A denial that the State Department “warned” Israel not to intervene in Syrian affairs was made here today by Michael J. McDermott, Department press officer. However, he admitted that the United States Government had made known its desire for a “hands-off policy” on Syria.
The American view, Mr. McDermott said, was made known merely as a measure of “guidance.” He said that about a week ago American diplomatic representatives throughout the Near East were advised that the U.S. desired other Near Eastern countries, including Israel, to keep their hands off in the event of a merger of Syria and Iraq.
The American view was not presented directly to Israel or other Near Eastern states, but was issued to U.S. Near Eastern diplomatic representative to inform them of the American attitude on the issue. The stand taken by this government was that outside parties should leave it to the people of Syria and Iraq to decide their own fate.
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