278. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts1
1677. 1. As routine matter Department planning deliver two circular diplomatic notes to Syrian Charge d’Affaires here on March 7.
2. Such conduct of formal diplomatic business normally implies that sending Government recognizes Government of addressee.
3. Department on February 26, 1966, was handed note from Syrian Charge2 stating in effect a) present Syrian government considers itself legitimate successor past Baath governments and b) therefore no further recognition necessary from friendly states.
4. Given origin, uncertain nature and cloudy future of present SARG, we see merit in avoiding situations which would require us either give special signal of support or indicate non-recognition of new government. Therefore seems in our best interest quietly accept Syrian government’s thesis that no new declaration of recognition required. Routine delivery of diplomatic notes in question is consistent with this approach in that it will signify without highlighting our continued recognition of SARG.
5. Embassy Damascus should not take initiative discuss recognition question with Syrian officials but if latter raise matter after delivery of notes, Embassy officers may in low key cite this action as indication we are continuing normal diplomatic relations.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 16 SYR. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Alfred L. Atherton, Jr., and John T. Wheelock of NE; cleared by Symms, Wehmeyer, and Morris J. Amitay of EUR; and approved by Hare. Sent for action to Damascus and repeated to Beirut, Amman, Jidda, Taiz, Baghdad, Cairo, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Kuwait.↩
- The note is ibid., POL 15 SYR.↩