(Sanitized) LITERATURE FROM DAMASCUS, SYRIA, AND BAGHDAD, IRAQ(Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83-00415R004700040002-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: R
• Document Page Count: 47
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 2, 2004
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: April 7, 1950
• Content Type: REPORT

FORM NO. 51.
MAY 1949
Q~-Nt~AL. INTELLIGENCE AGENCY 25X'PEPORT
INFORMATION REPORT CD NO.
State Dept. declassification & release instructions on file
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CLASSIFICATION RESTRICTED
0"
COUNTRY Middle' Last
SUBJECT
Literature 25X1
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE
ACQUIRED
from Damascus, Syria, a:ad
Baghdad, Iraq
06*UT us AM EXCL$$UE W &M*
IS 0M?AU
25X1
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACI' SO
U. S. C..31 AND 3Z. AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION
OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS IRO?
NIBITED BY LAW. REPRODUCTION Of THIS FORM IS PROHIBITED.
DATE DISTR. 7 April 1960
NO. OF PAGES 1
NO. OF ENCLS. 14
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
25X1
25X1
may be of interest:
Daily Reviews of the Syrian Press, and Baghdad Press Items
These attachments are of a free classification,
CLASSIFICATION RESTRICTED
ARMY
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 DAMASCUS9 SYRIA
Daily Reuiew of the Syrian Press
The following is an informal digest of material from the local
Syrian Press, and is in no way to be considered as an official
translation. It should not be quoted nor attributed to the Legation >
25X1
No. 52
(FOR STAFF USE ONLY)
Monde March 20 l
P ap e r s.___Rey. ewe ~1.
Alif Bag Al Nasr, Al Kifshq Al Manar, Al=Insba' ,
Al A.yyam, , Al Qabas, Al Jabal Al
Balath, Al Alam, Al Shabab, Al Balad, and Al-Islah.
ECONomi AFFAIRS
DWAL1BI? S JUSTIFI~'ATION FOR SEPARATION
Al fanar: Dr. Ma' aruf al$Dawalibi, the Minister of National. Economy
told our reporter that the effect of the separation had been most
satisfactory. He stated that a considerable number of Syrians
as well ss Lebanese importers have already shifted their business
to the interior and are contempletin; the import of necessary goods
via the Port of Latakia.
"The separation policy", the Minister continued, "has also
helped the development of industry in the country. It has con-
siderably solved the unemployment problem. As a result of prohibition
of the import of competitive foreign goods, the domestic industries
have resumed work and recalled their workers. These industries,,
he added, are running 16 hours and sometimes 24 hours per day to
meet the country's remuirements"o
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(Pro Dig. 52/2)
When asked about the, orojected Syro-Turkish agreement the Minister
strated, "We have agreed in principle on the basis of such an
Turkemn9and are iss preparing detailed
negotiations'.
Turkish Government P
In reply to a question regarding common interests between
Syria and Lebliquidate othe~etcommond~tnterestnaffairs.nee will
be set up to
PR ER' PREMIER'S DECLAR :)N
A1.Bala.dfl March 18 - On March 17 Premier 4Azm declared that
1anon, in reply to the Syrian proposal for a unified currency,
had suggested that Syria stabilize its currency by securing
a strong cover. Lebanon, remarked the Premier, seems to have
forgotten that the cover which the Lebanese Government has
secured for its currency is due mainly to the Syrian products
which Lebanon used to purchase from Syria with Syrian currency
and to export them abroad in return for hard currency. It is
worth citing the example of the joint decision for preventing
the exportation of oil which has been respected by Syria and
violated by Lebanon. Instead of complying with this decision,
Lebanon has been exporting Syrian oil abroad and receiving its
price in lwhichahaspenabled tLebanon thus
it is Syria
cover for its currency.
As for Syria, it has not been able to secure a sufficient
cover for its currency, because it has been spending considerable
funds to provide the Syrian Army with military equipment.
should be noted that Lebanon will benefit greatly if the Syrian
Army is strengthened and provided with proper military equipment.
In the hours of danger the Syrian Army will undertake to defend
both Syria and Lebanon. Has Lebanon forgotten that a complete
division of the Syrian Army defended the frontiers and inhabitants
of Lebanon during the Palestine war and was stationed in Lebanon
for several months'? 'Unfortunately, the Lebanese responsible
leaders ignored these facts when the Syrian Government proposed
the unification of the two currencies.
Al Kifah4 Immediately after the adjournment of a meeting of the
Gounci'of Ministers at the Foreign Office, the Prime Minister
revealed that Hasan Jabbara has been appointed as Director of
the Customs Administration and that the Syrian Delegation to
the Arab League Council will leave on Thursday, March 23.
GREEN BOOK
Al-Balad, March 18 The Government is expected to publish a
preen book explaining the various stages of the Syro-Lebanese
economic relations from 1943 until March 15, 1950. The book
will be distributed to the members of the Constituent Assembly,
and various private and official economic organizations.
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(Pr.Digo 52/3)
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
A PRINCE FROM AFGHANISTAN
Al Manar, March 20: H.M. Nadir Shah, the heir-prince to the throne
orhaxistan, was officially received at the Syro-Lebanese
E the Chief of
frontier;>. Drd Khal.id Shatila represented H.
State, a~td Mr. Walid Majid represented the Foreign Office at
this reception. The Muhafiz of Damascus, and the Director of
the Syrian Police were also present. The Shah and his cortege
were dr'.ven to Damascus and accommodated
Hotel o The Prince Is leaving Tuesday morning,
SYRIAN ARMY AFFAIRS
Al Marr.ar: Colonel Anwar Bannud, the Chief of the Syrian Army
't`` ', confided to our reporter that the Ministry of Defense
is making all the necessary preparations for training the Army.
He added that necessary measures have already been taken for
mili',ary training, and supplying the Army with modern arms and
equi)ment to enable it to encounter any emergency and repel any
aggression.
Colonel Bannud also stated that the Ministry is studying
th( possibility of Army's participation in the implementation
o' governmental projects, and particularly projects drawn up
the Ministry of Public Works, in order to reduce the treasury's
r :penses
Our reporter believes that the Defense Ministry has decided
ti acquire all Army requirements locally in order to encourage
d)mestic production and preserve the wealth of the country.
It is also reported that the payment in lieu of compulsory
iAlitary service has been reduced from 700 to 500 Syrian pounds,
,.nd that Syrians born in 1931 will be drafted for compulsory
ervice at the beginning of the next month.
/EOPLE' S PARTY CONFERENCE
1 K1fah: The preparatory committee of the People's Party which
s_se up to make preparations for a party conference, has
Ee.cided on Monday, March 27, 10:a.m. as the date for the conference.
Invitations to Party members, ministers, and deputies in
?,he Constituent Assembly have been sent. In his capacity as the
head of this Party, Rushdi Kikhya is expected to preside over
the conference.
()EJ ,E`GATION TO ARAB LEAGUE
Ap'96N*V&eN0as162 : ~IR-RDffic001415R004700040002-3at its
meeting... ?. ? 0
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(Pr.Diga 52/4)
meeting Sunday morning approved the Syrian delegation to the
Arab League which is as follows: Premier tAzm9 chairman, and
Ministers :Dawalibi and Atasi,, members..
QUWWATLI AND MARDAM
Al Manar: The Lebanese Government issued today, March 18, an
oic denial to the story published by certain Beiruti papers
that it had invited Quwwatli and Mardam to come to Lebanon.
THE POPULISTS AND HINNAWI
Barada: Editor Munir al-Rayyis pointed out today that the attack
conducted by Deputy Satid Heydar?and the Populists against
Minister Hawrani at the Constituent Assembly aimed at proving
to those who paid millions of Syrian pounds to "erect the crown
of colonization in Syria" that they still adhered to "the common
cause".
Rayyis then asked those members which raised the subject
of Hinnawi,, and especially Kikhya,, whether the court should
acquit Hinnawi just because the Assembly had addressed to him
a letter of anoreciation. Do they not realize,411~,,~t the man is
responsible for the assassination of Za'im and BArazi?
EXPROPRIATION BY TAPLINE
Alif Bat: "The Attorney of TAPline has been instructed to
suspend the expropriation of lands in Syrian territory because
of the disapproval of the Ministry of Defense", stated the Minis-
ter of Public Works,, Muhammad al-.Mubarak.
Prominent doctors and ordinary Syrians have in a telegram
requested the Government to refuse permits to TAPline to ex-
pronriate any land whatever. A group from the Kurdish, Abi
Jirsh, and. Al Sakka quarters assembled in the Shaykh al-'Akbar
Mosque sent a telegram supporting the request of these doctors
concerning the TAPline expropriation of lands. A certain
Muhammad Khayr al-Qadri signed on behalf of these inhabitants.
DAMASCUS
Alif Bat: Addressing the conference of the League of Red Cross
and them Syrian Red Crescent which was opened at the Syrian
University Hall on Saturday evening, March 18, Prime Minister
Khalid al-'Azm spoke of the barbaric crimes of the Jews in
assassinating Count Bernadotte and dispersing the inhabitants of
Palestine. He asked them not to forget the impression which
their present condition has made on the refugees. The Premier
concluded his soeech by pointing out that the only solution for
the refugee problem; is the repatriation of the refugees to their
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(Pr.Digo 52/5)
homeland.
During the conference a number of female and male refugees
demonstrated in front of the University Hall carrying posters
on which were written. "We want to return to our homeland".
We refuse Clapp's projects", "We disapprove of any organization
attempting to implement them".
Police soon intervened and prevented the demonstrators
from reachinsr the door of the hallo They returned and proceeded
toward the nuarters of the Red Crescent where they dispersed
themselves. They telegrammed the conferees, "The only solution
for the refugee problem is the repatriation of the refugees to
their homes, and the implementation of international resolutions
regarding Palestine. We disapprove any attempt to implement
Clapp's projects."
Count Roget and Mr. Walker called on the Chief of State
and the Prime Minister and presented the Medal of "Bernadotte".
Follow inp are the resolutions taken at this conference:
1. To work for the repatriation of the refugees to their
homes in compliance with their desires and preference over any
assistance that could be extended to them.
2. To employ refugees on short-term projects in order to
preserve their human spirit, maintain their moral, and ensure
their livelihood.
3. To continue the work of the League of Red Cross Societies
in extending help to the refugees:
a) To increase the UN allotment for refugees in order
to improve their living conditions.
b) To expand the participation of local Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies in medical aid operations,,
4. To attend to the education of refugee children in
accordance with education nrorrams followed in Arab countries,,
5. To oppose the resolution for terminating relief as of
July 309'1951 and to propose the extension of relief until such
a time as the refugees are repatriated to their homeland.
6. To oppose human cruelty in any form in accordance with
the principle of humanity on which the Red Crescent and Red
Cross Societies are based.
The representative of the Red Cross Societies in the Near
East stated that the above resolutions were made Sin Arabic
and approves ordReaase 200370 fft-8&-9DPk -BOX*O E 40 t ies . the
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(Pr.Dig;0 52/6)
delegates therefore do not feel responsible for their imple-
mentation.
On the other hand, Dr. Shawkat al-Shath, the Secretary of
the Syrian Red Crescent, has asserted that the International
Red Cross has adopted these resolutions in letter and spirit,
but that they will refer the resolution to the Supreme Committee
for ratification.
