740.0011 European War 1939/11624: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:05 a.m.]
187. British planes dropped a few bombs on army gasoline stocks in Beirut yesterday and this morning. Today’s bombing seems to have done considerable damage and I shall report details later. Population is remarkably calm and no resentment is felt.
I understand Germans are now withdrawing their airplanes and ground personnel from Syria, including base at Aleppo, in order to make it appear that British intervention is totally unwarranted and directed solely against the French and natives.
Repeated to Vichy.