740.0011 European War 1939/11493: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:15 p.m.]
181. I learn from a reliable source that the German Government has demanded through Vichy that facilities be given to the landing of German military equipment, tanks, et cetera, at Beirut and Tripoli. High Commissioner was opposed on the ground that it would alarm the people and might cause disturbances. He offered instead a small landing place near the cement factories at Chekka just south of Tripoli. This the Germans declined as inadequate and have insisted on Latakia where they propose to land their supplies from small Greek vessels.
Germans have demanded delivery of 4,000 hectolitres aviation spirits per diem but the French state they cannot supply that much.
Sixteen German expert anti-aircraft gunners have just arrived.
About 25 French Devoitine pursuit planes arrived at Rayak a day or two ago which may explain the rumor reported in the last paragraph of my 171, May 28.
Repeated to Vichy.
Please inform British authorities.