TRIPOLI STILT, OPPOSING SEPARATION
Al Nasr: The Director of the Syrian Police has been informed
that merchants in Tripoli together with the religious dignitaries
visited the Muhafiz of the city to request him to convey to the
Lebanese Government their desire to have all separation measures
lifted between Syria and Lebanon. The Director of the Police
was further informed by a telegram that a delegation composed of
merchants from Beirut and Tripoli called on the President of the
Lebanese Republic to inform him of the bad market conditions
resulting from the separation. Copies of this telegram were
submitted to the Ministries of roreign Affairs and Interior,
US ROLE IN I'RADICAT;[NG A PARTY
Al Insha': Continuing its series of articles on the 'syrian
Soc a` Nationalist Party, this Nationalist organ reveals the
role played by the US Government in destroying this Party.
The paper alleges that realizing the extent of French influence
and French desires to regain their former position in Syria,
the American Legation in Damascus exerted pressure upon the
late Husni al-Za'im (who was then negotiating with the Social.
Nationalists to overthrow the Lebanese Government and occupy
it militarily) to compel him to give up his pro-French policy
The paper concludes that the Legation persuaded Za'im to hand
over Sa'adi to his executioners.
ARMAM&NT OF THE ARABS
Al Manar: March 20 . According to a report from London, an official
source denied Jewish allegations that the British Government is
intending to revise its policy towards arming the Arab countries,
It is reported from Washington that Mr. Acheson is today
the subject of bitter press criticism because he was supporting
the British policy of arming the Arab countries.
BOYCOTT OF ARAB DIPLOMATS IN WASHINGTON
Alif Ba': A report datelined Washington March 17 quotes the
Egyptisn Ambassador as stating that the Arab Diplomats in
Washington have refused to attend the annual conference of the
Middle East Institute because of the attendence of an Israeli
delegate at the conference.
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MOBILIZATION OF FORCES........
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(Pr.Dig. 52/7)
r"OB LIZATION OF FOR02 ALONG FRtONTIERS
~Yrl A? Y~ I Y~+W~
Al Manar: According to an arrival from Lebanon the Lebanese
Gove~ nment has mobilized army and gendarmerie forces at Kar'un2
Mashghara, Sahrnar, and Toman Mounts which overlook AiShuf district,,
It is believed that these measures are a precaution against a
possible Druze invasion of Lebanon should Kamal Junblat, the
brother-in-law of Amir Harlan al-Atrash, and a deputy in the
Lebanese Parliament, be apnrehended on instructions from Rliyad /
a1?Sulh.
SYRO-EGYPTI-~N ALLIANCE
Al Insha' curried today an article by Dr. Adib al-Daudi in which
he ix reseed his doubts as to the usefulness of the meetings of the
Arab League. He ur ed the Prime Minister to propose to the Egyptian
Government the conclusion of a military alliance between Syria
and Egypt which are the only two countries which honestly fought
in Palestine and lived up to their obligations towards the Pales-
tinians. He concluded:
The Egyptian Government should realize that its material
aid to the -Syrian Army in planes, tanks and guns will benefit both
Egypt and Syria, because the Jews would be compelled to divide up
their forces on both the Syrian nnd Egyptian frontiers."
'ABDULLAH'S CONSPIRAf? WITH THE JEWS
Barada. This paper reproduced from the Egyptian weekly "Akhbar
al-Yom" the following documents. (It should be noted that the
Egyptian Weekly printed photographs of these documents).
1. A letter in the handwriting of Elias Sason, former Advisor
for Eastern Affairs at the Israeli Foreign Office and present
Ambassador to Turkey? sent on Decemlier 10, 194 to King Abdullah
during the period when the Egyptian Army was fighting in the south,,
requesting the King to send his assistant to discuss with him the
common cause.
2 A letter in the handwriting of the King to Colonel 'Abdullah
al?T 1,.1, dated January 1, 1949 ordering him to negotiate with the
Jews.
3. A message signed by the King dated March 10, 1949 and ad-
dressed to the Israeli Government in which he sends greetings to
Shertok and-expresses-his good intentions.
4. A letter from Shertok to the King dated March 11, 1950 in
which he expresses his appreciation to him.
5. A letter from the King to Shertok.
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DEMONSTRATION IN ALEPPO
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(Pr.Dig. 52/8)
DEM1)NSTRATIONS IN ALEPPO
Al Masai: The Aleppo students demonstrated today peacefully in
t.i~ A expo streets and protested against the Jordanian-Israeli
acrreemento
ARDULLAH ATTACKED
Barada carried today an editorial by Dra Subhi Abu Ghanimah, the
Tie-11Z nown Jordanian leap,'er residing in Damascus, in which he
bitterly attacked Abdullah in connection with the documents printed
in 'Akhbar al-Yom".
APPEAL OF THE REFUf;EES
Al=Palad: Refugees residing in Syria and Lebanon sent the following
note to heads of Arab Governments and to the Secretary General of
the Arab League:
""The Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon express their
concern and :fears about the Congress of the Leagues of Red Cross
and Red Crescent in Damascus beginning on the 17th of March, 1950,
The meeting at this time in but a continuation of foreign colonial
attempts to realize the projects of the Clapp Economic Mission
which the Arab States rejected and which the refugees themselves
reject.
"The foreign states hidden behind the Congress who created
"Israel" and who protect her, will exploit the work of the Congress
for the implementation of the Clapp projects and refugee assistance
and for imperialistic projects which these states have already
refused.
"The refugees believe that the Clapp projects definitely aim
at the separation of the refugees from their homes and for the
economic colonization of the Arab States by Zionist capital and
the creation of cooperation between Israel and the Arab States?
The refugees believe that foreign colonial projects because of
their nature and aims can never be Arab National projects unless
their implementation be by National groups.
"For these reasons the refugees ask the Arab Governments to
be watchful and that iublic opinion in the Arab States not be taken
in by these foreign methods which hide behind a guise of humanita-
rianism and goodness to implement their program and imperialistic
aims. All Arabs and r*roups must warn against being taken in by
foreign, Zionist and imperialist inducements and justifications
to sacrifice the interests and rights of the refugees for the
greed of some individuals and trroups."
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GONSTlTU ;NT r~SSaiBLY, Meeting of March 13, 1950
A bill on the budget of the Constituent Assembly was read,,
Siba (M.B0) proposed the reduction of the deputies salaries
by 25 % and was supported by Sa'id Navdar and Hasan al-Hakim,,
Ravif Mii i (Hama- Ind) objected arguing that an unmarried deputy
who normally resides in Damascus does not need a salary, because
he lives with his parents, whereas non-Damascene married deputies
incur great expenses. Milqi proposed a re-adjustment of salaries
" on this basis and. was supported by Barazi.
8iba?i: j-f I am a bachelor that does not mean that l have no
expenses. There are many bachelors who spend more than married
people. He was interrpted by Farid 14irhij who remarked: "Of
course, bachelors spend more on self-enjoyment." (Laughter)
> hakar al- ?Nss ( P - f4unaytra) proposed a 25 % reduction in the
Assembly's budget?
The budget was put to a vote and was approved by the majority.
The secretary then read the report of the Economic Committee
set up by the Constituent Assembly to consider the Government's
action concerning the economic rupture with Lebo-non0 Following
is a detailed summary of this report;
It 1 In the last seven years the Syrian Government has been
making sacrifices and following a policy of toleration and self-
denial in its economic relations with Lebanon. The ?yrian
Government's motive behind this policy has always been to establish
close and permanent collaboration between Syria and Lebanon. in
all fields and to uphold the noble national cause towards which
Syria is striving.
2. Since 1947 the Syrian Government has on frequent occasions
urged the Lebanese Government to agree to a unified and coordina-
ted economic policy to replace the short-term and temporary agree-
ments which have been. confined to customs affairs and which have
been more than once violated by Lebanon. The Syrian Government
has often proposed the establishment of complete economic unity
involving unification, of customs and currency, a common exports
and imports policy, and equalization of taxes and duties. The
Syrian Government maintains that such economic unity would save
the two countries from the danger of bankruptcy and exhaustion
of their natural wealth to which they are now exposed.
The Lebanese Government, however, has been adopting an
attitude of evasiveness and procrastination towards the Syrian
proposals. Consequently, the Syrian Government could not but
appeal to the Lebanese Government for the last time to agree
to the principle of complete economic unity in order to preserve the L
has re int Verests f~`~ 11 Wa`l' ~ 1 J $~OtOg1- ave what
3 . . . .
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The Lebanese Government, however, did not accept
the Syrian proposal for establishing a common economic and
monetary policy in audition to the existing customs union.
It has even violated the agreement of July 8, 194.9 which pro-
vides that the Lebanese Government should endeavor to remove
the difference between the two currencies. in so doing the
Lebanese Government has closed the door for further negotia-
tions and has disregarded the interests of industrial and
agricultural producers in both countries. That is why the
Syrian Government has been compelled to follow a policy capable
of securing. public welfare and pr.aserving the general wealth
of the country.
4- The leading businessmen of Syria have unanimously
advised the Government that the lack of complete economic
unity and the difference between the two currencies
have gravely endangered the Syrian currency and general well
being. The free monetary policy has enabled Lebanese traders
to purchase Syrian products with Syrian currency, even such
products as were not intended for export by the Syrian Gov't
and to export them abroad in return for hard currency.
The Lebanese traders, thanks to the open trade policy,
have also been able to import foreign goods, specially
luxuries, by the herd currency which they originally obtained
as a result of selling Syrian products. The Lebanese traders
used to sell these foreign goods to the Syrian traders in
return for Lebanese currency which had been artificially valued
at a price higher than that of the Syrian currency. Owing
to the existing customs union the Syrian Government could not
prevent the flow of luxuries to the Syrian markets.
The absence of complete economic unity has also led to
differences between the rates of taxes and duties imposed on
goods which flow between the two countries. This difference
encouraged smugoling from Lebanon to Syria and induced certain
Syrian traders to transfer their capital and factories to
Lebanon. The open door policy in imports, which are not counter-
balanced by exports, has endangered the position of the newly-
born industries in Syria and has given rise to the problem of
unemployment which has been recently witnessed in Damascus,
Horns, Aleppo and other Syrian towns.
For these reasons the leading businessmen of Syria have
unanimously urged the Government to base its decisions on
figures and facts and not to be influenced by any other
considerations. They also called upon the Government to maintain
the exclusive interests of Syria should it fail to maintain
the interests of both Syria and Lebanon.
5- The majority of the committee approve, much to their
distress, the Government's recent measures in respect to
Lebanon and recommends that the Constituent Assembly ratify
them. The committee also requests the Constituent Assembly
to ratify and advise the Government on the following recommen_
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a) Th6 Government is urged to plan a separate economic
policy designed to promote and protect industrial and
agricultural production.
b) The Government is urged to combat monopolization and
inflation by introducing a system of firm,arganized control
and supervision.
c) The Government is urged to cover the Syrian currency
by adequate quantities of gold and hard currency and to uphold
it by increased production.
d) The Government is called upon to conclude trade
agreements immediately with all states in general and the
Arab states in particular with a view to securing the exporta-
tion of surplus Syrian industrial and agricultural products
and the importation of such commodities as are necessary for
promoting and increasing production.
e) The Government is urged to establish its economic
relations with Lebanon on a basis which would secure the
interests of the Syrian and Lebanese people and not only the
interests of certain groups of traders and importers.
f) Since Syria wants unity of the Arab countries in all
fields, the committee urges the Government not to resume its
previous economic relations with Lebanon except on the basis
of the principle of complete economic unity. In case an agree-
ment on the principle of complete economic unity is concluded,
the committee recommends that such agreement be recorded in
the registers of the Arab League with a view to avoiding mis-
interpretations and violations in the future.
