501.BB Palestine/2–949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Syria 1
secret
Washington, February 25, 1949—6 p. m.
57. You may inform PriMin and FonOff as follows re ur A–8 Jan 10 and urtels 502 and 51 Feb 9:
- (1)
- This Govt warmly appreciates friendly attitude Syrian Govt and its desire align itself with US and Western Powers.
- (2)
- Dept wishes reiterate that our support estab State of Israel in no sense lessens our basic policy of friendship toward Arab countries and our earnest hope they will prosper and develop.
- (3)
- US has not assisted Israel in violation of truce but on contrary has rigidly maintained arms embargo impartially. Quantity war material smuggled despite embargo has not been large and whenever apprehended participants have been prosecuted and material confiscated.
- (4)
- US attitude re Israel was clearly stated in UN by Dr. Jessup on Nov 20 to effect that US supported Israeli claims to boundaries set forth UNGA resolution Nov 29 but believed that if Israel sought retain additional territory in Palestine it shld give Arabs territorial compensation.
- (5)
- We wld not support any attempt by Israel to occupy any Arab state and wld fully support any measures taken by UN to protect territorial integrity such State.
- (6)
- US hopes its relations with Syria and other countries NE will develop constantly. However Syrian Govt will appreciate association of US with nations outside Western Hemisphere for defense purposes, as exemplified in proposed Atlantic Security Pact, constitutes radical departure from traditional peacetime policies. It is new concept and one with which we must proceed slowly. We have not as yet envisaged broadening defensive security relationship beyond Atlantic grouping. While it wld be premature pursue subject further at present time, Dept is gratified learn of Syrian Govt’s preoccupation with its basic relationship with Western Powers and its manifestation of friendship in this regard. Views of Syrian Govt will be kept well in mind.
- (7)
- US Govt pleased that Arab states have endeavored observe truce under UN resolutions, and has urged utmost cooperation of [Page 771] Israeli Govt this same regard. US Govt hopes that all parties concerned will give full support General Assembly resolution of Dec 11 calling upon all parties seek agreement by negotiations either with Conciliation Commission or directly with view to final settlement of all questions outstanding between them.
Acheson