Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

890D.01/6–145

The Soviet Chargé (Novikov) to the Acting Secretary of State

[Washington,] June 1, 1945.

Sir: The Soviet Government has instructed me to transmit to you its following note:⁹³

“In accordance with information received, military actions are taking place on the territory of Syria and Lebanon, it being known that the French troops there have clashed with the Syrians and Lebanese, having shelled with artillery and mine throwers the capital of Syria—Damascus. Damascus is being bombed from air. Armed clashes are also taking place in some other towns of Syria and Lebanon. The number of killed and wounded is mounting with every day.

“The situation is being aggravated by the fact that the said three Governments: France, Syria and Lebanon are members of the United Nations participating in the Conference taking place in San Francisco.

“The Soviet Government considers that the events in Syria and Lebanon do not correspond to the spirit of decisions adopted in Dumbarton Oaks⁹⁴ and to the aims of the United Nations Conference on the establishment of an organization for the guaranteeing peace and security of the peoples which is taking place in San Francisco. Therefore the Soviet Government considers that urgent measures should be taken for the cessation of military actions in Syria and Lebanon and settlement of the arisen conflict by peaceful means. This proposal the Soviet Government has brought before the Provisional Government of the French Republic and is also bringing before the Governments of the United States of America, Great Britain and China, which are the initiators of the post-war organization for peace and international security.”

Accept [etc.]⁹⁵

93. In telegram 1864, June 2, 1945, the Ambassador in the Soviet Union reported special statements had also been addressed by the Soviet Union to the Governments of France, Great Britain, and China (890D.01/6–245).
94. For documentation on the conversations at Dumbarton Oaks, see Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. i, pp. 713 ff.
95. In a memorandum of June 2, 1945, to President Truman, the Acting Secretary of State transmitted a copy of the Soviet Chargé’s note and stated: “The Soviet position seems to parallel ours.” (890D.01/6–245)