740.0011 European War 1939/4551: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut ( Palmer ) to the Secretary of State

50. In response to the Department’s telegram No. 36, of the French naval vessels in this port at the time of the French request for an armistice 1 proceeded almost immediately to Alexandria; 2 submarines left subsequently undisclosed destination following news of British action against French at Oran;13 3 submarines and a mine layer are still here.

Prior to the armistice the attitude of the French naval authorities here was one of closest and most cordial cooperation with the local British Consulate General and with British naval authorities in Palestine and Egypt; up to the time of the Oran conflict reflected the pro-British sentiments of officers and men; since that time has been one of active support of the Pétain Government although the necessity for abandoning the British is generally regretted and it is understood that there is still some acceptance of British explanation regarding Oran.

Palmer
  1. British naval action against the French Fleet at Oran, July 3, 1940; see vol. ii, pp. 469473.