890D.01/10–1744
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation, by the Director of the Office of Near Eastern and African Affairs (Murray)
Mr. Michael Wright called me by telephone this morning and, referring to our most recent conversation about the question of treaty relations between the French and Syria and Lebanon, stated that a telegram had been received from the British Foreign Office expressing appreciation of our viewpoint in this matter.
The telegram went on to express the hope that we would counsel the French, as well as the Syrians and Lebanese, to adopt a policy of moderation in this matter with a view to bringing about some mutually satisfactory understanding. I told Mr. Wright that we had already spoken to both M. Hoppenot and Admiral Fenard in that sense and that we expected Mr. Wadsworth to give the same advice to the Syrians and Lebanese very shortly.
Mr. Wright then asked whether we would be willing to instruct Mr. Caffery to consult with Duff-Cooper, the British representative in Paris, and thereafter advise the competent French officials along the lines that we and the British have agreed on. I assured Mr. Wright that we would be glad to take such a step.