890D.01/621: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Beirut (Gwynn)
Washington, July 31,
1942—11 p.m.
121. Your 264, July 26, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- Your courtesy visit to Damascus prior to delivery of aide-mémoire is approved. However, the Department desires to obtain as early as possible the necessary assurances from the Syrian and Lebanese Governments regarding treatment of American individuals and institutions in Syria and Lebanon, in order that decision may be taken on question of recognition. Note has been taken of your comment in this regard, but consideration of a broad nature connected with our general relations with peoples of the Near East render prompt decision desirable if satisfactory assurances of respect for our treaty rights are received.
- 2.
- Change of wording you suggest in paragraph 2 of aide-mémoire is approved.
- 3.
- With reference to your paragraph 7, the Department is not aware of any objection to your continuing to carry on your relations with the Free French authorities in a manner similar to that followed in the past.
Hull