Mr. Jalal al-Sayyid, member of this committee, has
pronounced himself against the Government's measures and the
recommendations of the committee. Mr. Muhammad a1-Jayrudi and
Mr. Hakim al-Mallah have approved the recommendations of the
committee, but they have called upon the committee to advise
the Government to seek beforehand the advice of the Constituent
Assembly on important matters such as the question of economic
relations with Lebanon.
President of the economic Committee
Hasan al-Hakim
Happorteur of Committee - Issam al-Mahay'ri.
Ali Huzo (?--Damascus) asked about the truth of the report
published in certain papers that a delegation representing the
Constituent Assembly had visited Premier Solh in Beirut and
conferred with him on the economic separation.
President...
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'.residentXikhya denied that the Assembly had delegated any
representatives.
Jalal al-Sayiid (R-Deir-ft-Zor) denied that he had left for
Beirut to discuss the present situation. He said that although
he agreed with the Government's points of views the Government
should have consulted the Assembly before taking such
important measures. He added that the Government action was
a violation of the Assembly's prorogatives and warned the
Assembly against certain foreign directions which might be
aimed at separating Lebanon from the Arab world. He asked the
Premier to explain the current reports that-a certain political
party was licensed on the day which followed the attempt to
assasinate the Lebanese Premier. He further inquired about the
reasons which induced the Syrian Government to prevent the
entry of Lebanese papers to Syria and to permit the Syrian press
to attack Lebanon. In conclusion he said that although he
intended to vote against the Government's action he could not
but wish it all success.
Premier 'Azrn_ He said that Syria's policy had always aimed at
achieving economic unity with Lebanon. He added, "the reason
which induced the Government to take immediate measures was
its desire to avert any further devaluation of the Syrian
currency in respect to the Lebanese currency and to prevent
the infiltration of foreign goods to Syria which would result
in the exhaustion of the country's wealth. We are nevertheless
prepared to enter into negotiations on the principle of complete
economic unity and on the understanding that agreements should
be respected and implemented. As to the rumor that I have been
motivated by personal interest, I should like to deny thRs
rumor and to swear that it has no foundation. My relations
with H.iyad al-Solh are characterized by friendship and loyalty.
If you believe that imy caprice dominates the interests of the
country you are charging me with a grave accusation which i do
not think I merit." feferring to the press report that he had
not congratulated the Lebanese Premier on his escape from
assasinatione he said: "Various rumors have been spread for the
purpose of poisoning the atmosphere. As a matter of fact,
sent a personal friend to congratulate the Lebanese P rimier
on my behalf on his escape from death."
with regard to separatist measures against Lebanon,
Premier 'Azm emphasized th;,,t it was not he alone who adopted
these measures, but that he had taken them jointly with his
cabinet and at the recommendation of the commercial organiza-
tions and the recent economic conference of businesmen.
The Premier denied that he had prevented the Lebanese
newspapers from enterin Syria even though Syrian papers were
banned in Lebanon. The Premier added that he regretted the
campaign conducted by certain Syrian papers against Lebanon,
but he pointed out that the press was free and that he had no
authority over the papers. In this connection he also remarked
that the cam a. n of the Syrian press could not be compared
with Ajff%Y%d IWII&85 WZLeM& 83 QQ ?LR004700040002-3
Siba'.
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-9-
(PO-Damascus) supported the Government action but
inquired into the truth of the report that certain Lebanese
.Ministers had expressed a desire to reach an understanding
with Syria and that they had attempted to facilitate the
meetin of the two premiers but that Premier 'Azm had refused:
He remarked that separation from Lebanon was of national
significance, and expressed his hope that it would not lead
Lebanon to abandon the Arabs to their enemies.
Premier''Azm stated that a friend of his hall urged him
to meet Solh and that he agreed. This friend however communi-
cated with Solh and informed him that he was welcome to visit
Damascus and to discuss the resent situation on ;he principle
of complete economic unity. The mention of complete economic
unity apparently discouraged aolh from coming to Damascus. The
Premier then declared that Syria would not accept any solution
other than complete economic unity and not simply a revision
of the customs system or the increase of Syrian officials in
the customs administration. Premier 'Azm added that the
Latakia harbor could easily handle Syrian imports a=id exports.
Barazi continued his attack on the Government said criticized
r eruier ' Azm for not arranging a meeting with the Lek ane se
Premier. He then censured the Government for not having permi-
tted the Syrian papers to publish the details of the :.ast
meeting. iie pointed out that the Syrian Government took imme-
diate measures to effect separation at a time when it ,hould
have complied with the general tendency for A.ab unity.
Bandashi (Ind-Tel Iialakh) strongly opposed separation with
Lebanon and urged the Assembly to recommend a just compromise
settlement.
t+iaha.xri(SSNP) approved the Government's action in his capacity
as rapporteur of the committee. He further dE+.nied that the
SSNP had any connection with the attempt on the life of P.iyed
al-Solh, and said he was not supporting the Government becatse
he had obtained licence for his party,,
Ratib al-Husami (P-Homs) read a statement by the People's
Party in support of the Government's economic policy toward
Lebanon. The statement expressed the People',; Party's regret
that the economic relations between the two countries had to
be severed and hopes that economic separation with Lebanon
would not affect political relations.
The economic Committee's report was put to vote and as
approveu by an overwhelming majority. it was opposed only
by Barazi. Al Sayyid, and Dandashi.
The meetin; was adjourned until Monday, March 20, at
4:00 p.m.
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 Daily Revieu of the Syrian Press
The following is an informal digest of material from the local
Syrian Press, and is in . no way to be considered as an official
translation. It should not be quoted nor attributed to the Legation >>
25X1
No 0 54 (FOR STAFF USE ONLY)
Wedn eda March 22, 1 O
Papers Reviewed:
Alif Ba', Al :Naar, Al Rif eh Al Manar, A1-Insha' ,
Al Ayyam, A). +Qabas, Al Jabal, Al Ha' ath Al Nazir,
Al Alam, Al Shabab, Al Balad, and Al-Isf ah.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
EXPORT OF FOODSTUFF ;IO I EH., ANON
Al Manar; A responsible source in the Ministry of National Economy
stnted that decision No. 196 regarding; the export of foodstuffs
and agricultural products will be applied to Lebanon.
Decision No. 196 stipulates that the exportation of foodstuffs
such as samnah, wheat, rice, floor, burghol; and livestock such as
cattle, sheep, and goats; and cement shall be subject to special
permits.
On the other hand a responsible official in the Ministry of
Finance has stated that the export of grade-zero flour to Lebanon
will be permitted.
25X1
NO PETROLEUM CRISIS
Al Alapmproves~ eorCounc OoOplO4i2n2is~#ASAD i%3sOOa4)5pgWcQ004 ai ion regarding
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(Pr.Dig. 54/2)
the issusnce of rare currencies to distributing companies in Syria
for the importation of the country's petroleum requirements. The
total amount of rare currencies allotted to Socony Vacuum, Shell,
and the National Petroleum Company is 173,435 pounds sterling and
188,215 dollars.
LEBANESE RETALIATORY MAS
Alm Oabas' correspondent in Beirut reports that the Lebanese Govern-
ment hasp prohibited the import of dairy products from Syria and has
imnosed customs duties on vegetables imported from Syria.
NEW CUSTOMS APPOINTMENTS
Al Tnsha': The Syrian Government has requested all customs officials
9yF*.ah nationality holding positions in Lebanon to report to
Damascus immediately in order to take over new appointments in the
newly-established Customs Administration. The Gendarmerie personnel
at the frontier outposts have been requested to perform customs
duties and to cooperate with the customs officials in the performance
of their duties.
LEBANESE AGENTS TRANSFER BUSINESS TO DAMASCUS
Al Insha': A number of prominent Syrian merchants and importers
have protested in a telegram to the Government against the Govern-
ment's permitting Lebanese merchants to register their firms at
the Ministry of National Economy and to carry on business and
maintain offices for their agencies in Damascus. They consider
the Government's action as prejudicial to their commercial interests.
EXPROPRIATION BY TAPLINE
Alif Ba': A communique has been issued by the Directorate General
of Pro' Banda and Information concerning the expropriation of lands
by the Trans-Arabian Pipeline Company. In reply to the allegations
recently made in a note (see Pr.Dip. 52/4) presented to the Govern-
ment concerning the valuation of the expropriated areas, the
authorities expropriating the land, and the Company's ulterior
military motives behind such expropriations, the communique states:
1. The committees which had been set up in Der'a, unaytra,
'Asra' and Zawiya, had been charged with the task of estimating
the value of the areas assigned for expropriation in order that the
Government can. determine the deposit to be paid by the Company.
The final determination of the value of the land shall be made
by special committees to be set up in accordance with the provisions
of Expropriation Law No. 272, dated June 6, 1946
Objections against these estimates shall be studied by an
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(Pr.Dig. 54/3)
arbitration committee to be composed of a Judge as chairman appointed
by the Ministry of Justice, and of two representatives of the
Ministry of Public '..corks as me era.
2. The expropriated lands will be registered in the name of
the Government, despite the fact that the Company would pay for
them. The lands would be leased to the Company for a period not
exceeding the period of the agreement with the Company.
3. The lands expropriated for the passage of the pipelines
will always be of 3O-meters wide in order to provide roads for the
Comoany's vehicles and room for heavy machinery used in the pipeline's
construction.
4. The extension ofj the Company's pipelines across Syrian
territory bears no connection whatsoever with any military aims.
The agreement concluded between the Company and the Government
stipulates that the lines, installations, as well as the employees
of the Company are subject to a control by the Syrian Government.
It is worth noting, the communique concludes,, that the Government
has requested the Company to keep its lines as far away from the
frontiers as possible, and that the Ministry of Defense will establish
military outposts at the expense of the Company at points adjacent
to the frontiers.
ARAB AFFAIRS
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARAB LE AGUE
Barada: Since the Palestine catastrophe the crab people have not
celebrated with their Governments the anniversaries of the Arab
League. Ps a matter of fact the Arab people expect the Arab dele-
gations to the forthcoming session of the Arab League Council to
dissolve the present League and form a new one to be composed of
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. The new league should
be a truly representative of both the Governments and peoples of
the aforesaid states. As for Iraq and Jordan their representation
should be confined to this Iraqi and Jordanian peoples excluding
their Governments. The members of the opposition who have recently
resigned from the Iraqi Parliament should be asked to appoint dele-
gates representing the Iraqi people. The Arab Party and its dean,,
Dr., Subhi Abu Ghanimah, should be asked to appoint the representatives
of the Jordanian people. As for North Africa and other parts of the
Arab world they should be represented by members of nationalist
parties which are opposed to imperialism.
4 AZT! TO VISIT SOLH
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'AZM TO VISIT saw
All Papers published the text of the cables sent by Premier
Solh to 'Azm inviting him to come to Beirut and discuss Arab
League affairs and 'Azm's acceptance.
