The Syria–Lebanon Campaign (1941)

21

The Pittsburgh Press (June 10, 1941)

FRENCH POUR ARTILLERY FIRE AT B.E.F. NEAR BEIRUT
By Harold Peters, United Press staff writer

Beirut, June 10 –
French artillery and troops entrenched in hill positions today fought a stubborn battle to hold off British forces advancing on Saida (Sidon), 22 miles south of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.

I returned to Beirut today after a trip on the southern front yesterday on which I was unable to proceed south of Saida, which is famed as the northernmost city visited by Christ.

From Saida, I could hear the sound of heavy cannonading in the hills to the south where the French were battling strongly against the British column pushing up the coastal road.

French artillery roars

Saida is 15 miles north of the Litani River and 35 miles north of Ṣūr, the Biblical city of Tyre.

The British have reported making a crossing of the Litani after occupying Tyre.

French officers reported that the British column along the coast had suffered heavy casualties after advancing to the French defense lines in the hills.

The British reportedly were forced to advance across open plains north of Lake Tiberias where the French artillery proved effective.

Several Lebanese villages, I was told, were razed in the artillery battles.

The Jewish colony at Mutila, just across the Palestine border, was said to have suffered heavily from French cannon fire directed across the frontier.

10 British captured

10 British soldiers, who had been sent ashore from British naval units off the coast to attempt to cut communications, lost their way in the vicinity of Tyre, early Sunday, and were taken prisoner, I was told.

10 British warships are operating off the Syrian coast despite the attack of French planes. The British warships were patrolling extensively in the area just north of Tyre and several times bombarded French troop concentrations on the shore.

Both French and British wounded were brought into Saida while I was there.

Beirut continues fairly calm. Many families have evacuated to the hills and to resort towns. Houses and hotels along the waterfront dimmed their lights last night but so far there has been no complete blackout.

French air squadrons were said officially today to have arrived from North Africa.

A report from the southern front said that French troops have moved into prepared positions in the mountains where they are holding strongly against a British spearhead which is thrusting on a 30-mile front toward As-Suwayda, the capital of Jabal Druze, 25 miles from the Transjordanian border.

It was announced that 20 persons were killed and 40 wounded in air raids on Beirut Sunday.

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22

ALLIES ENTER DAMASCUS, TURK CAPITAL HEARS
By Dana Schmidt, United Press staff writer

Ankara, Turkey, June 10 –
Diplomatic quarters reported today that Allied troops had entered Damascus.

The reports were unconfirmed but there had been every expectation that the fall of the Syrian capital was near.

Official Turkish quarters had received advices that French resistance had been slight on all fronts in Syria.

Strengthen Cyprus

German and Italian quarters were most pessimistic regarding the whole situation and were non-committal on the possibility that Germany might offer aid to Vichy.

Travelers arriving from Palestine reported that there was every expectation of a quick Allied victory. They said that General Sir Archibald Wavell, the British commander-in-chief in the Near East, had shifted strong reinforcements to his Palestine army from Egypt, and simultaneously had strengthened the British garrison in Cyprus off the Syrian coast.

They said that, before the Allied march started, the British believed they would meet little resistance from the French and would be aided by Syrian Arabs.

Turks applaud British

Turkish political quarters were jubilant at developments in Syria. They welcomed the British initiative there and expressed conviction that the Allied forces would occupy Syria completely within a week or two, removing the danger that the Germans might move in and almost complete the encirclement of Turkey.

Frontier advices indicated that despite the British march, the Turkish-Syrian border remained open at most points. However, telephoner service was suspended between Turkish border cities such as Alexandretta and towns on the Syrian side.

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23

LITTLE FRENCH RESISTANCE IN SYRIA, CHURCHILL SAYS
By Wallace Carroll, United Press staff writer

London, June 10 –
Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the House of Commons today that Allied troops are advancing favorably in Syria and are encountering little opposition from the French.

Mrt. Churchill then pledged that Britain held no territorial ambitions and that there was little resistance in French territory.

Mr. Churchill’s report came as dispatches from the Middle East indicated Allied columns are closing in on Damascus, the capital of Syria, and Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.

Free French sources reported that last night, the Allies were fighting in the outskirts of Beirut and that a mechanized advance guard was at the gates of Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world.

