890D.00/11–3047: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Syria
us urgent
263. Your statements to Prime Minister approved. Re your 391, November 30, 1 p. m. Please inform him that US Govt expects the [Page 1293] Govt of Syria like that of any country with which it maintains diplomatic relations to extend full protection to American Legation, American property, and American citizens in territory under its control.
Displeasure which Syrian Govt and people may feel towards any policy or action of American Govt in United Nations or otherwise is no ground for violence of this character.
You may point out that failure of Syrian police officials to protect Legation and to prevent hauling down of American flag adds to seriousness of incident and is certain to be cause for regret to many friends of Syria in US.
In view of expressions of regret on part of Prime Minister it is assumed that Syrian Govt will take prompt measures to make clear before whole world its disapproval of such acts, to proffer the appropriate apologies, to compensate for property destroyed, and to give adequate protection in future.1
Sent Damascus; repeated to Cairo, Baghdad, Jidda, Beirut, Jerusalem and War.
- Later the same day, in telegram 393, from Damascus, Chargé Memminger reported he had “just received President’s apologies and strongest assurance that no further anti-Americanism will occur.” (890D.00/11–3047)↩