ARAB LEAGUE COUNCIL NO&STING
A]. Manar: According to Al Mien, the Egyptian Arabic daily, a
proposal will probably be presented to the League requesting that
the Jordanian delegates be temporarily barred from the Arab League
Session until accusations made against the Kingdom of Jordan have
been investigated by a'special committee, The Grand Mufti Haj
Amin al$Husayni, and Colonel 'Abdallah al-Tal, the former Jordanian
Military Governor of Jerusalem would be likely witnesses before
the committee. If these accusations are found true, a decision
would be passed by the League to bar the Kingdom of Jordan per-
manently from the Arab League, to request the severence of relations
between the !'rab states and Jordan, and to consider it as a hostile
state,
A MILITARY AGREEMENT BETWEEN RIYAD AND DAMASCUS
Al 'Alam: A reuter's despatch from Beirut quotes reliable official
sources as stating that a secret military agreement has been signed
between the Saudi Arabian Government and Syria and that this
agreement is connected with the construction of the Latakia Port,
According to this agreement, the despatch continues, Saudi Arabia
will extend technical assistance for the implementation of the
Latakia Port project in return for the extension of Syrian military
facilities to the Sa'udi arabian Government in case of aggression
,,gainst Saudi Arabia,
p.OUBLE IN BA' ALB.BCK
Al Masa': On the question of economic separation between Syria
a ebanon, the inhabitants of Ba'albeck, Lebanon,, are divided
into two camps. A clash between these two camps is reported to
have taken place resulting in the death of Husan Zu'aytar, Several
others were injured,
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
PEOPLE' S PARTY CHALLENGED
Barada published a lengthy article criticizing the People's Party's
opposition to the Collective Security Pact project and observing
that the People's Party was still in favor of union with Iraq. The
paper challenges the Dean of the Party, Mr. Rushdi al?Kikhya, to
issue a signed statement denying or confirming his support of the
Syro-Iraqi union project. The paper adds that it would apologize
to Kikhya were he simply to issue a statement declaring his support
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(Pr0Dig. 54/5)
of the renublicPn regime of Syria and denouncing the attempts to
Impose a monarchical regime in its place. Mr. Kikhya, however, will
never issue such a statement, since he lacks the courage to disclose
the projects which he has adopted, and since he has no faith in
the ability of his people to maintain their independence without
the assistance of a large imperialist power which, he knows, was
the cause of the Palestine tragedy.
THE NEW CONSTITUTION
Al 'Alain.: Dr. Nazim al-Qudsi, the Chairman of the constitutional
sub-committee set up to draft the new Syrian constitution, has
stated that the draft constitution will be presented to the Con-
stituent Assembly by the and of the present month.
DIVISION 7,FITHIN THE PEOPLE'S PARTY
Al Masat a According to this paper a division has taken place
within the People's Party on party policy.
This division which may have undesirable and dangerous con-
sequences has arisen from the support by certain members of the
Party of the Government's Arab policy.
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CUNSTITUZ',NT ASSEMBLY MEETING OF Y"GH 21_,,__!25_0_;
From all papers: The Constituent Assembly held yesterday,
Bch 21, a special meeting to debate the Government's policy
in the Arab League.
Mustafa a1-Siba1i:(MB):When the Arab League was established
all Arabs centered their hopes on it and considered it as the
first step towards complete Arab unity, The dream of Arab unity
continued until the Arab League concerned itself with Palestine
and caused its loss. It was then that the Arabs realized that
the Arab League was no more than a group of Arab states not
so much interested in the Arab cause as in personal ambitions
and in readiness to submit to imperialistic designs.
it is the Arab League which is responsible for the loss
of Palestine and not the Arab nation nor the Arab peop4.e. The
Arab League could have avoided theshame of the Palestine
catastrophe had they handled the Palestine problem on the
understanding that there were some Arab states which were
closely linked to imperialism. Instead' of realizing this fact,
the Other Arab states, motivated by the desire to present
a united front, agreed to entrust the military leadership to
throne seekers. The bad intentions of those who were entrusted
with leadership were revealed in the first stage of the Pales-
tine conflict. heverthelesa, the policy of complacency continued
until the battle was finally lost. Furthermore, the Arab League
instead of acquainting the Arab people with the true facts
has always mislead them by exaggerated declaration and mis-
representations. At one time, the name of Palestine appeared
on maps, but today this name is replaced by 'Israel' and
another Arab kingdom? As a result of the criminal policy of
the Arab League, a million Arab refugees have been expatriated.
Recent reports indicate that agreement has been virtually
concluded between Israel and a neighboring Arab kingdom. There
are indications that these reports are true and the publicttion
of the agreement has been delayed by the force of circumstances.
This neighboring Arab state should be expelled from the League.
We want the arab League to be frank with us. We do not want
more lies and misrepresentations. Here in Syria we have
revolted.against distorters of truth and have expelled them
from government. We want our delegation to the Arab League
to revolt against the policy of subterfuge and follow our
example.
it should be noted that Syria forms the front line and
is more threatened with aggression than any other state. It
is to the interest of every Arab country that Syria should be
strong and should be,capable of withstanding dangers. If the
other Arab states are loyal to the Arab cause they should
cooperate with us, and enable us to play our role in defending
Syria and the otheriirab states.
It is an erroneous policy to cooperate with those who
are linked by fetters or those who receive their orders.from
certa prlfe"EVRel$at 2x05 / : G1 1s1@DR8s1i@ 04 'bo'th ze
ourselves in the interests of certain ambitious and capricious
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(Pr.D1g054/r~
/ ! )
individuals. We should endeavor to place our interest above
any other considerations-
I call upon the Prime Minister who is heading the Syrian
delegation to the Arab League to remember that he and his
colleagues are representing a nation which has revolted against
injustice and misrepresentation of facts. Transmit to the
Arab League that Syria forms the frontline and that if the Arab
League cooperates with us in our efforts to strengthen ourselve
such cooperation will be in the interest of all the Arabs in
general. Otherwise, tell them that we are determined to stand
alone in the battlefield and to spare no effort to preserve
our status and the status of all the Arabs. Tell them that
we shall continue our struggle to the last man.
Said Haydar (P) proposed the establishment of a comprehensive
unity between the Arab states and recommended that the
Syrian delegation be accompanied by members of the Constituent
Assembly. He urged the Prime Minister to explain to the Arab
League that Syria extends its hang to every Arab state willing
to unite with it in the interest of the Arab cause.
All Buzo (Damascus-P) delivered.a lenghty speech in which he
reminded the Assembly of the cautious and suspicious attitude
of the Arab armies towards one another during the Palestine
war. He pointed out the example of the battle of Samakh in
which the Syrian Army was exposed to extermination. This same
army could have won the Palestine war alone had it been well-
equipped by the former responsible leaders of the country.
He also referred to the decuments published recently
by an Igyptian weekly on correspondence between a certain
Arab King and Israel in which the Arab King addressed Shertok
by terms such as "my dear Shertok."
In conclusion he censured the Sgyptian policy aimed at
imposing Quwwatli on Syria.
Da.ndashi (Ind) said that the Arab people have lost all faith
in their leaders and ixpressed his do_tbt as to the usefulness
of Arab League meetings.
Jalal al-sSayyid (R) urged the Syrian delegation to insist
on the adoption of the former Syrian proposal for federation
between the Arab states.
Arif alTarai (Ind) ured the formation of a unified military
command and the auoptLon of a unified policy in political and
economic affairs.
'Abd-al-Latif Yunis(Ind) The Arab League should be preserved,,
The Syrian delegation should strive to narrow the gap between
the viewpoints of the Arabs.
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Ziki al-.Khatib (Ind) ured the Government to reconcile the
Arabs' viewpoints and to eliminate their differences.
Muhammad 'Ashuri (P) called for the strengthening of the
Syrian Armyp the reinforcement of the Arab League and the
consideration of .this federation project of the previous
government.
?Abd-al_Latif Siba',i (P) spoke to the same effect.
' Abd-al-Wahhab Hawm.ad (Prominent Populist) said that the
celestine question is a political subject:camouflaged behind.
an economic project. Colonization is appearing now in a new
form characterized by o-conomic projects instead of military
occupation. Time is with us and we can destroy Israel economi-
cally. Recent news indicates that Truman s Point Four Program
and Clapp's projects constitute the only serious attempts to
help the economy of Israel. If the Arab states know how to
tighten the economic blockade and withstend foreign pressure,
Israel, which lives on charity and foreign aid, will collapse.
When confusion spreads in Israel-as a result of economic
crisis even Americans will abandon israel as a lost cause and
withdraw their capital.
.He further drew the attention of the Government to the
grave consequences which would ensue if certain Arab Governments
conclude peace treaty with Israel. Peace treaty with Israel
would open a gap in the economic blockage imposed on Israel.
He added that the Jews were exporting their goods to Cyprus
and certain Mediterranean ports where their original trade
marks were replaced by "Made in USA" or"made in Britain" with
a view to reexporting them to the Arab countries. He proposed
that the Arab states control the entire foreign trade and that
they take drastic measures against illegal trade with the Jews,,
Shakir al-'Ass (P) said that Syria's first concern was to
defend itself and that Syrians should not depend on the Arab
League.
When it was the turn of Husni al-Barazi to speak the
journalists present at the meeting withdrew in a body from
the i ssembly.
Barazi remarked that there eras no use in advising Ithe Government
as to as to do and not to do at the crab League s meetings,
because the leaders of the Government received their orders
from the leaders of the Army.
Fa rXdi al-Atasi (Populist. Minister) : If Ahmad unbar was not
my dear friend" would consider his question as to whether
the present government which includes members of the previous
government: have abandoned the Syrian proposal for federation
as a personal attack. The present government still adheres
to the policy of the former government in this respect.
Federation is our objective but the question is not only
confpe~d~al~er5e~~0g/~4LTi~83-~R4cl~~(~2-3
Minister Hawrani....
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a '0
Minister Hawrani: He strongly attacked Barazi for accusing the
Army of intervening in politics and described his remarks as
prejudicial to the prestige of the army,, He said that the army
has been busy training and strengthening itself and that he could.
assert that the Syrian Army is now thirty times stronger than it
was before the Palestine ward He concluded by stating that the
army was well-enuipped and was capable of defending the safety of
;he country.
yasan al WH kiw (Ind) -oointed out that there were two dangers: the
irs-- sY to confront us as a result of a possible conflict
I,-atween the Bast and West and the second is definite and is repre-
sented by Israeli expo+nsionist designs.
Munir QAjlani (Ind) referred to a secret treaty reported by Reuter
to have been concluded between Syria and Saudi Arabia. With
reference to Buzo's remarks on Quwwatli.g he said that when H.E.
Shukri al Quwwatli was imprisoned at Mazzah his first concern was
to find out whether Za'im's coup d'etat was a local affair or a
result of foreign intervention. When he realized that it was a
local affair he rejoiced and was willing; to endure the hardships
of imprisonment,, If Quwwatli has been deprived of the Presidency
he could not be considered as having been ousted from our hearts,,
The great patriot Shukri gal-Quwwatli refused to be imposed on Syria
He concluded by stating that Syria will never accept any settlement
with Israel,, Buzo tried to answer 'Ajlani but was silenced by the
Assembly, particularly the Populists.
Premier 'Azm stood and after thanking the members for their
frank statements he said: "We have taken note of the recommendations
of the Assembly and we shall bear them in mind during, our visit to
Cairo,,"
Referrin'to the Arab League he said, "The Arab League Charter
was drawn up under circumstances different from those of the present.,
Those who first established the Arab League took into consideration
the existing tendencies and attempted to effect a compromise. Since
the Palestine catastrophe we have been strongly feeling the need
for uniting the ranks of the Arabs. It is important to learn a
lesson from the events of the past. There is great hope now that
the relations between the Arab states will be reorganized on a
stronger and more effective basis,,"
Premier 'Azm then explained in brief the policy of the Syrian
Government towards the Arab League. In this connection he said,
The Syrian delegation to the forthcoming session of the Arab League
Council will have in view greater Arab unity. The members of the
Assembly have pledged themselves by oath to work for achieving this
objective,, If the Government deviates from this principle it can
be considered as having violated its oath.
