890d.512/11: Telegram
The Consul in Chargé at Beirut ( Knabenshue ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—4:28 p.m.]
Referring to my despatch number 437, November 2d. With regard to the proposal to tax foreigners, I have the honor to report that the deliberations of the consular corps have just come to an end and that the findings thereof together with all the documents and data in the matter are now ready for the formulation of my report.20
Last evening Acting High Commissioner in the presence of Judicial Adviser handed me a copy of new ordinance, not yet announced, establishing a new judicial organization for Syria with the request, after a long explanation, that I submit it to my Government for its consideration with a view to my Government’s acceptance of the jurisdiction of the new courts for American citizens in lieu of the consular courts. Please see page 17 of the report transmitted my despatch number 342, July 27th.21
The proposals for taxation and judicial reforms involve at least a temporary suspension of our most important rights under the Capitulations. Because of the unsettled general political situation in the Near East it would not be advisable under ordinary conditions to accept at this juncture any proposal affecting our rights in this country but, because of the particular and peculiar conditions in Syria and because of the nature of the reasons for and conditions involved in the French proposals coming as they do from a friendly Christian power, extenuating circumstances have arisen which would seem to make it incumbent upon the United States Government to give at least serious consideration to the proposals now made. In addition to the question of policy involved therein, however, consideration should be given to the probable effect thereof upon American interests here which are extensive and important and in this respect adequate guarantees would have to be exacted.
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