Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, The Conferences at Cairo and Tehran, 1943

Roosevelt Papers: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the President¹

secret

[Washington, November 18, 1943.]

For the President from Secretary Hull

British request our support of following policy which they have instructed Casey to follow in Lebanese situation.²

If Catroux has not released Lebanese political prisoners by tonight Casey is to fly to Beirut tomorrow. He is then to inform Catroux that if by Sunday,³ at 10 a.m., prisoners are not released and Helleu recalled, immediate arrangements will be made for declaration British martial law. Thereafter British G. O. C. or C. in C. would take over, release political prisoners and permit reassembly of Lebanese Parliament as soon as situation permits. Casey to make clear to Catroux martial law declared purely as military necessity and no political implication involved.

1. Sent by the White House Map Room on November 19, 1943, to Greer at Oran, apparently via military channels.
2. See Kirk’s telegram of November 12, 1943, to Hull, ante, p. 84, footnote 2.
3. November 21, 1943.