"As for the Syrian proposal for federation between the Arab
states, you are aware that it was not submitted to the Arab League
Counc pOWbVnr# aA-00?1taPA9 ?IA P83?-0 19~OII~7bt6 b0~f-3experts
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(Pr0Digo 54./10)
which pointed out then that such a proposal was outside its scope
of work and prerogatives, This proposal, however, will ttime
be submitted to the Arab League Council. It may approved,
amended, or rejected,
"W th regard to the Collective Security Pact project we strongly
hope that it will be realized despite the difficulties which stand
in its way. The projected Pact, however, should not be confined
to political and military questions, but should also involve
economic matters. I Mr. Abd
in this connection.
the most effective weapon against the Jewse"
In conclusion, Premier 'Azm declared., We hope that we shall
succeed in our endeavor' to prepare a clear and comprehensive
pact based on a sound and workable foundation. When I return I
shall inform you of all, the events of the session of the Arab League
Councilo We should secure the support of our Arab brethern, but
first and foremost we should rely on ourselves. If we do not arm
ourselves and make all the necessary economic and financial pre-
narations we cannot seek the assistance of others"
The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday March 28, at 5:00 p.m.
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 DIAtTIASCUS, SYRIA
DaiIj Aeuiew
of the 59r ian Press
>
25X1
No,, (FOR STAFF USE ONLY)
Thursday, March 23,, 1950
,' gapers Reviewed,
Alif ba' , Al Nasr9 Al Kifahe Al i'lanar, Al Insha,
Al Ayyam, Al Qabas, Al Jabal, Al ha'ath, Al Nazir,
Al 'Alain, Al Shabab, Al salad, Al l5lah, and Al Masa'.
---o0o---
AHAB AFFAIRS
CHIEF OF
STATE'S MiSSAG1:
Alif Ba': On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the Arab
league H.E. the Chief of State addressed the following message
to the Syrian people:
:"On this day five years ago delegations representing the
Arab states announced in Cairo the establishment of the Arab
League. Since then Arab Governments and peoples throughout the
Arab world have celebrated this day and have considered it as
a national holiday. It is on this day that the Arabs witnessed
the realization of a hope which they had cherished, and at
which they had strived, ever since their fortunes waned and
their strength, unity and status disintegrated.
b~v~~r 20~~2~o~{RDP~3~94~i04~ i e s
and obstacles...
 Approved For Release 2005/O fR.:jl8QR )0041~g
and obstacles that the first. stages in its history have been
characterized by slow and shaky steps Nevertheless, the
.Arab peoples' desire to strengthen, support and consolidate
the status of the Arab League should urge the Arab Governments
to spare no effort or sacrifice to uphold and reinforce this
national organization. The attachment of the I1rab peoples to
their League and their sincere desire to uphold its cause and
ensure its success should inspire the Arab Governments with
new vigor and determination.
"I take this opportunity to express on behalf of the
Syrian Government and people their sincere desire to serve
the cause of the Arab League and their unwavering readiness
to work to the utmost of their power to achieve its aims.
I hope that our sister-Arab states will jointly collaborate
in their endeavors to help the Arab League make rapid and
steady progress, realize the unity of the Arabs, and restore
to them their past glory,"
AMERICA INSULTS ARAB STATESIUN :
Al Nazir, March 21- Mr. Thomas Lane, member of American Congress,
has written a letter to the State Department expressing his
concern over the possibility of the resumption of hostilities
between the Arab states and Israel. lir. Lane supported his
apprehensions by referring the Department to the aeclarations
recently made by Arab responsible leaders against Israel and
the violent campaign conducted by the Arab press against the
Zionists.
In reply Mr. McFall, the Assistant Secretary of State
for Congressional Relations, advised Mr. Lane to iggore the
declarations of Arab statesmen and the campaign of the Arab
press describing them as simply designed for home consumption.
Commenting on this news the paper remarks that the
official reply of the State bepartment indicates that America
holds the firm conviction that hostilities will never be
resumed between the Arab states and Israel. One is apt to
inquire about the factors and reasons which have induced the
State Departm-:~nt to hold this conviction.
it may be argued that the procrastination and lack of
unity which characterized the Arab Governments' actions during
the Palestine conflict might inspire observers with the idea
that war is not likely to flare up again between the Arab
states and Israel. Such an inference, however, would not induce
the State Department to send an official reply to the Congress
which can almost be considered as an official pledge that
hostilities will not be resumed in the Middle East. This
official American reply indicates that the State Department
possesses...
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(Pr.Dig. 55/3)
}c)ssesses strong nroofs and documents which have enabled it to
= n .ure the Coric ress that the Arab Crovernments are riot sincere in
t.beir declarations and threats and that they use them as means
for remaining in power.
It is irrlnerative that Arab public oni.nion should realize
that the declarations of the Arab Governments are no more than
mere worthless utterances which have no weight even in the United
states and other western countries. It is still more imperative
that they should realize that America knows beforehand the truth
about the policy of the Arab novern*ients,
If the aforesaid inferences are, true they reveal new facts
about the sincerity and intec;rity of the resnonsible leaders of
the Arabs towards the Arab cause and the, Arab) nation.
Al. tanar: The resoonsihle director of the ?'oslem Brotherhood
or?sran, Pad.i' Lu'lu' , today writes:
The millions of dollars loaned by the United States to Israel
were not rri.ven at Einstein's intercessi:>n, or for '11'eisman's sake.,
or in resnorlse to Jewish presnure in the United States. The,. loans
were r*ranted for economic expansion at the expense of the Arabs
and in the interest of both Americans and Jews
The industrialization of Israel by American financiers is
not a f.ktion. Actually the Arnericnn diplomats' conference in
Ec ynt snoke about the orenaredness of American caoital to share in
the economic development of the ;ilea r Last but failed to reveal
the name of the center of this develoorrent'
If ":ashinr*ton insists on its plans to expand its economic
influence at the expense of the 'ribs and in an endeavor to make
(un for Israel's .financial deficit, there is nothing to st.ora
Zussia from supplying; the ,".rab countries with the rlecessar.-
fpetori:es or to stop the Arabs from accenting itussian aid0 America,
has to chose between the `ribs and the Jews. The ~.rt1bs have had
enough of American democracy which is tantamount to "imnperialisrn"
and "falsehood".
CLA'aPP' 5 PI:OJ;yXT;i
A.l i' asr: Asked for his oninion on the subject of Clao~p's )ro;acts
which Tas rain ed at the last meeting' of the Constituent ' sse"Ib-1
y
and the 'rab) League's attitude towards these malicious pro jests,
""ini star i a' aruf al-D awalibi stated to this nnoer:
The Arch states, or rather the Arab League, should have follo.aeci
th examole of American policy in sustaining; Israel. The Pales-
tinians ought to have' been indirectly sunooorted in order that they
Ceu1d ~nApp ov.idrl or As sel"Y
e A5`1d4/22igCIA RDP83 00415R004700040002-3 United
rove For a ease
'4- - t e s ........
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(Pr.Dig. 55/4)
States, Pritain, and the supporters of Zionism spared no efforts
.in creating Israel. Not only did the "rab League which renrescnts
seven states neglect the Palestinians but it forced both them
end itself to enter the battle unnreoared.
Nevertheless, we are anxious to strengthen the League because
we believe that the Arabs' existence depends on their unity. If
unity cannot be achieved at present let there be at least coopera-
tion which will restore nresticre to the League and the *neoples'
confidence in the future. Syria's desire for a strong League
co?nnels it to ask the Arab states to first strengthen themselves
individually and then depend on the League. `Ie do not want to
lose confidence in ourselves and we should work Ps if we were left
alone to face the ternnest.
They are trying to allure the ".rab states with the usefulness
of Clann's projects. It would be better for the United Nations
to execute these projects in Palestine for the welfare of the
refugees and for the creation of a sound and strong Arab bloc
exactly as they have helped the Jews in their section. Instead,
the United Nations intends to leave the refugees in the Arab
countries in an endeavor to weaken their opposition, undermine
their aspirations, and strengthen thus the Jews. This is most
unfair, narticularly since the refugees could utilize their own
lands in Palestine and utilize also these projects for their own
interests.
This is what the Arabs should do to aid the refugees. Clapo's
pro jests are based on ignoring the nreserice of Palestinian Arabs.
T,e
They are orojects full of partiality and injustice .4 should also
not forget that even our League has ignored the presence of these
Palestinian Arabs in the past and in the present by considering
Clanp's projects and by neglecting its first duty towards the
Palestinian Arabs, namely to let them return to work in their
lands in Palestine and strengthen themselves. Alas, they have
deprived the Palestinians of their very nersonality by not allowing
them to form a government.
N O ALLIANCE
Al Nasr: Minister Dawalibi has categorically denied Reuter's
story on negotiations between Syria and Ss'udi Arabia for the
conclusion of a military alliance between the two countries.
Pawalibi emphasized that Syria's policy is to strengthen the Arab
League and not to divide the Arab states into two camps.
IRAs I PR'st'V.IER IN DATrASC
Al Palad: According; to a com'nuninue issued today, Premier 'Azm
and members of the Syrian delerretion to the Arab League will
receive and confer with Premier Tawfiq al Suaydi when he arrives
this morning at 9:30 a.m0 at fezzeh Airport on his way to Cairo.
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? (Pr.I i~. 55/5)
? A7r'' S VISIT TO SOLH
nag: Despite the ontinism manifested by Lebanese circles
to the news that Premier 'Azm has accepted Solh's invitation
to (-6-p to Feirut and the general belief in Lebanon that a
co-noromi se settlement on Syro-Lebanese economic relations may
he reached an official source in Damascus said that the visit
was only to discuss n-eneral ^rab affairs orr;l that Premier ' AzM
will not enter into any economic discussions with A-eb;anon,
The same source addedd: "Syria has separated itself from Lebanon.
Pnd will refuse any economic understnindinp i-ith Lebanon even if
c,ho latter accents co?nnlete economic unity."
+ ~=;NrT=?;~ al?"r O R:-7}r; T I`)"'S> WITH (')U''t?jT
Al "'asa' : In its desire to strengthen relations between Syria
,?~tc the ".mirate of =e'uweit, the Syrian Gov=.ernmerrt has issued
instructions to the comnetent sit horities to oermit the entry
into Syria of ;.uweit nationals without obtaining prior visas.
The Government has also instructed the 1'inistry of Instruction
to admit Quweitian students gratis and sunply them with all
their scholastic requirements free of charge.
LI`TTN TO "L1,,".IC'.N ,;Kis3:
!J Insha' translated and revrodueed an article from the /-nerican
Snturday c;vening Post magazine under the above heaci.ing. Other
subheadinrrs are: "An Amcr icon T-arrazine Reports on the Departure
of Arab Dele,aates to Rhodes and '.lleres that they Carried with
them Lambs And Carnets to pray on."
TI`'T Tr7U>TRY ITi I3 /%EL
Al if Pa' : Yr. Laura'the Israeli Consul in New Yorke and r4
O'flei.1, the Secretary of the General Tire arid Itubber Company in
P-nierice, made a 'ioint, statement in New York that an agreement
had been reached betiaeen the Company and the Israeli government
to establish in Israel a tire manufacturing industry with a
coital of one million dollars.
~ru r
1 JORDANIAN POLITICrA.L u,' Uf E'l., lipN i~ '~ rYP7.'
Al r~anar: Reuter's Flews Arrency reports from Cairo that -Nr. Fahmi
Hnshirn,former i"inister of Jordan in Sa'udi Arabia, has renuested
nermission frovn i',n'ynti=an authorities to stay as a nolitic -l
refugee. MIr. Hashim has resigned from his nost in protest a'ainst
the Jordanian nolicy toward Israel.
