890D.927/141: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut ( Engert ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27—9 a.m.]
52. My 20, January 24. McEwan has been instructed by the Oriental Institute to uphold its right to the concession. In support of this contention I have addressed a brief note to the High Commissioner10a in which I reserve all rights on behalf of the Institute until it becomes possible to resume excavation on that particular site.
Director of Archaeology has expressed to me much satisfaction at our decision and will recommend to the High Commissioner that nobody be permitted to excavate in that area for the duration of the war. This will keep the Germans out too unless Vichy should specifically instruct to the contrary. To forestall this, if possible, I venture to suggest that our Embassy at Vichy likewise reserve all rights of the Institute.
I have also talked to the Turkish Consul General who states that his Government is interested because it would like to avoid having German archaeologists operate so near the Turkish frontier at the present time. He believes Ankara would want to tell the Vichy Government that and I therefore suggest our Embassy in Ankara be informed if the Department decides to mention the validity of the American concession at Vichy.
- Gen. Henri-Fernand Dentz.↩