890E.01/5–2945: Telegram
The Minister to Syria and Lebanon (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:14 p.m.]
161. I have just seen Lebanese MinFonAff at his request. He spoke substantially as follows:
“We (Leb Govt) are in increasingly difficult position. If Lebanon is calm it is because we have maintained calm despite extremist and now mounting popular pressure to show solidarity with Syrians by general strike and anti-French demonstrations.
“If we have maintained this calm it is not because we do not feel with the Syrians but because we believe we are following policy best calculated to serve our common interests. Now, however, Syrian Govt too is putting pressure on us to act. They themselves are fast losing control of situation; I doubt if they will be able to bring quorum to Parliament this afternoon; there is such hatred of French. Their people and Deputies want action, not more words.
“I know you have reported fully to your Govt re situation and views of Syrian and my PriMins as to what steps should be taken to meet its immediately threatening aspects. I concur; but what I want to emphasize is my own view that outstandingly best way to meet this new pressure is for us to announce that in answer to French treaty proposals we are making counter-proposals for similar treaties with the four powers.
“Therefore I ask you to request urgently your Govt’s views on my suggestion for ‘direct treatment’ of situation (reLegtel 152, May 23 [24] pgh 2). I cannot make such announcement without your Govt’s formal encouragement at least in principle. Any changes you or other powers may wish to suggest in my draft treaties will be made willingly.
“Shone tells me Brit Govt views my suggestion favorably but prefers it be made only to French, Brit and Amer Govts. I feel Russians should be included. Do you know how Syrians feel on this point?”
I was able to reply that in Damascus yesterday Syrian MinFonAff had stated to me categorically he too preferred including Russians and Chinese as well. Pharaon answered: “Then please ask your Govt also as to its view on this point.”
Rptd Paris as 53, sent Dept as 161, paraphrased to Arab capitals.