890d.48/23: Telegram
The Consul at Beirut (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—3 p.m.]
Department’s telegram of October 29, 2 p.m. My recommendation for relief native refugees was based upon fact of their actual destitute condition and belief that Red Cross desired to come to relief if need could be shown to be real. There is no doubt that refugee situation is due primarily to French tactics and that the responsibility therefor rests entirely upon the French. The Department and Red Cross are fully justified in so deciding and I withdraw my recommendation. New York headquarters, Near East Relief, seem to be contemplating extension relief and I therefore suggest that they be informed of the Department’s views of the matter.