890d.00/252: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Beirut (Knabenshue)
(1) The following telegram has been received from Paris:
[Here follows text of telegram No. 561, November 13, noon.]
(2) Your telegrams of November 13, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. indicate that there may be serious disorders in the Lebanon. Do you think [Page 122] that these disorders might be encouraged by the departure of our destroyers and that thereby the lives of naturalized Americans in Syria would be placed in greater danger? The Department understands that most of these citizens are living in Lebanon villages.
(3) The Department believes that the exigencies of the situation in Syria must primarily determine our action in this matter. We would not consider recommending that the destroyers leave at present unless you should report that their departure would not affect adversely the situation of American nationals.
(4) Should you approve of the departure of the destroyers at this time, confer with the officer in command and submit recommendations as to where they should be sent.