740.0011 European War 1939/24339: Telegram
The Consul at Beirut (Gwynn) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 18—9:47 a.m.]
352. My 319, September 11 [1]. I have just been informed by General Holmes, head of British Ninth Army, that first instance has occurred in which French have taken a military measure without consulting Army Headquarters and obtaining its prior approval. French battalion was moved from Beirut to Tripoli76 on September 30. While incident itself is of little significance Holmes takes serious view of it as indicating that the anarchy which has long reigned in civil affairs is now beginning to affect military questions. He is going to have serious talk with Catroux on 21st.
Holmes also says he has received reports from his area commanders, particularly at Aleppo and Deir ez Zor, to effect that relations between British and French officers in the field which have heretofore been excellent are deteriorating.
Holmes states, and it is evident, that some settlement of Franco-British differences regarding this area must be reached as soon as possible. He has recommended to Cairo that both General Spears and General Catroux be removed from this area and that a fresh start be made.
General Wilson on his way from Cairo to Baghdad to assume his new duties called on me yesterday. He expressed similar views and added that Spears was in his opinion a pathological case of megalomania. He also said “Cairo” was no longer going to attempt to settle this case which would be handled in London.
Repeated to Cairo.
- In Lebanon.↩