740.00115 European War 1939/502: Telegram
The Consul General at Beirut (Palmer) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—6:37 p.m.]
72. Reference my telegram No. 70, today’s date. Order from Vichy prohibiting departure from Lebanon and Syria of certain aliens [Page 901] strictly enforced from moment of receipt, provides for no exception. British Consul General’s understanding that exit might be issued this morning to British and other nationals affected proved to be incorrect. Refusal of such permits to British women gave rise to rumors that all such nationals would be interned; but the High Commissioner tells me that such refusal was in error and assures me that the order affects only males between 18 and 48 years of age and does not envisage internment.
The High Commissioner explains that this order does not apply exclusively to this area but to all territory under French control. He admits the possibility of a German and Italian commission arriving in the near future and is increasingly concerned; but he states that he is still without official indications in this regard. Recurrent [rumors?] that a commission including Italian and German consular officers formerly at this post is about to arrive are traceable to letters which the Brazilian Consul General now in charge of Italian interests has from time to time received from the former Italian Consul General who has repeatedly referred to his prospective return with such a commission, but has not yet suggested any probable dates.
This latest move on the part of the French Government, within a few days of the internment here of the British merchant seamen whose arrest was reported in my telegram No. 63 of August 1,16 leaves little hope in local French or Britannic circles for obtaining from London the necessary final approval of the clearing agreement with Palestine that is so anxiously awaited here.
- Not printed.↩