Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

890d.01/7–945: Telegram

No. 642
The Minister in Lebanon ( Wadsworth ) to the Acting Secretary of State

restricted

Beirut , July 9, 1945—2 a.m.

211. Following a translation of the text of French Délégation Générale official communiqué promulgated as of yesterday’s date:

“The Provisional Government of the French Republic, wishing to meet the request made by the Syrian and Lebanese Governments concerning the transfer of the military units recruited locally:

Desirous of manifesting to the Syrian and Lebanese Governments its good will by giving them full satisfaction concerning these units:

Considering that in view of the end of hostilities in Europe there is no longer any objection to the legitimate desire of Syria and Lebanon to form their own national armies:

And happy to see Syria and Lebanon invested with all the prerogatives of sovereignty and able to play the role which is due to them in the concert of the United Nations,

Declares that these troops are transferred to the Syrian and Lebanese Governments according to formalities which will be defined within a maximum delay of 45 days”.

Copies mailed to Arab capitals.

Wadsworth