Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

890d.01/7–945: Telegram

No. 643
The Minister in Lebanon (Wadsworth) to the Acting Secretary of State

confidential

Beirut, July 9, 1945—7 p.m.

213. In informal conversation with Gen Pilleau re transfer of Troupes Spéciales (ReLegtels 208, July 7¹ and 211, July 9²) he stressed desirability of prompt consideration of Ninth Army memorandum of Feb 26 dealing with “administrative considerations” (see my despatch 677, March 1³).

Unless higher political considerations (e. g. in connection with holding of international conference) dictated otherwise he could see advantage from local security angle of completing such transfer prior to undertaking withdrawal of Brit forces and consequently French forces as well; for latter, altho potentially source of further disorder, could hardly be asked to withdraw except simultaneously with Brit.

He took particular note of Ostrorog’s comment to me that any specific proposal for joint withdrawal might best be made by Brit. He did not, however, venture any opinion thereon.

I should welcome brief indication of Dept’s views on this latter point for I envisage possibility that unless French and Brit make some move Syrian Govt will reiterate this second of its chief desiderata and that if some satisfaction thereof not be assured security situation will remain troubled and build up to new crisis.

Pilleau repeated Paget’s comment that withdrawal of combatant troops could be effected in few weeks as they are largely self-contained. For liquidation of other military commitments (including installations, supplies and contracts) very considerable administrative work would be required.

(Sent Dept as 213, rptd to Paris as 78 with request to rpt to London, paraphrases to Arab caps.)

He suggested desirability of early careful administrative analysis of latter problem which could probably best be solved in two phases; first general disposals and withdrawal of “service” troops under direct supervision of present Brit and French commands and second, final liquidation of installations and contracts by special military commissions under general supervision of diplomatic mission.

Wadsworth

1. Document No. 641.
2. Document No. 642.
3. Not printed.