890E.00/182: Telegram
The Chargé in Iraq (Gaudin) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—8:09 a.m.]
441. During a social call on Prime Minister Nuri yesterday he stated he was greatly disturbed at recent French action in Lebanon. He declared that unless rectified it would lower Anglo-American prestige in not only Near East but in all countries and will be considered an example of how British and Americans intend to live up to Atlantic Charter and other announced principles. Nuri is under impression constitutional amendments provided only for Arabic as official language and use of Lebanese flag. He believes an Anglo-French-American commission should be set up to handle security.
Government press and other informed opinion here is likewise disturbed and disappointed.
Repeated to Beirut, Jerusalem, Cairo.