>,r ()7:.T 1
j~ 'D 0-I AFFIJT1
i O RICE
rtiovechgrtgleaj495914/ 2r-+i11r004150@'0~4`(f00pr liawalibi
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(Pr.Digc 55/6)
'or having agreed:, with Egypt to sell it 20,000 tons of wheat in
-return for rice from Egypt. He pointed out that Syria is a rice
producer and exporter, and if the Ministry of National Economy
does not realize this fact, the projected trade agreement with
Egypt will be an example of the new economic policy',
IP WELCOME: o o . a m
Al Nasr: The Syrian Government received yesterday the Iraqi
Goverrnment's reply to the Syrian proposal. for concluding -a trade
agreement with Iraq,: In its reply, the Iraqi Government expressed
its desire to receive, before the departure of the Syrian delegation
to Baghdad, details of the Syrian proposal and copies of the
agreements concluded with Egypt and Saudi Arabia in this respect.
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF CUSTOMS
Al AAkhbar: Tawfiq Shamiyah, member of the Supreme Council of f
Common ntervsts, has been appointed Assistant Director of the newly
formed Customs Administration, and Dr. Adib Rumani has been appointed
Inspector General of this new organization,.
TRADE AGREEMENT
Al Masi: It has been reported that the Syrian Delegation to
nacrotiate the establishment of sound economic relations between
Syria and Egypt will be composed of the following:
Dr. Ma'aruf al-Dawalibi, the Minister of Economy Chairman
Dr,. Muhammad al-Hibrawi, Chief of Aleppo
National Economy Department
Mro Nasuh al.Daq;naq, Director of Foreign Trade,
Ministry of National Economy
Mr, Rafiq al-Siyufi, Top-Finance official,
LEBANON REFUSES VERBAL REQUESTS FROM SYRIA
Al Masa': The Syrian Director General of Customs Administration
has renuested the Lebanese Director to release all Syrian Customs
officials. The Lebanese reply was: "Send in a written reouest.
Telenhone communications are not accepted."
MEDIATION BY EGYPT E~
Barada : Mr. As' ad Mhrhaff, the Syrian Charge d'Affaires in Cairo,
aa? state8"rt--t"Fagyptian and the Saudi Arabian Governments
have offered to mediate the present dispute between Syria and
Lebanon. He expressed his belief that the Arab delegates to the
Arab League Council Session will discuss this dispute at private
meetings,
IMPORT AND EXPORT POLICY
Alif approve~hFeor Ree~eoa 2P9 4/,~a 8 P4 O ZPQ~ 3the export
of foodstuffs,..- -
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(Pr0 Dig. 55/7)
.a. ' foodstuffs and agricultural products will be applied to Lebanon"
Seo Pre Dig? 54/1) haas been denied by responsible quarters in
the Ministry of National Economy. These quarters, nevertheless
iffi.:rmed that new procedures regarding import and export operations
have been prepared and submitted to the Council of Ministers for
ratification.
A spokesman of the Ministry of Public Works is quoted. as
having stated that the Government is contemplating the issuance
of a decision limiting automobile importation "which exhausts
the country's wealth".
Al_ Balad renorts that two Egyptian envoys are expected to arrive
In ar6ascus on Saturday, March 25, to supervise the shipment of
the 20,000 tons of Syrian wheat which will be exported to Egypt.
They area Ibrahim Mahmud Abu al-Ruda, Director of Trade Affairs
Department in the Egyptian Ministry of Supply, and Hilmi Tawfiq
Rizgq the Agricultural Engineer of the Wheat Service.
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
A SX JN ACTING PREMIER
Alif Ba'o At its meeting last night, the Council of Ministers
aeca to appoint Minister Asyun as acting Prime Minister, Minister
'Abd al-Rahman al 'A2;m as acting Foreign Ministers, Minister Siba'i
as acting Minister of National Economy, and Minister Nizam al-Din
as acting Minister of Justice during the absence of the Syrian
delegation in Cairo,
MINISTERS ASTU T AND MUBARAK IN
ALEPPO
Barada: Minister of Hygiene Fathallah Asyun and Minister of
Pu . c Works Muhammad al Mubarak are leaving for Aleppo today to
attend the meetings of the Aleppo Water Commission which is studying
the files of the Aleppo water project.
T APLINE WORKS M SXR]A
Al 'Alam: This labor organ asserts that the propaganda previously
conducted by the TAPline that it would employ thousands of workers
for many years, was simply an alluring method to which it resorted
in order to obtain a concession. "The Company", the paper continues,,
"will employ not more than 2000 workers for a period of 8 months
after which time it will discharge them and maintain an office
with a small staff . In accordance with the agreement reached
between Za'im and the Company", the paper concludes, "the Govern-
ment will then take charge of protecting the lines,,"
SPAIN SHELTERING REFUGEE CHILDREN
Alif J mvealFerfti?Aiol20ia2-QalAiRDIIgjf2 f0( 661 1d a letter
from its Government..
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0 . (Pr0Dign 55/8)
from its' Government informing it that at its meeting of March 1$s
the Spanish Council of Ministers decided to shelter 500 Palestine
r-r- ugee orphans in Spain. The letter also requested the total
,number of refugee orphans in Syria.
FRt r1CH MINISTERS' CALL ON KHALID AL
Al Balad: Monsieur Jean Serres, the French Minister Plenipotentiary
in SyrIa9 called on the Prime Ministers Khalid al.=?Azms at 6000
p.m. yesterdays March 22, and conversed with him for approximately
one hour. It seems important matters had cropped up which neces-
sitated the sudden visit of the French Minister at the time when
the Prime Minister was scheduled to preside over a meeting of the
Council of Ministers.
CLASHES IN THE RAkAMUN AREA
Al Maned. Blind partisanship in the Qalamun Area resulting from
therec:nt elections there was the cause of a quarrel between the
followers of Ibrahim Tayfur and the followers of Salih Akil o
i;.OC fighters using pistols, clubs, and daggers, participated in
this fighting which brolke out at 10;00 pore last nights March 22.
;endarmerie reinforcements were sent to the scene immediately and
the fighting was checked. The casualties, two of whom were des-
parately wounded, were tarried to hospitals,,
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 25X1
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Damascus, SYRIA
Daily Reuiew of the Syrian Press
< The following is an informal digest of material from the local
Syrian Press, and is in no way to be considered as an official
translation. It should not be quoted nor attributed to the Legation >>
Nom (FOR STAFF 'jMEZ=mz=
Friday March
Pao ;rs Keviewed;
Alif Bal., Al Nasr.. Al Kifah, Al Manar, Al Insha ,
Al Ayyam, Al Qabas, Al Jabal, Al Ba'ath, i&l Nazir,
Al ' A:Lam, Al Slhabab, Al balad, Al Islah, and Al %Masa'.
DO :STIC AFFA1aS
' AZM' S '.RIP TO BSiRUT :
25X1
Alif ba?: Before his departure for beirut Premier 'Azm recei-
ved a delegation of Damascus merchants who inquired as to
the truth of the story that ayro~Lebanese economic relations
Would be studied in beirut. The Premier is quoted as having
stated: "I can tell you frankly that the discussions will be
confined to Arab League affairs. No economic problem will be
discussed, nor do I accept any intercession. H new %conomic
agreement with Lebanon could be concluded for the exchange
of local products on the basis that each country would have
its own customs." with regard to the statements that Lebanese
mer~hants were coming to Damascus to establish business, 'Azm
stated: Any Lebanese merchant who desires to establish business
in Byria is welcomed."
Before leaving for Beirut, the Premier searched his
pockets and finding; that he had 400 Byrian pounds, he handed
the Director of Police 350 pounds and kept 50 pounds only in
compk/ d F, 1Reldalse 20ego .cAA 3P 3 5514 7bg&-t?62 3 of curreracy.
At the ...
 Approved For Release 2005 ('4*:P.iUA3 fti3-00415R004700040002-3
At tht frontiers, 'Alm was officially received. Gendarmes
on motorcycles accompanied him to Beirut where he proceeded
to the Presidency amindst applause and cheers of the populace.
After registering his name, he proceeded to the Serail and
discussed with Solh for one hour. Following the interview,
the Syrian Premier proceeded to the St.Geor;e Hotel where he
was surrounded by a large number of Lebanese dou?nalists who
wanted information on his visit. The Premier stated: "In
brief I came to Beirut to discuss Arab League affairs only."
Asked about economic developments 'Azm answered: " Syria
is proceeding with its new economic policy. We are not trying
to hurt Lebanon. Economic relations between the two countries
were not based on statistics. Let each country take its own
chances, and later economic relations can be established on
an equitable basis. I want to tell you frankly that our new
economic policy does not mean in the least that we want to
sever political relations with Lebanon. Be assured that there
is no feud between me and H.G.Solh. I appreciate and respect
his services to the Arab cause and to the Syrian cause in
particular. Syria has not definitely closed the door to
further negotiations with Lebanon. If Lebanon desires to
resume the discussions on the basis of complete economic
unity, we will be the first to welcome such a desire."
At 1:00 p.m., Premier Solh called on 'Azm at the St.George.
The Lebanese Government gave the Syrian Premier a sumptuous
luncheon party at the Officers' Club. At 5:00 p.m. President
Khuri received him in the presence of Solh and the meeting
lasted one hour. At 6:00 p.m. 'Azm left for Damascus.
Al Salad: Shortly after his return from Beirut, Premier 'Azm
received the American Minister to Syria at the Foreign Office
and conferred with him for 40 minutes.
Al ba'ath: Upon his return from Beirut, the Syrian Premier
told newsmen:
"I accepted the Lebanese Premier's invitation and
discussed with him questions on the agenda of the coming Arab
League's meeting. I am glad to state that the two governments'
viewpoints with regard to Arab affairs are the same. Despite
the termination of the customs union between the two countries,
political and brotherly relations as well as the unity of
objectives remains firma"
QUARRELS HETv7EEN ARMENIANS
Al. Nasr: Affiliates of Hinjak and Tashnak Armenian parties clashed
far the third time. A certain Mirjian was seriously wounded by
the Pijukian brothers. (The Hinjak Party are communists while
the Tashnak's are strongly anti-communist).
ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL OF FOREIGN OFFICE
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(Pr.Di ;,, 56/3)
ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL OF FOREIGN OFFICE
Al Masai : During the absence in Cairo of Dr. Salah Tarazi a the
IS76retary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuhi
Fawq al-Adi will be Acting Secretary General.
UltATATLT EXPECTED IN DAMASCU S
Al Masa?: News from Cairo indicates that- President Quwwatl-i
Iias deeded to issue a daily newspaper in Damascus for the purpose
of expressing his point of view. It will be edited by one of the
C journalists in whom he has confidence.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
ETING BETWEEN DAWALIRI AND EGYPTIAN MINISTER
Al Batatho Minister of National Economy, Dr. Ma'aruf al Dawalibi
received at his office yesterday the Egyptian Minister Plenipotentiary
to Syria, Ahinad H aggi Bey. It is reported that the export of wheat
to Egypt and the departure to Cairo of the Syrian delegation for
negotiating a trade agreement between Syria and Egypt were the topics
of the conversation.
STRIKE OF HANDLOOM WORKERS
Al Ba'ath; The strike of 1700 handloom workers in Damascus entered
ats seventh day today, The attention of the Government is drawn
to the deplorablo condition of these workers who are employed 10
hours a day at 1.50 pounds per day.
iPRO13RIATION BY T A`'LINE
Al Ba'atho The question of the expropriation of lands by TAPline
continues to be the subject of criticism by national groups. A
a?roup of Syrian youth reeuested in an appeal the suspension of
TAPline works and the cancellation of the concession granted by the
late Za'im.
