890D.01/11–1844: Telegram
The Minister to Syria and Lebanon (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19—5:30 p.m.]
257. I presented my letter of credence to Syrian President November 17 [16?] and to Lebanese President yesterday. There can be no doubt that any references in my remarks to “full and unconditional recognition” and to your declaration of September 19 were highly appreciated by both Governments, especially in current atmosphere of political tension engendered primarily by complete absence of information as to Franco-British policy discussions regarding Levant States had during Churchill–Eden visit to Paris.
Three other factors contributing to tension were: Failure of London Foreign Office to reply to Syrian request for exercise of British good offices in matter of transfer to Troupes Spéciales (Legation telegram 240 November 2, 4 p.m.); the acute rise in cost of living (Legation telegram 253, November 17, 3 p.m.91) which … has threatened Governments with serious loss of public support; and apparently well-confirmed reports of new démarches by French to Maronite clergy in endeavor to induce them to petition French protection (Legation telegram 228 October 20, 10 a.m. 8th paragraph). Especially the last mentioned matter caused serious disquiet in Beirut, Lebanese President and members of Government informed me; they personally urged on archbishops that, as the French-created Greater Lebanon had refused to negotiate treaty of alliance with France, the church would do well to lead in inducing smaller predominantly Christian Mount Lebanon to demand such treaty, and result is [in] loss of Tripoli or other predominantly Moslem “added area” be considered only as blessing in disguise.
Syrian President’s reply to my remarks stressed bond of common striving to uphold rights and liberties; our unconditional recognition was a practical proof; Syria too would meet her responsibilities “treating with all foreign powers on a footing of equality, without discrimination in privileges or preferences”; the President’s92 and your words has found grateful echo, a natural consequence of policy which places mutual confidence above material force and interest.
Lebanese President’s reply similarly stressed keenest appreciation of unconditional recognition; our friendship had deep roots in American hospitality to Lebanese emigrants many of whom now loyally [Page 811] serve common cause; in aspiring to a future of freedom and peace Lebanon places its all at disposal of Democratic Powers.
Syrian President struck key note of official reaction when after presentation ceremonies he said informally “you give us new courage to deserve [sic] to persevere in the way we have chosen; only once before since assuming office have I felt so moved, so sure of our future; that was when we signed the Catroux protocol of last December”.