890d.01/7–745: Telegram
No. 641
The Minister in Lebanon (Wadsworth) to the Acting Secretary of State
208. Ostrorog tells me that following further discussion with Pharaon and Syro-Lebanese consultation it was decided last night (Pharaon speaking for both Levant Govts) that official French declaration will be issued this evening to effect that Troupes Spéciales will be transferred to Lebanon and Syria in accordance with terms (modalités) to be agreed upon within maximum of 45 days.
He was most hopeful this step would relieve general tension and remove essential cause for continuing disturbance of internal security such as July 5–6 incidents at Latakia (see Military Attaché’s telegram 84521 July 71).
He expected no thanks from Syrian Govt but hoped press comment [Page 968] would become less cauvinistic; Pharaon was appreciative but would naturally have to adapt his attitude to that of Damascus.
He foresaw no difficulty as to arrangements for transfer, except perhaps in connection with small number (notably Armenians) who had enrolled under regular French Army terms and might wish eventually to leave country with French forces. But see my despatch 677, March. 12 for complexity of problem.
No proposal had been made for withdrawal of French and Brit troops, altho he had assured Pharaon his govt was agreeable thereto in principle. He felt any specific proposal to this end could best be made by Brit who had taken over military control and whose troops would, after transfer of Troupes Spéciales, far outnumber those of French.
Sent Dept 208; rptd to Paris with request to rept to London; paraphrases to Arab caps.
He saw no need for early international or bilateral consideration of political aspects of problem and was noncommittal when I recalled Paget’s suggestion that favorable atmosphere for proposed London conference could best be created by early withdrawal of Brit and French combatant troops and consequent charging of local govts with sole responsibility for maintaining internal law and order, with Paget himself retaining responsibility only for overall Middle East security.