Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The British Commonwealth; The Near East and Africa, Volume III

740.00112 European War 1939/2344: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, March 14, 1941—8 p.m.
[Received March 14—4:42 p.m.]

998. Department’s 477, February 13, 11 p.m., and 501, February 15, 6 p.m.³³ Information and representations in reference cables relating to Syrian trade promptly conveyed to higher officials Ministry Economic Warfare who received them sympathetically and indicated that although questions would have to go before a committee dealing with questions pertaining to French territory an early reply was anticipated. In conversation reference was made to two schools of thought among Government officials, one favoring strong measures strictly applied and others favoring greater elasticity in dealing with particular situations. Officials with whom matter was discussed seemed disposed to go along with line of policy supported in Department’s telegrams and Ministry of Economic Warfare was reported as expressing his [its] own willingness agree to export of Syrian goods to the United States provided there was no objection to control through navicerts on return imports to Syria. Aside from the controversial question as to desirability of continued pressure on French Syrian authorities the opinion was expressed that increased exports to the United States of Syrian products should benefit all concerned; also the willingness expressed by Department to control exports of United States of America goods to Syria through license system was regarded as assisting the case for favorable reply to Department.

It was indicated, however, that it was necessary to take into consideration views of the Free French and particularly of Catroux³⁴ who has been firm in his insistence on strong economic pressure on Syria and whose views are respected. It was necessary to communicate with Catroux in Cairo; but it was thought unlikely he would oppose a clear indication of British wishes.

Unfortunately, unexpected delay was caused by the departure of the Foreign Secretary for the Near East, which would naturally affect consideration of matter involving delicate questions of policy in French territory, particularly in view of recent developments southeastern Europe. Ministry Economic Warfare keenly regrets continued delay of decision and Embassy was informed today that a further cable has been despatched to Cairo pressing for a decision which will enable appropriate reply to Department’s telegrams.

Winant

33. Latter not printed; it summarized telegrams Nos. 32, February 11, 8 a.m., 33, February 11, 9 a.m., and 34, February 12, 10 a.m., from the Consul General at Beirut, and stated that the Department concurred in the Consul General’s view that in return for relaxation of British pressure the High Commissioner would adopt a more conciliatory and accommodating spirit in dealing with British interests (740.00112 European War 1939/2209⅖).
34. Gen. Georges Catroux, Free French representative in the Middle East; after overthrow of Vichy regime in Syria, he was appointed French Delegate General and Plenipotentiary in Syria and Lebanon.