Al Balad today commented 1n favor of TAPline and censured the appeals
anc meth randy submitted against the expropriation of lands by
TAPline. It stated in part:
It-is indeed the duty of every patriot to warn the Government
against mistakes which might endanger the security of the country.
Nevertheless, it is feared that certain individuals who are lodging
their objections are instigated by ulterior motives. It is indeed
difficult to explain the zeal manifested by these individuals at a
time when the appropriate authorities are themselves studying the
plans of TAPline from all angles, including the political and
military aspects of the problem.
We understand that such objections can justifiably be presented
by p01 drf stQiB~lOb/A /i$x 7A S i5f $t~C13~~3~,401dQt-3are do not
understand.or.-.-
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(Pr0Dig. 56/4)
understand how individuals can rightly criticize such projects
when their criticism is based on personal interests and ulterior
designs.
In no other nation except Syria have we witnessed citizens
.meddling in the trivia:L and important affairs of the state as though
the government were run by the man in the street and as though the
interests of individuals directed the policy of the state.
ARAB AFFAIRS
IRAQI PREMIER SWAYDI IN DAMASCUS
Al Ba'atho At precisely 11:00 a.m. yesterday, March 23, H.E. Hashim
Rey aTtasi, the Syrian Chief of State, received H.E. Tawfiq al-
3 aydi, the Iraqi Premier on the occasion of his passage through
Damascus on his way to Cairo.
At 12?00 noon the Chief of State delegated his Secretary General,
Dr. Shatila, to bid the Iraqi Premier farewell at the Mezze airport,
EVACUATION OF TEL AZIZIYAT SECTOR
Al Manar: According to Reuter's despatch from Haifa the Israeli
representatives at the joint Syro-Israeli Truce Commission accused
Syria of violating the truce and alleged that a number of Jews had
been kidnapped by Syrians along the frontiers,, The despatch further
added that the Truce Commission has demanded that Syria evacuate
the strategic Tel al-Aziziyat sector by April 14, 1950.
It is reported that UN observers will visit this district on
the specified date to see that Syria is conforming with this demand,,
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 v Idim
OM" 11D
Damascus, SYRIA
Daily Review of the Syrian Press
The following is an informal digest of material from the local
Syrian Press, and is in no way to be considered as an official
translation. It should not be quoted nor attributed to the Legation >>
25X1
(FOR STAFF USE ONLY)
Tuesday, March 21 fl 1950
Alif Bala Al Nasr, Al Kifah, Al Manar, Al-Inshal ,
Al Ayyam, Al Qabas, Al Jabal, Al Ba' ath, Al Nazir,
Al Alam, Al Shabeb, Al Balad, and Al-Isiah,
NO OFFER FOR MEDIATION
Al4 anar: When asked whether or not any Arab or non-Arab state
cf ea `e~red to mediate! between Syria and Lebanon, Premier ' Azrn
replied, "No state has made such an offer. I believe, however,
that it is necessary to retain economic, financial and customs
separation between the two countries until the Syrian and Lebanese
peoples know the results of this separation and pass a judgment
as to which of the two governments has acted rightly."
SYRIAN CUSTOMS
Al-Manar: The following is the text of the decree forming and
regulating the new Syrian Customs Administration:
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Article I
No, 53
 25X1
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(Pr.Dig. 53/2)
Article 1 - The Customs Administration shall be entrusted to a
director general to be nominated by a decree to be issued by the
Council of Ministers in accordance with the proposal of the Minister
of Finance.
.Article 2 - The Director General of Customs shall exercise the
powers with which the former Director General of Syrian and Lebanese
Customs was entrusted. The new Director General shall function
in accordance with the laws, regulations and provisions in force.
Artier - The Central Administration of Customs shall consist of
to A customs council
2, A body of inspectors
3. Directorate of legislative and customs affairs
4,, Directorate of statistics, investigation and economic research
5. Directorate of financial and personnel affairs
6, Office
Article 4. - The sections of the Central Administration shall under-
ta e t e duties which were performed by the central sections which
were attached to the former Supreme Council of Common Interests and
the Directorate General of Syrian and Lebanese Customs. The sections
.of the Central Administration shall function in accordance with the
laws and regulations in force. 11
Article 5 - The Regional Directorates of Customs in Damascus and
Ieppo s all continue to function. An additional regional direc-
torate shall be established in Latakia. All these directorates
shall exercise their powers in accordance with the legal provisions
in force.
Article 6 - The number of the officials of the Customs Administra-
t on sections shall be fixed in accordance with the appendix
attached to this decree.
Article 7 - The number of customs officials of all grades and
positions shall be yearly specified in the budget.
Article 8 - The Customs Council shall be composed of:
Director General of Customs --------------------------President
Revreseritative of the Ministry of National Economy
to be anpointed by a decision issued by the Minis-
ter of National Economy ------------------------------Member
Representative of the Ministry of Finance to be
appointed by a decision issued by the t?inister
of Finance ------------------------------------------- Member
Director of Legislation and Customs Affairs ----------Member
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 Approved For Release 200IY 4IJ22gcI4p $3-00415R004700040002-3
Director of Statistics, Investigation and Economic -----Member
Research ----------- ----?----?-------------------_
Director of Financial and Personnel Affairs ------------Member
Ar-..t - The Customs Council shall exercise the executive powers
which were exercised by the former Supreme Council of Common
Interests with the exception of those relating to high ranking
officials, officers with the rank of captain and non-Syrian experts
whose annointment, promotion, transfer, discharge, rewards and
penalties shall be subject to a decision issued by the Minister
of Finance in accordance with the proposal of the Director General
of Customs.
as specified allowances,
rate officials of the shall of retain
eand Customs
living the
emoluments the customs regulations in force.
Article 11 - Temporary Provisions.
Upon the proposal of the Director General of Customs and as
an exceptional measure designed to fill the vacancies resulting
from the non-existence of a sufficient number of Syrian officials
in the former Syrian and Lebanese Customs departments, the Minister
of Finance shall have the right for a period of two years as of
the date of this decree to appoint high ranking officials (chief
controller and above) without resorting to competitive examinations,
provided the candidates possess diplomas indicating higher economic
or financial studies or have served for no less than five years
in the customs departments or state establishments or private
economic or financial organizations and are qualified to fill the
vacant posts,
Article 12 - Transitional Provisions.
Syrian officials occupying key posts in the Syrian and Lebanese
Customs on the date of the issuance of this decree shall be trans-
ferred to the Central Administration and the Syrian Customs services
and shall retain their salaries and grades.
Article 1 - Provisions inconsistent with this decree shall be
annu ed.
PASSPORT RESTRICTI ONS :' ?
Bar,ada Major Ahmad al-.'Azm, the Director General of the Syrian
Police,'denied a report published by the Lebanese French daily,
"Le Soir", that Syria is contemplating the imposition of passport
and visa restrictions on persons travelling between Syria and
Lebanon and that each Lebanese desiring to enter Syria will be
asked to pay 7.50 Syrian mounds as visa fees.
STRICT MEASURES AGAINST PROFITEERS
ApAproved F~r RRlease2~Q@-09~}5FTyQ4p?Q~-$s into
R ra( a ccuse o smu Cirri a _
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(Pr.Dig,, 53/4)
SRARA ATI ESTABLISHING A TOBACCO COMPANY
Syria the stores of Da'adush, and Subhi Salad al-Din have been
closed on orders from the Police.
The Director of the Police has warned all merchants against
smuggling commodities to and from Lebanon and stated that the
shops and the premises of merchants violating separation measures
will be subject to closure.
Al Nasr: Former Minister of Defense Ahmad al-Sharabati is carrying
out extensive discussions with the idea of establishing a national
tobacco company to replace the Regie whose concession expires
shortly. Sharabati is studying this project with agriculturists
in all Harts of the country and is contemplating appointing an
American tobacco expert to Rive the company technical direction.
Sharabati is expected to tour various Syrian muhafazats seeking
the support and participation of prominent agriculturists.
SEPARATION......
Al M_.asa' reports that the inhabitants of Tripoli have held demons-
trations against the Lebanese economic policy and that, upon the
intervention of the police, clashes took place with injured on both
sides. Lebanese Army units have been seen proceeding toward Tripoli
from Beirut, the report concludes.
On the other hand it is reported that the Lebanese Prime
Minister, Minister of Economy, and the ?inister of Finance have
received 'Abd-al-Rahmani al-Sahmarani, and Edmond Rabbat, both pro-
minent Lebanese merchants, They reported the failure of their
mission to Damascus where they had been sent to intervene and bring
about an understanding between Syria and Lebanon.
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
REPUBLICAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Al-Balad: The following, is the text of the statement published
yttht "newly established Republican Democratic Party'
"The Syrian nation is today passing through a critical stage
in its political, economic and social history. The absence of sys-
tematic direction, the conflict of tendencies and the lack of
confidence make the present situation even more critical. Such a
sorry state of affairs would lead to serious repercussions if every
citizen does not realize the grave responsibility with which he has
been entrusted and if he does not endeavor within the scope of his
activity to maintain the status of the country, restore stability
and avert the open and disguised dangers and threats to which the
country is exposed. These considerations have induced a group of
citizen to asst within the framework of a new political party and
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in accordance..ce
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(Pr.Dig. 53/5)
in accordance with clear principles aimed at upholding the cause
of true democracy and maintaining the republican democratic regime.
A program has been drawn up explaining the principles of the Party,
and regulations have been prepared for the Party's activities.
This statement explains in brief the policy of the Party
with regard to external and internal affairs. In foreign policy
the Party considers Syria as a part of the greater Arab nation.
It will endeavor to achieve comprehensive Arab unity, strengthen
the "rab League, combat such projects and treaties which are
prejudicial to the indeoendence of any Arab state or which pave
the way for the infiltration of imperialistic influence, adhere
to the United Natioq.a. Charter, and cooperate with the states which
respect this Charter on the basis of enuality and mutual interests
and on the understanding that the sovereignty of the states con-
cerned should remain intact.
"With regard to internal policy the Party will endeavor to
preserve the independence of the country, apply democratic prin-
ciples to the affairs of the government and administration, raise
the social, economic and cultural standards of the people, and
secure prosperity for all citizens.
"It is worth noting that the aforesaid principles cannot be
realized simply by establishing parliamentary organizations or
by providing that the chief of state should be elected by the people
or by making a verbal recognition of the people's right to freedom
and evuality. All individuals should be prepared to participate
in general activities with full consciousness and sound understanding.
Such a policy would enable the people to exercise their right to
sovereignty as is the conception of republican and democratic
principles. Sovereignty should no more be the exclusive property
of a certain group of politicians. The Party will endeavor to
achieve this objective by organizing the people and by acquainting
them with the true facts which relate to their general problems.
"Our newly-established Party does not claim that it will
produce miracles. Nevertheless it pledges itself to be loyal to its
rrinciples and to perform its party duties with sincerity. The
Party will also support all those who work for preserving the
independence and republican regime of the country and for realizing
the stability and confidence to which the country aspires."
Ihsan al-Sharif
secretary General
SYRIAN
PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO MON
Barada: Rizqallah Antaki, Rizqallah Salim, Adib Nassur, Tawfiq
al- unaydi, and Jihad al-Hawash have been issued diplomatic pass-
ports by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to go to Monaco and
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represent......
 Approved For Release 2005/04/22 : CIA-RDP83-00415R004700040002-3
(Pr9Dig. 53/6)
Syria in the International Parliamentary Conference. It is
believed that the Arab delegations will hold a separate meeting
in Monaco to draw up a unified policy to be adopted at the
Conference.
