890D.01/619: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt (Kirk)
839. Department’s 817, July 28, 9 p.m.22 For your further information, the Department is considering the advisability of implementing [Page 655] its statement of November 29, 1941 (see press release no. 574) in which sympathy with “the natural and legitimate aspirations of the peoples of Syria and Lebanon, including the full enjoyment of sovereign independence” was expressed.
Action would take the form of the appointment to the two states of a diplomatic agent, whose letters of credence would elaborate on that statement in the sense of applicable portions of my basic declaration of July 23.23 It may interest you to know that we have Wadsworth in mind for the post.
Although no such action is contemplated unless and until the present immediate threat of Axis occupation of Egypt has been removed, you may in your discretion discuss the question freely in confidence with Casey24 as of possible interest in connection with the reported present examination of the situation in the Levant States.
We should be glad to learn of any present plans for the gradual transfer to the Governments of Syria and Lebanon of such additional sovereign powers as the situation may appear to warrant. Your views would also be welcome regarding the beneficial effect which our contemplated appointment of diplomatic agent at Beirut might have upon our relations in the Arab countries.