740.0011 European War 1939/13235: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16—8:05 p.m.]
300. First British troops consisting of an Australian battalion entered Beirut about 1:00 p.m. today. At the request of the Colonel I took him to call on Admiral Gouton—see my 286, July 10, 11 a.m.—and assisted him and his political officer in establishing contacts with the heads of certain administrations charged with the maintenance of order, food control, et cetera. The attitude of the French official was correct, courteous and helpful.
General Wilson and General Catroux arrive tomorrow morning.
As previously reported by me, neither Admiral Gouton nor any other French official is permitted by Vichy to have any relations with the Free French authorities who are about to take over in Beirut. This will, of course, complicate the situation enormously and it will require the utmost tact on the part of everybody to avoid an impasse at the very outset.
Repeated to London and Vichy.