Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-06
A Crave Appraisal

his emergency fact-flnding mission to the
Middle East with the expressed opinion
that pro-Soviet developments in Syria
may have serious effects on the security
of the whole free world" The Deputy
Undersecretary of State is recognized as
our Governments senior expert on Mid
die East affairs, and one who has had
lengthy f1rst-hand experience with Com
munist maneuvering from the Baltic Sea
frontier southwark to the Indian Ocean.
His views on the current Syrian crisis
stem not only from this background of
qualifications but from a fortnight of
consultation with the chiefs Of state of
Syria's neighbors and with our ambas-
sailors in the area. In describing the
situation as extremely serious" Mr..
Henderson assuredly is not exaggerat-
ing or reaching casually for headline
catching words.
In the light Of this appraisal, the
next question is what-if anything-can
be done about the problem. Immedi-
ately upon his return, Mr.. Henderson
consulted with Secretary of State Dulles
and other Middle East experts Of the
department. Undoubtedly he presented
to them an amplification Of his findings
and, presumably some suggestions for
counteracting this phase of Soviet pene-
tration of the area Coincident with his
return, and certainly figuring in the
policy decisions to be made, our own
Government and those of Britain and
France received similar notes from Mos
COW repeatedly proposing, in effect, that
the Soviet Union be given direct voice
In Middle Eastern affairs. This is, of
course, historic Russian objective and
how or whether 1t can be averted is fun
damental in the current crisis.
Within Syria itself there seems no
clear avenue for Intervention or exercise
of effective influence. There is only a
facade of parliamentary government
a long-term weakness that has helped
materially in bringing the country to
its present state. The principal power
rests with the army clique that inclines
toward dictatorship and seems partic-
ularly oriented toward the Soviet way of
doing things. Dissenting groups within
Syria do not appear sufficiently or
ganized, now at least, to provide any
rallying point for an anti-Soviet move.
There remains, however, the inn
portant question Of maintaining the
pro-WeStern position among Syria'S
neighbors. All of them-Turkey, Irau.
Lebanon and Jordan, as well as Israel
are anti-Soviet and disturbed about the
Syrian developments. Turkey and Iraq
are members Of the anti Communist
Baghdad pact and these two as well as
Lebanon and Jordan, are receiving eco
nomic and military aid from the West.
AT the same time, these four states all
have points of vulnerability II Soviet
control should be firmly established in
Damascus. Turkey, for example, would
face a potential military threat on two
frontiers. Iraq exports the bulk of its
oil through pipelines that cross Syria.
Jordan imports many essentials through
Syria, and Syrian trade across Lebanon
is a major factor in the latter's eco
nomic life. Increased Western protec-
ton and support appear mandatory If
the Soviet threat is to be contained. To
let the Syrian deterioration spread to
nearby countries would be the next step
In proving the accuracy Of Mr.. Hender-
sons grave appraisal.