740.00119 European War 1939/783: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 12—10:10 a.m.]
290. My 289, July 11, 12 noon. When General Dentz learned what the terms were he seemed anything but pleased. He snorted audibly every time he came across a reference to Free French interests and said it was “disgraceful and outrageous of Great Britain to encourage Frenchmen to engage in civil war.” He added that he would have no dealings with the Free French but would deal exclusively with the British and all French officials who were remaining behind had been instructed to do likewise.
He wanted it distinctly understood that these terms could serve exclusively as a basis for discussion as several of them, especially surrender of war material, etc., were quite unacceptable in their present form.
Our British friends should be prepared to be very firm with him even at the risk of renewing hostilities. It would be dangerous to permit him to engage in protracted quibbling or to yield on any but unimportant details. He is already taking advantage of every hour of respite he can gain to move material and men north and consolidate fresh position. Please see also paragraph 3 my 282, July 8, and concluding sentence my 285, July 10.
Repeated to Vichy and London.
(Is the Department now receiving Beirut’s telegrams direct?)