890d.48/14: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Beirut ( Knabenshue )

Your October 19, 1 p.m., October 19, 5 p.m.

(1)
Navy Department is ordering two destroyers to proceed immediately to Alexandria where they will be held in readiness to go to Beirut if situation requires. They may be diverted direct to Beirut if you so recommend.
(2)
Department is consulting with Red Cross with respect to possible funds for refugee relief. From your telegrams it appears that situation on which original request of Ward was based has substantially changed and Department desires your recommendation in the light of recent developments. Particularly report whether and how many American citizens are likely to be in need of relief and if so where and approximately how much might be needed to meet this emergency. Also report regarding any serious emergency situation affecting native population, giving approximate numbers and location of needy, and possibility of proper distribution of relief under present conditions.
Kellogg