890d.00/267: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Beirut (Knabenshue)
Your telegram November 23, 6 p.m. The Department realizes that it may be desirable to arrange to have destroyers withdrawn before the new French High Commissioner arrives or at the time of his arrival. The Department, however, before authorizing such action desires to have you give a more detailed report indicating that you believe present conditions are such as fully to justify the departure of the destroyers.
Alarmist reports still appear in the newspapers regarding the military situation in Syria. It might, therefore, result in misunderstanding in this country should the destroyers be withdrawn. The Department [Page 125] does not desire to give discretionary authority until the reports from you as to the adequacy of measures taken by the French to protect American lives and property are more reassuring.