740.0011 European War 1939/9255: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
261. Beirut’s No. 85, March 21, 9 a.m. Please investigate report that Germany desires to send a military mission to Syria. If the report appears correct, you are requested to bring the matter to Marshal Pétain’s60 attention and to make clear to him this Government’s interest in preventing Syria from being brought directly or indirectly under German control. You may say that you are convinced the French Government’s desires in this regard coincide with our own, and point out the dangerous implications of such a mission as indicated in Beirut’s telegram under reference and previous telegrams from Engert repeated to you.
For your information and appropriate use, the British Government adopted a policy some time ago of seriously restricting Syrian foreign trade, in an endeavor to bring about a more accommodating attitude by the French authorities in Syria. The Department questioned the advisability of this policy, and has brought the matter to the British Government’s attention on several occasions,61 pointing out that the policy was likely to drive Syrian trade into German hands. The British Government has now been persuaded to change its policy with regard to Syrian trade, and has approved the export of principal Syrian commodities to the United States, including silk, wool, tobacco, casings, hides and skins, and olive oil, and the export of American [Page 694] commodities, notably foodstuffs, to Syria. You may point out to the French authorities that the American Government’s action in this regard has been in accord with the requests of the French High Commissioner in Syria and that we desire to be able to continue this policy of cooperation. Any evidence of German activity or control in Syria would render our policy most difficult to maintain.