890E.01/5–945: Telegram
The Minister to Syria and Lebanon (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9—5:10 p.m.]
125. ReLegtel 123, May 8, 6 p.m.1 British Naval Base Beirut has received today a repeat signal from CinC Mediterranean that Jeanne d’Arc sailed from Toulon for Oran yesterday morning.
Montcalm sailed from Beirut today noon carrying some 500 Senegalese troops relieved by incoming 900 (reLegtel 121, May 7, noon, second paragraph).
Lebanese Parliament had dignified discussion yesterday ending with vote supporting Government’s position as set forth in Pharaon note outlined in my same telegram.
Foreign Minister and Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee tell me they propose to reopen discussions with Beynet upon his now announced early return but to break them off short and even break all relations if French bring in more troops without withdrawing equal number. If French refuse they believe clash is inevitable.
I have had further discussion with Grigg who believes it might be helpful were Washington and London to agree that approach suggested by Pharaon note is acceptable and so inform French and local governments.
Grigg supplemented his remark of yesterday by telling me in strictest confidence he had telegraphed Churchill that “if you approve I will authorize the CinC to take such action as he sees fit” with view to maintaining overall Middle East security.
Sent to Department as 125; repeated to Paris as 28; paraphrases to Arab capitals.