890D.01/5–1645: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Caffery)
2104. A representative of French Embassy called on May 125 at Dept’s request and was informed in following sense re situation in Levant States: The landing of troops in Beirut, although apparently constituting replacements, was regarded with concern and suspicion by the Lebanese and Syrian Govts. When it becomes known that [Page 1075] French are sending more troops whose arrival would increase military establishment in Levant States, a strong reaction on part of Syrian and Lebanese could be expected. Although we had confidence in French good faith, we felt their action was unwise because Levant States may regard it as pressure upon them in connection with negotiations now in course. If as result popular uprisings should occur they might spread to other Near Eastern countries to detriment of war effort. Moreover, as Great Powers including France are now engaged in creating international organization in which trust and confidence of small countries is vital, it would make things difficult for us all if suspicion should arise from occurrence of this sort. The view was expressed that a mistake by Western power could not fail to affect the standing of them all in the Near East. Concluding, it was made clear that we had exercised a moderating influence on the Levant States by advising them to exert every effort to keep situation in hand.
The French representative replied that we could depend upon him to bring our views to his Govt’s attention.
You should reiterate to the French Government the serious view taken by this Govt, of the French action in sending reinforcements to the Levant at such a critical time and in such a manner as to risk repercussions in the Near East. Moreover, it seems clear to us that such action would impede rather than facilitate the negotiations between France and the Levant States. At the same time you may state that this Govt. hopes the French Govt. will give favorable consideration to Churchill’s recent proposal for the simultaneous progressive withdrawal of both French and British troops from the Levant States.
For your information the Dept. wishes to stress the concern with which it views the present situation and the importance which it attaches to your representations in Paris. It is desirable that our representatives in Paris and Beirut keep their respective British colleagues informed of developments in this matter.
Sent to Paris. Repeated to London and Beirut.