867N.01/11–1145: Telegram
The Chargé in Syria ( Porter ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—2:40 p.m.]
82. Reference my telegram 76, October 28. Influential daily newspaper of Damascus, Alef Ba, today published texts of Roosevelt–Kuwatly letters. Prime Minister telephoned during course of morning to express his regret and to say that as this had been done without Government permission he had suspended newspaper for 1 month.
Inasmuch as public will no doubt believe we are responsible for this suspension, and because of our proclaimed advocacy of freedom of the press, I suggest that the Dept authorize me to indicate to the Prime Minister that while we appreciate his desire to cooperate with us in such matters we would not object if suspension of this newspaper were lifted.27
- In telegram 78, November 12, 1945, 6 p.m., the Chargé was authorized to inform the Prime Minister along the lines he had suggested (867N.01/11–1145).↩