740.0011 European War 1939/6490: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Palmer) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6—5:30 a.m.]
124. Reference Department’s 87, October 31. Reports of Greek resistance against Italian aggression have been received here with general satisfaction, freely expressed by the native population but cautiously by the French; latter undoubtedly influenced by official attitude of Vichy as evidenced by prohibition of departure of locally resident Greeks of military age numbering approximately 350 according to the Greek Consul General.
Position of Turkey set in President Inonu’s recent speech has likewise caused satisfaction here except among apprehensive Armenians and pro-German Moslems. Announcement regarding Turkish relations with Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and declaration of cooperation with Great Britain have enheartened pro-British elements both native and French and been welcomed in French military circles.
According to reliable information the French forces here have standing instructions to maintain order and French authority and resist aggression of whatever origin, and responsible officers insist that there would be no compromise if German or Italian military action were attempted here. The thought that any such action is unlikely now with the position of Turkey so clearly defined is not only a [apparent omission] to those who have lost interest in fighting since the armistice but also an encouragement to those who are anxiously but patiently awaiting an opportunity to fight against Germany.
The allegiance of these forces to the Vichy regime is primarily and essentially allegiance to Pétain based on their confidence in his integrity and their belief that he stands in the way of a complete manifestation of Laval’s pro-Axis sympathies and will never agree to any concessions involving immediate or eventual military assistance to Germany or Italy.
There are no local indications that this allegiance has been weakened by President Inonu’s definition of the attitude of Turkey or that it might be severed if Turkey were to come into the war or as a result of any initiative here. It appears on the contrary that allegiance to Pétain is stronger than ever and that only through some action on [Page 925] his part would severance of such allegiance be likely to take place. It is believed that if he were to cease to be the head of the French Government and particularly if he were to break with and be succeeded by Laval a majority of the French forces here might consider themselves as under no further obligation to support the Vichy regime, but it is admitted that among the elements now here there are none with personality or prestige adequate for the local leadership that would then be necessary and it has been suggested that such leadership would have to be provided from North Africa if not from France itself.