740.0011 European War 1939/14203: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—4:03 p.m.]
336. My 332, August 15, 11 a.m. Following upon the exchange of letters the British turned over to the French such administrative control in Syria and Lebanon, including public security, intelligence service, censorship, et cetera, as they were still exercising. But what is more serious the British have now also given the French complete military control south of a line running roughly east from Latakia though excluding the Syrian desert.
No publicity has been given to these latest concessions but in discussing them with me a senior British officer said he was told in high quarters in Cairo a few days ago that they had been made “in deference to the wishes of the American Government”. I said I felt quite sure my Government had never expressed any wishes in the matter and that it would be interesting to trace the statement to its source.
I consider the question of some importance because the concessions made to the French—especially intelligence service and military control of south Syria—are far wider than anticipated or believed necessary. Considering that a great many Vichy French are still in the country and may remain even in official positions without declaring themselves for Free France, not to mention doubtful or unfriendly native elements, the danger in an emergency becomes a very real one. A report, therefore, that the United States had induced the British Government to surrender rights which the British military believed necessary for their safety would be calculated to cause uneasiness among the British and may perhaps even be the result of local German propaganda which is still quite active.
Repeated to Cairo.