Earlier, British dispatches had placed the Allied forces within 30 miles of Beirut and Damascus, but experts estimated that on the basis of their rate of advance in the early stages of the invasion the Free French and British might already be in the cities.

It was believed that capture of Damascus and Beirut would precipitate the collapse of Vichy troop resistance.

This resistance had been serious only at a few points according to all reports, and in most instances there was only “token” opposition.

The Free French radio at Brazzaville said that 4,000 French troops had joined the Free French Sunday and had already joined in the fighting.

Brazzaville reported:

It is reported that our advance guard meets hardly any resistance and it seems that the campaign will not last long.

The Allied forces also had the support of a big Arab force estimated at two divisions, or more than 20,000 men, advancing under British officers from Iraq toward Aleppo, in northwestern Syria, according to authoritative reports.

British experts believe that with Beirut and Damascus in their hands the Allied armored forces would speed northward toward Tripoli from Beirut and toward Riyaq from Damascus.

It was suggested that the Damascus-Riyaq force would join with an Arab force which, according to Ankara reports, was advancing from Iraq toward Palmyra and Homs. Then, it was said, this column could continue to take Latakia and Aleppo. This would mean capture of all Syrian airports which the Germans might use.

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24

NAZI PROMISE SYRIA BACKING, NOT AID

Berlin, June 10 (UP) –
Authorized German quarters said today that Germany is :

…completely on France’s side in the Syrian conflict.

It was said:

This declaration of support for France is purely political.

No deductions regarding military aidb should be drawn from the statement, a spokesman said.

The official German news agency reported from Vichy that, during a British air raid yesterday on a train proceeding to Beirut, three persons were killed and 12 wounded. The train suffered a direct hit.

Newspapers almost ignored the Allied advance through Syria today and emphasized instead the first anniversary of Italy’s entrance into the war.

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B.E.F. NEAR DAMASCUS, VICHY REPORTS

Vichy, June 10 (UP) –
An Anglo-Free French column, driving into Syria from Transjordan, is within 18 miles of Damascus, and British forces have landed by sea between Tyre and Beirut, official French dispatches said today.

The British have succeeded in landing a small force on the Lebanese coast under cover of fire from British warships, official dispatches admitted, but French forces were said to be attacking and to have reduced the British “pocket.”

The British warships engaged in the operations were said to have been attacked by French planes and submarines.

French officials claimed that two more British destroyers were damaged and four British planes were shot down today. Two British destroyers were said to be have been damaged yesterday.

Dispatches to the Paris press reported that the British had launched a new attack from Iraq. A column, driving down the Euphrates Valley, was said to have occupied the French desert post of Abu Kamal, 10 miles inside the Syrian frontier.

French air reinforcements have arrived in Syria and French sources claim their air strength is now almost equal to that of the British.

French aircraft were said to have blasted and halted British motorized columns operating southwest of Damascus.

U.S. Department of State (June 10, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/11820: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 9, 1941 — 6 p.m.
[Received June 10 — 12:11 a.m.]

660.

This morning’s press of course contains little but sensationally headlined accounts of events in Syria. Marshal Pétain’s message to the French in the Levant has been prominently published on all front pages as have the several bitter communiqués against the De Gaullists and the British. The attack on Syria is characterized as a natural sequel to previous actions of the perpetrators of Mers-el-Kébir, Dakar, Gabon and Sfax. The directives to the press, copies of which we have obtained, instruct the papers to develop arguments in their editorial columns emphasizing the four following points:

  1. That the Syrian affair was undertaken only after Iraq was finished and the “occasional flights of German aeroplanes” in transit had been terminated; the bombardment of Syrian aerodromes had provoked no military reaction on the part of France. It is to be emphasized that there are “no German troops” in Syria.

  2. To remind the public of the “campaign of lies” of the British Government to convince the world of German troop landings in Syria as a justification for British intervention. The words of the Marshal on the radio have destroyed all these legends.

  3. That “Admiral Darlan saw perfectly clearly the British game which he unmasked in irrefutable terms in his message of May 31” (certain paragraphs from Darlan’s declarations to the press are reprinted in these instructions to help the editors).

  4. That the French who fight in Syria are fighting not only through discipline and to obey their leaders but to stand by the French Empire:

They fight thus as Frenchmen defending their country. They struggle also to obtain for their country an honorable peace. Each soldier who fights and falls in that far off land drenched with French blood gives one more argument for France to refind the place in Europe which is her due.

