Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The British Commonwealth; The Near East and Africa, Volume III

740.0011 European War 1939/14008: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State

Beirut, August 15, 1941—11 p.m. [a.m.]
[Received 10:07 p.m.]

332. Local newspapers published yesterday exchange of letters dated August 7th between General de Gaulle and Oliver Lyttelton³⁷ signed during Lyttelton’s recent visit to Beirut. The British Government reiterates its disinterestedness in Syria and the Lebanon except to win the war and to recognize their independence. It admits that France should enjoy in these countries a preeminent position compared to any other European power.

General de Gaulle expresses satisfaction that Great Britain recognizes in advance the preeminent and privileged position of France as soon as the Levant States are independent, and in return he gives assurances that Free France is resolved to continue the war at Great Britain’s side until complete victory has been won.

Engert

37. British Cmd. 6600, Syria No. 1 (1945): Statements of Policy by His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom in Respect of Syria and the Lebanon, 8th June–9th September, 1941, pp. 3–4.