of a Chargé d’Affaires ad interim
The new government in Syria has requested the recognition of the United States. We are confident that it meets the standard requirements for recognition; it is in firm control of the country, has widespread popular support, and has announced its intention to fulfill Syria’s international obligations.1 Although the United Arab Republic has requested that recognition by the United States be delayed, there have been indications in the past two days of increasing flexibility on the part of the United Arab Republic. In a speech on October 5, President Nasser declared that he had instructed the representative of the United Arab Republic at the United Nations not to oppose Syrian membership in the United Nations2 and that he would not oppose Syrian acceptance by the Arab League, but the United Arab Republic would not recognize Syria until “a free Syrian will” had expressed itself. The way to recognition of Syria by Arab states and others may, therefore, have been opened. We have informed the United Arab Republic that we desire to consult with it prior to granting recognition to Syria, and we would wish to do so in the relatively near future.
While we believe that in deference to the desirability of preserving an acceptable state of relations with the United Arab Republic, we should not hasten under present circumstances to recognize Syria, we desire stand-by authorization to proceed with recognition (a) should the Soviet Union modify its cautious posture and extend recognition, or (b) whenever other Arab states have recognized, or (c) whenever the Department finds that it is in the interest of the United States to grant recognition and that it can be done without serious strain on our relations with the United Arab Republic.
[Page 290]Therefore, we recommend (1) that you grant stand-by authority for the extension of de jure recognition to the Government of Syria, (2) that you authorize the Department to establish an Embassy at Damascus concurrently with the extension of de jure recognition, and (3) that you authorize the Department to designate Consul General Ridgway B. Knight as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at such time as an Embassy is established.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 786B.00/10–761. No classification marking. Drafted by Strong on October 5 and transmitted to Rusk under cover of a memorandum from Meyer on October 6. (Ibid., NEA/NE Files: Lot 63 D 33, Syrian Crisis)↩
- These criteria were listed in a memorandum from Legal Adviser Chayes to Talbot, October 5. (Ibid.: Lot 62 D 29, Recognition of S.A.R.) See Supplement, the compilation on Syria.↩
- A memorandum from Secretary Rusk to President Kennedy, sent on October 6, discussed the various aspects of the problem of Syrian membership in the United Nations. (Department of State, Central Files, 786B.00/10–661) See Supplement, the compilation on Syria.↩
- A note attached to the source text from Manfull to Korn, dated October 9, indicates that Bromley Smith conveyed to Meyer on October 7 President Kennedy’s approval of the recommendations contained in the last paragraph of this memorandum. He also requested that the Department of State inform the White House before definitive recognition measures were taken. Also, during the evening of October 7 in Cairo, Ambassador Badeau delivered President Kennedy’s recognition message to Nasser, who expressed appreciation for being informed, for canceling the Sixth Fleet visit to Beirut, and for the judicious U.S. approach to the recognition question. (Telegram 661 from Cairo, October 7; Department of State, Central Files, 786B.00/10–761) See Supplement, the compilation on Syria. The U.S. recognition note was delivered to the Syrian Government on October 10. (Telegram 165 from Damascus, October 10; Department of State, Central Files, 783.02/10–1061)↩
- Printed from a copy that indicates Rusk signed the original.↩