890E.00/105: Telegram

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

51. Your 142, April 21, 10 a.m. and preceding. You are authorized, on your discretion, to inform General Spears and General Catroux that the American Government is disturbed by reports from Beirut and particularly by the evidence of native dissatisfaction indicated by President Naccache’s statement to you on April 20.16 You may say that this Government would be very pleased to assist in any way it may in bringing about a better understanding among the British, the Free French and the people of Syria and the Lebanon.

The four suggestions made in your telegram no. 142 are constructive and you may urge, on behalf of this Government, that they be adopted.

Your telegram under reference has been brought to the attention of the British Ambassador here. Consideration is being given to the feasibility of discussing the subject with the Free French authorities in Washington.

Hull
  1. See telegram No. 141, April 20, 8 p.m., from the Consul General at Beirut, p. 588.