890D.00/695: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Beirut (Palmer)
Your June 2, 5 p.m. and June 3, 2 p.m. Department approves of Farrell proceeding to Antioch for brief period in order to report on situation and to submit recommendations on any steps that may be necessary to protect American citizens and their property in that area.
Meanwhile in view of the reports you have thus far received from director of the Oriental Institute, you should urge that all American members of both expeditions in outlying districts proceed to Antioch at once and in case public security there appears threatened they should be urged to depart for Beirut.
The Department assumes that you have already requested the High Commission to extend protection to American nationals and interests in the Sanjak.
Please keep Department promptly informed of developments.