U.S. Envoy Will Return to Syria, Officials Say

The Reagan Administration, in a sign of improving relations with Syria, has decided to send U.S. Ambassador William L. Eagleton back to his post in Damascus about Sept. 1, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.

The veteran envoy was recalled last fall to protest what U.S. analysts concluded was a pattern of Syrian support for terrorism over several years. Despite Eagleton’s projected return, the Middle Eastern country remains on the State Department’s list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

The officials, who demanded anonymity, stressed that the decision was made before former ABC correspondent Charles Glass gained his freedom Tuesday in Beirut and should not be seen as a reward for Syrian intercession with pro-Iranian groups believed to be holding eight other Americans captive.

“We don’t want Eagleton to be a reward for Glass,” one official said. In fact, he said, the ambassador’s return might be set back a little bit to separate it from Glass’ liberation.

The official said he knew of no consideration being given to removing Syria from the list of countries that are accused of supporting terrorism. The others cited by the State Department are Libya, Cuba, Iran and South Yemen.

Speculation that Eagleton would return to Damascus was raised both here and in the Middle East after President Reagan sent U.N. Ambassador Vernon A. Walters to see Syrian President Hafez Assad in July, reversing a ban on high-level U.S. contacts with Syrians.

Walters talked to the Syrian leader about Glass and the eight other Americans still held hostage in Lebanon by pro-Iranian elements. After Glass gained his freedom on Tuesday--he said he escaped, but U.S. officials are skeptical--Reagan Administration spokesmen thanked Syria “for its efforts to secure his freedom.”

Eagleton, 61, a career foreign service officer, was appointed ambassador to Syria in October, 1984.