890E.00/293: Telegram
The American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 3—3:05 a.m.]
83. I had a talk yesterday with General Catroux. He said that Helleu had acted very badly, “inexcusably”, and far beyond his instructions. He said that when he left Algiers for Beirut he had in mind the solution which in fact was ultimately reached. The British ultimatum, however, had made it more difficult to work things out because of the resentment produced within the French Committee and particularly on de Gaulle.
He expects to leave again for Beirut on December 5 and hopes to negotiate a modus vivendi with the Lebanon and also one with Syria comprising a series of agreements. His aim is to give France the same position in these countries that the British have in Iraq and Egypt. His policy is to protect the legitimate interests of his own country; e.g., schools, hospitals, airdromes, ports and then with reservation of certain matters essential to the war effort, such as internal security, communications, movement of foreigners, to grant complete independence. He referred to the mandates as well as to our 1924 treaties as “essentially juridical conceptions.” He said that he intended to turn over the “common interests.” He remarked that it was most important that the solution given the “incident” should not be regarded as a British victory over the French, as it would be deplorable all round to renew Franco-British rivalry in the Levant. He spoke with appreciation of the attitude of Wadsworth but said that unquestionably the affair had been embittered by Spears who, willingly or unwillingly, occupies the position in the eyes of the Lebanese of Champion of any and all Lebanese claims against France.
His attitude seemed to me fair and reasonable. He said that he was hopeful of success in the forthcoming negotiations.
Sent Department repeated to London, Beirut, Cairo.