Telegram Discussing Syria Actions Troubling Israel
(May 12, 1967)
This telegram discusses Israeli Ambassador Harman's
concern for Syria's action
against Israel at the Israeli-Syrian
border.
193481. 1. Israeli Ambassador Harman called on Asst
Secretary Battle evening eleventh with instructions from Fonmin Eban
to register serious GOI concern over terrorism northern Israel. In summary,
Eban's view is that Syrians creating dangerous situation, without any
restraint. In reviewing recent series incidents, Harman emphasized that
Syrians are making increased use Lebanese territory to hit at Israel,
are penetrating region hitherto quite free from terrorism (the area
immediately north of Lake Tiberias), and are suddenly putting mines
on major metalled roads. Fact there have been no casualties fortunate
but does not diminish Syrian guilt and obvious terrorist intention include
women and children among victims.
2. Harman said though he had not seen text May 11 statement
by U Thant on situation,/2/ he understood it contained very helpful
language. In particular, it contained one "very accurate"
point that recent incidents showed greater expertise than before. GOI
convinced, said Harman, that signs pointed definitely to involvement
Syrian Army.
/2/The text of the statement made by Secretary-General
U Thant during a May 11 press conference is in telegram 5263 from USUN,
May 12. (Ibid.)
3. Harman said he did not want speculate on what GOI
response might be if terrorism continues. He hoped that situation would
not arise. Said GOI hoped Syria under no illusions that tactic of terrorism
bestows on it some immunity from Israeli response any more than in cases
like April 7 when other tactics such as interference with cultivation
and shelling of villages from fixed positions are introduced.
4. Battle said he deeply regretted situation of terrorism,
which we agree is alarming, and appreciated problems it poses for GOI.
He could only commend calmness and restraint./3/ He agreed SYG's statement
might be helpful. Said Dept thinks Lebanese Govt. doing its best to
stop terrorism, but one should remember Lebanese internal problems recently
fanned by tumult surrounding proposed Sixth Fleet visit, and in any
event would be most difficult attain 100 percent success. He was glad
to note from Harman's presentation GOI recognized dangers if situation
got out of hand. Also to be kept in mind is that Syria having problems
internally with regime's critics in disorganized and tumultuous way
trying to show disapproval.
/3/Telegram 190856 to Tel Aviv, May 9, expressed concern
at the flurry of terrorist incidents in the previous 10 days and instructed
the Embassy to counsel restraint. (Ibid., POL 32-1 ISR-LEB) Telegram
191818 to Tel Aviv, May 10, summarized a conversation that day between
Davies and Evron in which Davies reiterated this and urged that alternatives
to military reprisal be sought. (Ibid.)
5. Harman said that while no question Syria is main
culprit, Lebanese nonetheless had permitted their soil be used for terrorism
seven occasions in short period time. Said GOL is responsible under
GAA for taking forthright action against terrorism.
6. Harman agreed with Battle's statement that increased
GOI success recent months in intercepting infiltrators is encouraging
note.
Rusk
Source: National Archives and Records Administration,
RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL ARAB-ISR. Confidential. Drafted by
Wolle; cleared by Paolozzi, Davies, and in substance by Robert H. Flenner
in EUR/SOV; and approved by Battle. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo,
Damascus, London, USUN, CINCSTRIKE, Jerusalem, and Moscow.
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1964-1968, V. 18, Arab-Israeli
Dispute 1964-1967. DC: GPO,
2000. |