890.00/10–345: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

10288. Paris telegram 718, September 30, noon.75 We have been told by Under Secretary Harvey that a formula covering the general situation in the Near East as it affects the British and French has now been worked out between Ambassador Massigli and Howe, the superintending Under Secretary for the Middle East. The formula has not as yet been seen by Mr. Bevin. Bevin has until now been too occupied with the sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers. The formula would, however, be brought to his attention as soon as possible.

Harvey added that Mr. Bevin is personally very anxious to come to an understanding with the French on the Middle East in general and particularly on Syria just as quickly as possible so that the way will be open for talks on questions more immediately touching Anglo-French relations.

Sent Department as 10288; repeated Paris as 644.

Winant
  1. Presumably No. 5787, p. 1168.