740.0011 European War 1939/11038: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 17—9:28 p.m.]
152. High Commissioner’s communiqué published this morning states 15 of the German planes which recently flew over Syria have made forced landings on Syrian aerodromes. In accordance with terms of armistice, steps were taken to have them depart as soon as possible.
British planes without warning bombarded Palmyra and Rayak May 14th and 15th. One French officer was killed and several wounded. May 16th suburb of Beirut and landing fields at Damascus and Rayak were machine-gunned without causing damage. Leaflets inciting to dissidence are being daily dropped by British planes. These British proceedings constitute flagrant acts of hostility against France. High Commissioner has protested to British Consul General.