Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

890D.01/709

President Roosevelt to the President of the Republic of Syria (Kouatli)²⁸

Great and Good Friend: I have received with great pleasure your letter of August 17, 1943 (15 Chaaban 1362)²⁹ announcing to me your assumption of the Presidency of the Republic of Syria following your election to that high post by the National Assembly.

I can assure you that the Government of the United States and the American people are following with sympathy and attention the progress of the Syrian Republic and welcome the establishment of the new Government which you head. I am confident that the close ties which have so long existed between our two nations will be strengthened during your Presidency and that this country and its Allies can count on the whole-hearted support and cooperation of the Syrian people in the great struggle in which we are engaged.

Please accept my best wishes for the prosperity of the Republic of Syria and for your own health and happiness.

Your Good Friend,

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Washington , November 12, 1943.

28. Transmitted by the Department to the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Beirut in instruction No. 92, November 16, for forwarding to the President of the Republic of Syria.
29. Ante, p. 985.