690d.003/21: Telegram
The Consul at Beirut (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
Beirut, March 31,
1924—4 p.m.
[Received March 31—2:35 p.m.]
[Received March 31—2:35 p.m.]
Referring to Department’s telegram of March 23 [22], 5 p.m., French High Commission is now formulating new law increasing customs duties in general to 15 percent with few exceptions, such as certain luxuries and particularly alcohol, the latter to be approximately 50 percent. French willing fix duty on denatured alcohol at 15 percent which can only be used for medicinal purposes and not for beverages.
Other powers having accepted French mandate need not be consulted.
Knabenshue