740.0011 European War 1939/13261
The French Ambassador (Henry-Haye) to the Secretary of State
Referring to the information given to His Excellency the Secretary of State in the course of their conversation on June 9, 1941, the Ambassador of France has the honor to advise the Honorable Cordell Hull that the French Government has sent the following communication to Sir Samuel Hoare, Ambassador of Great Britain in Spain, through the intermediary of its Ambassador at Madrid:
“The French Government renews its declaration that there are no German troops in Syria. French forces alone are defending the territory with which they are entrusted.
“Military authorities in Syria have had occasion to verify that British soldiers and sailors taken prisoner in Syria have expressed their astonishment at being prisoners of the French since their leaders had told them that they would be fighting the Germans.
“In these circumstances, the French Government wonders what the motive is which impels the British Government to continue its unjustified aggression. If it goes on, it might have serious political consequences which the French Government, for its part is desirous of avoiding.”
The Ambassador of France is happy to find in this communication a new proof of the conciliatory dispositions of the French Government in the regrettable conflict created by British aggression in the territories of the Levant. He feels obliged to draw the most special attention of the Government of the United States to this point.
Mr. Henry-Haye is happy to take this occasion [etc.]