740.0011 European War 1939/11607: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:30 p.m.]
186. My 181, May 31, noon. Reliable Free French source states that Latakia is very vulnerable and could be easily occupied by the Germans who would thereby obtain most important foothold facing Cyprus and within easy striking distance of Aleppo, Horns, and Tripoli. For these reasons same source urges that the British should take Latakia from the sea the moment they have decided to move into Syria. Present garrison, one battalion with little artillery, would probably offer but feeble resistance and the Frence authorities would have difficulty in rushing reenforcement north along exposed coastal road. Existing small landing field could be quickly enlarged.
Please inform British authorities.