890E.01/3–145: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State

975. Bidault tells me today, in connection with paragraph 6 of my telegram 944, February 28,58 that although “there was no meeting of [Page 1051] minds” the British did say they would support France’s desire for a “predominant place” in Syria and Lebanon.

Sent Department; repeated Beirut 8, London 120.

Caffery
  1. Not printed; the pertinent part of this paragraph reads: “In regard to Syria there was no meeting of minds. The British did not approve the draft Bidault gave Duff Cooper the day before they left for London.” (740.0011 EW/2–2845) Mr. Bidault, accompanied by Mr. Duff Cooper, left for London on February 25 for discussions with Prime Minister Churchill and Foreign Secretary Eden and returned to Paris on February 27.