751.90D/78
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16.]
Sir: A member of my staff recently discussed the subject of the Franco-Syrian Treaty with Monsieur Gaston Riou, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and the rapporteur for the treaty. The presence in Paris on an official visit of Mardam Bey, the Syrian Prime Minister, gave rise to the conversation.
M. Riou stated that ratification of the treaty as it now stands is quite out of the question. He explained that the political situation in the eastern Mediterranean, due to international developments since the negotiation of the treaty, has entirely changed, and that the treaty must be revised in the light of this change. He added that the domestic political situation in France has also changed considerably since 1936, and that this fact also has a direct bearing upon the belief now [Page 1027] generally held in French political circles that neither the Chamber of Deputies nor the Senate would accept the Syrian treaty in its present form.
According to M. Riou, Mardam Bey fully understands this situation and is trying to be reasonable in his relations with the French Government, while at the same time he must avoid any acts or statements that might increase his political difficulties at home. It is M. Riou’s belief that either he, or Senator Henry-Haye will be sent to Syria in the fairly near future to study the Syrian problem on the ground and to negotiate a modification of the treaty in conformity with present-day conditions. He anticipates that such a mission would require at least six months of effort in Syria.
Respectfully yours,
Counselor of Embassy