"BERNADOTTE MEDAL" TO E'ABBARA
Al Nasr: A delegation representing the League of Red Cross
owes in the Middle East visited Minister of Interior Dr. Sarni
Kabbara to confer on him the "Bernadotte" medal.
Dr. Kabbara is planning to leave for Hammah where he will
convalesce and benefit from Hammah's hot mineral water baths.
ARAB LEAGUE DAY
Al Kifah o On the occasion of the Arab League Day all overnmental
B ! s will be closed on Wednesday, March 22, 1950.
OVERTURN OF A CAR ALONG ALEPPO ROAD
Al 'Alain: A car bearing Ihsan Jukhadar, the Director General of
tie 1or and Social Uf eirs' Department, Miss :4arguerite 'iere,
civisa'~R~"e'op."o"riwi a,~rruck
along Aleppo-Tiama road. All of the passengers were slightly.
nhrxu- wwra nnrr+i A t.n n hnr1l:nl in Al an:~*, .m??ri ~t o': ,r
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(Pr.Dig;. 53/7)
The paper describes the decisions of the conference as a
provocation since theyare desip!ned to impose on Syria the very
projects which it has already rejected. It also criticizes the
conference for having anent refugee funds on banquets and dancing
parties.
Al Insha' criticized the conference for having recommended
that refs-be employed in short-term projects, probably Clapp's
projects, at a time when the Governments concerned have not as yet
defined their attitude towards such projects. How can the Arab
members who participated in the conference reconcile their attitude
with that of their Governments? Furthermore, how could the
conferees describe their recommendations as decisions when they had
no power to implement them?
The conferees have attempted to be kind to the refugees and
to make decisions in their favor, but they have not succeeded.
ARAB LEAGUE COUNCIL ME ING
Barada: A Cairo report indicates that the Egyptian Prime Minister
N`a'fias Pasha has conferred with 'Abd-al-Rahman Azzam Pasha, the
Secretary General of the A.rab League, and the Grand Mufti of
Palestine, Al$Haj Amin Pl-Husayni. He discussed with them the
agenda for the League's Council session scheduled to open on
March 25. Other Arab affairs reportedly were also discussed.
The Grand Mufti asserted to the Egyptian premier that the
inhabitants of Palestine reject the annexation of their country
to Jordan and that they would boycott the elections which are
scheduled to take place in Jordan were pressure not exerted upon
them.
SYRIAN DELEGATION TO ARAB LEAGUE
The Syrian delegation to the Arab League Council session
comprises the following:
Prime Minister Khalid al-'Azm Chairman
Faydi al-Atasi, the Minister of Justice Member
Dr. Ma' aruf Dawalibi, Min. of Economy Member
Dr. Salah-al-Din Tarazi, Secretary
General of the Foreign Ministry Member'
Lt. Col? 'Aziz 'Abd-al-Karim Counselor
'As'ad Muhaffal, Syrian Charge in Cairo Counselor
Lt. Col,, Tawf iq N.izam al-Din Counselor
Walid Majid Counselor
Muwaffacq al-Qudsi Secretary
QUWWATLI'S ACTIVITIES IN CAIRO
Al abas: Former President Shukri Quwwatli is reported to have
arrived in Cairo and called on Amir Saud, the Saudi Arabian
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'4uwwatli.00....
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(Pr0Dig. 53/8)
Quwwatli is also reported to have visited Prime Minister
Nahas Pasha, and former Syrian Prime Minister Jamil Mardam. He
returned to 'lexandria on the same day.
' IJESTIONNAIRE OF COL EA UNIVERSITY
Alif Rate The University of Columbia has written to the Syrian
xovnt stating that it is conducting studies on the policies
of governments which may receive help under the United States
program for assistance to economically under-developed countries.
The letter requests the Government to answer the following ten
questionnaires in order to enable the university to determine
the possibility and conditions for the aforementioned technical
aid.
1. Are there any internal regulations limiting the entry and
use of foreign capital?
2, Is foreign capital invested in Syria subject to taxation
laws and regulations in force in Syria, or are they subject to
Special laws?
3. Are there any legal measures regarding the use of profits
resulting from foreign investments in Syria?
4. Are there any legal measures regarding the use of foreign
capital in conjunction with local capital for economic development
projects, and if so is there a percentage limitation on the amount
of foreign capital invested?
5, Are there any regulations regarding the employment of local
officials, workers, and technicians in the case of the investment of
foreign capital in Syria?
b. Are there any regulations regarding the training of local
employees by foreign investors who are undertaking work in Syria?
7. Are there any laws limiting the ownership of property in
Syria for foreigners?
Are there any laws and regulations governing the transfer
of profits of foreign investors?
9. Are there any laws for bartering profits gained by foreign
investors for local products?
10. And finally is Syria planning to conclude an economic treaty
with the United States Government?
The responsible authorities have expressed astonishrnenqat this
questionnaire and are investigating whether the nuestionnaire actually
originated from Columbia University or if someone is using the name
of Columbia to obtain the information.
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CONSTITULINT AS5. T;SLY
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CONSTITUENT A,65EMBLY, hheeting of March 20p 1950
At the opening of the meetin a President Kikh ,,a asked the
members their opinion regarding the government's legislative
.and executive powers.,
Ka 'if M( Ind - Hama) who since last Saturday moved from his
seat next to Husni al-barazi and who was the rapporteur of the
committee which studied and recommended on December 13, 1949 the
temporary constitutional provisions said: " When the special
committee formed by Assembly studied and recommended the
temporary constitutional provisions it had in mind only the
_egislative powers. The executive powers were added in order
to legalize the Government's action as of August 14, 1949.
Therefore, I recommend that the whole subject be referred now
to the same committee.."
+3uh mmaci Jayrud (Ind ? Qutayfah) supported Milgi.
e
i
i
z .a if o have
s~ - s
r
jaiai ai-oaYYid (ng 5ilrrec l,lon
to stick to the provisions of Article 2. The Government's executive
and legislative powers ended on March 14, and it should resign.
If the present situation does not permit a ministerial crisis, the
Chief of state could dismiss the cabinet and reform it with
the same persons,
Husni Barazi. (Hama - Ind) said that since the very beginning he
was opposed to granting the Government legislative powers. After
expressing indignation at the press campaign against him he said
he was expecting the present government to grant him a special
salary as chief of the opposition. "It is in the government's
interest to resign and be formed again," he said and added that
there should not be bad feeling between him and the Prime
Minister. Solemnly he said: "I swear that my relations with
Khalid al-'Azm are characterized by friendship and loyalty
exactly as he swore that his relations with Hiyad al-Solh are
characterized by friendship and loyalty."
Hamid al-Khu ja (tagga, and Jazirah bloc) asked the Assembly to
grant legislative powers to the present government which had
proven its worthiness to assume them.
Said Haydar. (P-Damascus) supported Milqi.
Minister Hani al-Sibs?i speaking on behalf of the Government
said that Article 1 cif the Provisions providedthat the Chief
of State is empowered with the rights and prerogatives with
which the President of the Republic was entrusted by the previous
constitution. Since the Chief of State is the chief of the
executive power and is assisted by the Prime Minister and the
Ministers, the present government still enjoys the executive
powers. The allegations of Jalal al-Sayyid are therefore
foundless. As to the Le islative powers, we consider them as
terminated and we do not want them unless the respected Assembly
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u7a004p002-30
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r~xh V ~ riub; raIC: tiny interpretation of the temporary cons
ilitutional provisions should be made by the Assembly and not
by the Government.
President KiKikhva askee Premier 'Aare whether the Government
desires to continue to exercise legislative powers or not. 'A mm
answered in the negative.
The President asked members of the old committee to meet and
~eport to the Assembly about the proposals presented by the
members.
After one hour discussion,, the Committee returned to the
hall and read the following bill which was approved after the
Assembly rejected a proposal by Qanbar to replace the word
'sold constitution" by "the abolished constitution" and another
proposal by Dr. Ludsi to change the same word by "the previous
constitution."
Article 1- Article 2 of the temporary constitutional
provisions dated December 14, 1949 shall be considered annulled
and shall be replaced by the following provisions.
a`= The Chief of State shall in conjunction with the
Council of Ministers exercise executive powers in accordance
with the old constitution with effect from March 14, 1950
and until the ratification of the (new) constitution.
b- Article 77 and $1 of the Old constitution shall not be
included in the executive powers of the Chief ofState.
c- The Cabinet shall be responsible to theConstituent
kssembly.
Article 2- The aforesaid temporary constitutional article
shall be considered effective immediately upon its ratification.
(N.B. - Old,Article 2 reads as follows. "In conjunction
with the Council of Ministers, the Chief of :Mate exercises
legislative powers excepting the conclusion of foreign
conventions as well as executive powers in accordance with the
provisions in force as of August 15, 1949 and until a new
constitution is enacted and put into effect within a period
not to exceed three months." Article 77 of the old constitution
deals with the dissolution of the Parliament. Article 81 deals
with the adjournment of the Parliament.)
The bill passed by an overwhelming majority. Said Havdar
(P?Damascus) Jala1 ail-5avvid (R-D'eir-Fz-Zor), 'Abd-a1-'AZiZ
Harwil, Deir-.gz-Zor, and 1)uham al-.Dandal (Abu Kamal voted
against. Husni al-barazi abstained.
Jalal al-Sayvid proposed that members of the Assembly representing
the various parties and groups accompany the Syrian delegation
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Abd-al-Wahhab.U ad...
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1 Abd.-ai Wahhab Hum@,. (P-Aleppo) proposed the holding of a
. pecjal weeting to listen to the Government's statement on
foreign affairs.
Ahmad canbar_ (P..Aleppo) said that the Arabs consider themselves
one nation. He added that when the Arab League was formed every-
body believed that it would unite the Arabs. Instead of so doing
,
thetea,ue was responsible for the loss of Palestine. Further
Praorep the League did not even establish economic;, customs,
and cultural union. The question of abolishing passports for
1 avel between the Arab countries has been under consideration
for the last five years' The present disputes between certain
Arab states would not have risen had not the grab League existed.
I am afraid the Arab League will on(/day be called a League for
dividing the Arabs rather than uniting them. We cannot depend
on the collective Security Pact project and we should think
of a new arrangement to withstand the Israeli danger. The former'
government consisted of members most of whom are now included
in the present Government. The former government proposed in
the last session of the Arab League Council the establishment
of an Arab federation. What is the present Government's
attitude towards this proposal? Does it still adopt it or has
it changed its attitude? Have they drawn up a new plan? If sod
we call upon the Prime Minister to disclose it. Hundreds of
thousands of refugees are looking forward to the measures which
the Arab governments ana the Arab League will take. There are
millions of Arabs who are threatened by a fate similar to that
of their refugee brethern.
Deputies Siba'i Buzo and Duhham dl-Dandal proposed that
a special meeting begh7-et-a--to discuss this subject. Premier 'Azm
objected on the ground that it was too late to make such a
.proposal. He asked the assembly to continue the discussion
then and reminded them that Wednesday !March 22, is a holiday
and that Thursday he would be busy preparing hid departure on
Friday. The Premier concluded that he was ready to participate
in the discussions until midnight.
era Qudsi: are there any objections against holding the meeting
on 'udnessday?
Barazi declared that the Prime Minister could at least have
conferred on this subject with the foreign Relations Committee,
Finally, 'Azm a :reed to a proposal ror holding a i.ieeting
in the afternoon of Tuesday March 2ln 1950.
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