890D.01/5–2645

The British Minister ( Balfour ) to the Director of the Office of Near Eastern and African Affairs ( Henderson )

Ref: 256/—/45

My Dear Henderson: This is to let you know that in reply to further telegrams from our Minister at Beirut stressing the extremely tense situation which has developed in Syria, the Foreign Office sent him further instructions on May 25th.

These instructions request Shone to represent to the Syrian Government at once that it is essential that they should maintain control of the situation. If the Syrians precipitate disorder it would not predispose His Majesty’s Government in their favour. It seemed essential in particular that they should control the situation at Horns and Hama. Only a few hundred French troops have so far arrived and there are no grounds which would excuse the Syrians resorting to disorders which may have repercussions on the Allied war effort.

Shone was authorized to inform the Syrian Government at the same time that His Majesty’s Government are also making representations in Paris about the need for calm. The Foreign Office suggested to him that he should speak similarly to General Beynet if he had not already done so.

Shone for his part has emphasised the need for some public statement indicating that His Majesty’s Government and the United States Government have started conversations with the French Government about the position of Allied troops in Syria and the Levant.

You will no doubt let us know, as soon as you are in a position to do so, how your further consideration of this matter is developing.

Yours sincerely,

John Balfour