U.S., Syrian Talks
Concerning Israeli Jordan River Diversion
System
(February 24, 1962)
This telegram is from the
Department of State to the Syrian Embassy
regarding Israel's policy
concerning the Jordan River diversion, and
the U.S.'s disagreement.
Embtels 504 and 505./2/ Re Syrian note on Jordan waters, you
should at early opportunity make oral response to Prime Minister along
following lines:
1. USG appreciates SARG concern re this problem. As SARG aware, USG
in period 1953-55 made strong effort devise equitable plan and assist
riparians reach accommodation on water usage that would prevent problem
from becoming threat to area peace. At basis, USG considers riparians
have the responsibility for reaching permanent accommodation that will
protect interests of all users, but USG has watched situation closely
and remains willing be helpful if asked.
2. USG considers precipitate action by any of riparians will only make
it more difficult arrive at accommodation. So far, no riparian has taken
action inconsistent with the most thorough and equitable plan for just
utilization of basin resources that has been devised.
3. In addition these general considerations and while USG declines
becomes guarantor of any riparian's intentions, we have no information
to indicate Jordan River diversion by Israel is imminent. We too oppose
revision in status quo in Demilitarized Zones without approval both
parties. This was USG position in 1953/3/ and it remains our attitude
today. USG has no indication that Israel is contemplating action in
the Central Demilitarized Zone.
FYI: We do not wish commit ourselves at this time to written answer
to Syrian note. Our ultimate decision in this regard will of necessity
be determined partly by manner in which USSR handles it response.
Outline follows by separate telegram of other steps which Department
has initiated in effort take some heat out of this issue./4/
Rusk
/1/Source: Department of
State, Central Files, 684A.85322/2-2462.
Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Crawford,
cleared by Sisco, and approved by Grant.
Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo,
Jerusalem, Jidda, London, Moscow, Paris,
Rome, Tel Aviv, Bucharest, and USUN.
/2/Telegram 504 from Damascus,
December 21, described the oral démarche
made by Syrian Prime Minister Dawalibi while
delivering the Syrian note. Telegram 505
from Damascus, December 21, transmitted a
translation of the essential elements of
the note. (Both ibid., 684A.85322/2-2162)
/3/Reference is to U.S.
opposition to Israeli construction, begun
on September 2, 1953, to build a canal to
divert the waters of the Jordan River at
Banat Yaacov in the central sector of the
demilitarized zone between Syria and Israel.
The United States withheld foreign aid funds
earmarked for Israel until Israel agreed
to accept a U.N. requirement that it halt
construction. For documentation, see Foreign
Relations, 1952-1954, vol. IX, pp. 1303 ff.
/4/Document 199.
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |