890D.01/592: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Beirut (Engert)
57. The British Embassy here has handed to the Department a memorandum dated April 27, 1942, stating that the British Government considers that one of the principal causes for unrest in the Levant states has been the failure by the Free French to implement their independence promises. Consequently, the British Government has instructed the British Minister of State in Cairo and the Commander-in-Chief Middle East to recommend the following measures to Catroux in person:
[Here follows text of paragraphs (a) and (b) and subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of the British memorandum of April 27, printed on page 591.]
The British Embassy has requested this Government to support the above policy through representations to the Free French, and has expressed the view that our support would carry considerable weight.
Before deciding upon the action to be taken by this Government, the Department desires your views.