890D.01/5–3145
The British Embassy to the Department of State 87
Message From Mr. Churchill to General de Gaulle of May 31st, 1945
In view of the grave situation which has arisen between your troops and the Levant States and severe fighting which has broken out we have with profound regret ordered the Commander-in-Chief Middle East to intervene to prevent the further effusion of blood in the interests of security of the whole Middle East, which involves communications for war against Japan. In order to avoid collision between British and French forces we request you immediately to order French troops to cease fire and to withdraw to their barracks. Once firing has ceased and order has been restored we shall be prepared to begin tripartite discussions in London.
- Transmitted to the Director of the Office of Near Eastern and African Affairs (Henderson) by the Counselor of the British Embassy (Wright), May 31, 1945.↩