890D.01/5–3045
Statement by the Acting Secretary of State 54
Asked to comment on the situation in Syria and Lebanon, the Acting Secretary said that he had learned with deep regret that disorders resulting in injury and loss of life have occurred in Lebanon and Syria following the recent arrival of French troops in Lebanon.
He said that during recent months this Government has repeatedly urged the Government of France, Lebanon, and Syria to make every effort to reach a friendly agreement with regard to outstanding questions which would be fully consistent with the independence of the latter countries and which at the same time would take cognizance on a non-discriminatory basis of French interests therein.
He added that it is particularly unfortunate, at a time when the [Page 1107] United Nations are endeavoring to perfect an International Security Organization, that differences between members of the United Nations have resulted in disorders and loss of life. This Government is continuing earnestly to urge the French, Lebanese, and Syrian Governments to refrain from taking any action which might aggravate the situation and render still more difficult the reaching of an amicable and equitable settlement in a friendly atmosphere.
- File copy indicates that this statement was issued “in lieu of press and radio news conference, Monday, May 28, 1945”.↩