890D.48/110: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 20—7 a.m.]
82. The French Director of Foreign Commerce, M. Soule came to see me last night on behalf of the High Commissioner to ask if a decision regarding the milk products mentioned in my 33, February 12 [11], 9 a.m., could be obtained in the near future. He states that unless they arrive before the end of May infant mortality during the hot summer months will greatly be increased.
[Page 680]He then referred to the subject of my 34, February 12, 10 a.m.; 40, February 18, 10 p.m. [a.m.]; and 63, March 7, 9 a.m.,36 and said that the British were making a great mistake if they thought Syrian products could not reach Germany because Turkey would delay or obstruct transit. Turkey seemed to be giving all necessary facilities and some wool, silk and casings had already reached Germany. He confirmed the information I had obtained from another source—see second paragraph of my 74, March 13, 11 a.m.—and said Germany was demanding more and more and in return would gladly send pharmaceutical products, hospital equipment and chemicals urgently needed in local industries. He assured me that all Frenchmen in authority here wished to avoid trading with “the enemy” but that unless stocks of wool and silk were immediately purchased by England or the United States they would surely go to Germany.
I am, of course, informing my British colleague of the above conversation but I venture to suggest that the Department too bring matter to the attention of the British Government.
Repeated to Vichy.