890D.00/805: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut ( Engert ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19—12:13 p.m.]
84. My 73, March 1337 and last paragraph of my 70, March 11.38 Situation in Damascus continues somewhat tense and is being used by Nationalists to embarrass the French. High Commissioner has again gone to Damascus to discuss possible concessions with Syrian leaders.
Inasmuch as one of the propaganda arguments used by the Germans here has been that the British blockade was responsible for the present economic plight of Syria it occurs to me that in connection with my 82, March 10, 10 p.m. [March 19, 9 a.m.], the British Government might be well advised for purely political reasons to grant certain trading facilities. The blockade has not so far succeeded in forcing the French authorities in Syria to throw in their lot with the British and is not likely to do so in any foreseeable future. As repeatedly intimated in these telegrams the best policy would seem to be to take advantage of the increasingly articulate local hope for a British victory and to foster a friendlier attitude on the part of the authorities irrespective of instructions from Vichy. Greater leniency in the application of the blockade might therefore not only create a happier atmosphere but [Page 681] would be particularly appreciated by the French at this juncture as a means of counteracting German propaganda strengthening their position vis-à-vis native agitators who are trying to exploit the specialists.
Repeated to Vichy.