890D.01/6–1745: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p.m.]
239. Acting MinFonAff has just handed me telegram from King Abdul Aziz on Syria and Lebanon which I am sending verbatim translation. Previous appeals have been made identically and simultaneously through Brit and American Ministers but it is significant that this time communication to Brit Minister was made yesterday and consisted of gratitude for action taken. In handing me telegram today, Acting Minister stated it requests US Govt to take equally effective action with American economic weapons.
[Here follows text of telegram from King Abdul Aziz.32]
Sent Dept; rptd Beirut; paraphrases to other Arab capitals.
- King Abdul Aziz wrote in his telegram that he was very grateful for the stand taken by the American and British Governments with regard to Syria and Lebanon and expressed the hope that with their assistance the two Arab countries would achieve their independence and freedom. The King desired that the American Government take such action as would cause France to desist from its intransigence toward Syria and Lebanon, even if this should take the form of reconsideration of the economic assistance extended to France under lend-lease. He believed that this stand, if taken by the United States, would have a considerable restraining effect upon French activities. The King concluded by stating his strong hope that the American Government would not hesitate to do all that was possible to sustain the independence of the two countries.↩