740.00112 European War 1939/2209⅔: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:15 p.m.]
34. My 32, February 11, 8 p.m. [a.m.], and 33, February 12 [11], 9 a.m. Both telegrams should of course be considered in the light of British policy which is to bring pressure to bear on the French authorities in Syria. My British colleague has therefore been instructed to obtain from the High Commissioner an undertaking that if certain exports to the United States are authorized no surplus stocks will be sold to Axis Powers or to countries from which they might reach the Axis.
Considering the possible imminence of a German move which may involve Turkey it is of paramount importance that we should assist in creating a situation here which would prevent any local decisions inimical to British strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. I have recently discussed with Colonel Donovan23 in Jerusalem all phases of the problem and have told him that the French in Syria [Page 675] need outside encouragement if they are to become reconciled to the British blockade. With Von Hentig24 a certain amount of German infiltration has already begun which is making prodigious efforts to win the native Syrians over to Germany’s cause. He is known to have discussed details regarding possible German Syrian economic collaboration and seems intent on eliminating British and American trade and influence from Syria.
The French here are going through a distressing moral crisis which requires careful and sympathetic handling. The High Commissioner is in a very paradoxical position as he is personally opposed to any abject subservience to Germany but dreads the thought of disobeying Marshal Pétain.25 On the other hand he knows that the British Government is pledged to the full restoration of the integrity and independence of France even without French help, and the brilliant British victories in North Africa have had a cheering effect in French political and military circles. I therefore believe this an opportune moment to assist the High Commissioner in such matters as those referred to in my numbers 32 and 33. I think he would understand that in return honor and interest alike would seem to point to a conciliatory and accommodating spirit on his part in dealing with British interests.
Repeated to Vichy.