While it is difficult to evaluate as yet the reactions of the general public there is no evidence that these efforts of the press and radio to stir the people up to the desired pitch of indignation have succeeded. While the people seem to be somewhat confused there is no evidence of excitement in Vichy today nor, as far as we can ascertain, in Lyon or Marseille.

LEAHY

740.0011 European War 1939/11909a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France

Washington, June 10, 1941 — 10 p.m.

470.

Please seek an appointment with Marshal Pétain at the earliest practicable moment and deliver to him the following oral message, leaving with him an aide-mémoire:

The Government of the United States has, ever since the Franco-German Armistice, been examining closely all the facts and circumstances that come to its attention in order to ascertain the true nature of the French policy and the French course with respect to Germany. In view of the past utterances of M. Laval, Dorian and others, the particular situation in Syria gives cause for special concern. Note has been taken of the fact that the French Government did not consider it necessary to defend Syria when the Germans made use of Syrian airports contrary to the requirements of the Armistice and in violation of the agreement of 1924 between the Governments of France and of the United States, with regard to the preservation of the control over Syria.

It would seem that a question has now arisen as to the respective attitudes of the French and the British Governments with respect to Syria. In examining this the Government of the United States considers that a sharp distinction must be made between the purely local aspect of Syrian developments and the large issue involved. In this latter phase, it appears obvious that Germany requires Syria in connection with its military operations against Iraq, and against the Suez Canal. The past action of the French authorities in permitting use of facilities in Syria as bases for further extension of German military operations in the Middle East necessarily affected adversely the British position in their present struggle against German forces. The French Government found it unnecessary to utter a word of objection, still less to offer resistance, to an avowed and actual German movement of conquest in the direction of Iraq, Egypt and the Suez Canal, using Syria as a base for that purpose. In view of this fact, it is impossible for this Government to understand why France now finds it necessary to fight the British in that area when Britain’s only objective is to prevent further use of Syria as a base of German operations against its own forces.

It would seem plain to this Government that the real interest in opposing the British in Syria is not that of France, but that of Hitler; and that the French military operations now in progress are designed not to further French, but rather German interests. It believes that the broader issue involved in the present Syrian development is of far greater importance to French interests and the future of Frenchmen than the smaller, and more local, though more immediate issue as to the occupation of Syria. The broader effect of the present French policy in Syria would appear to be the creation of a situation furthering Germany’s program of attempted crushing of the British position in the Middle East, rather than protection either of Syria as such or of any French interest therein.

In its large aspect the issue touches the very foundation of the future continuance of French life, independence and civilization. Under the guise of protecting control over Syria, it would seem that there is: being carried out a gratuitous act of vast military aid to Hitler which if successful would assist him in his supreme purpose of conquering Great Britain, and securing control of the high seas, and thereby endangering those liberties and free institutions so precious to every American, which it is believed are still precious to all Frenchmen.

HULL

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The Pittsburgh Press (June 11, 1941)

SYRIAN DEFENDERS BATTLE THREE ALLIED COLUMNS
By Wallace Carroll, United Press staff writer

London, June 11 –
Vichy forces are fighting fiercely to hold back a Free French column which has driven to within 10 miles of Damascus, it was said authoritatively today.

The Vichy troops made their stand at Al-Kiswah on the Damascus-Amman railroad, it was reported.

An Allied column advanced up the coast, north of the Litani River, toward Beirut, the Lebanese capital, against resistance as strong as that at Damascus, it was said.

A central column fight Vichy troops near Marjayoun, 42 miles southwest of Damascus and 38 miles south of Beirut.

It was indicated that the French would make their big stand before Beirut.

General Henri Dentz, the Vichy commander, was expected to make a determined fight to delay the capture of Beirut and thus protect the ports of Tripoli and Latakia, to the north, in the hope that Germany and Italy would send him aid.

It was confirmed that British troops had been landed on the Lebanon coast to harass the rear of Vichy forces defending Beirut, and that they had met “pretty stiff opposition.”

An informant said:

There is a crust of resistance the thickness of which we are not yet able to estimate. This is not a blitzkrieg. We are not trying to go at the blitzkrieg pace, destroying everybody and everything in the way.

Cairo dispatches were more optimistic than the statement here. They reported that Allied troops were already taking up positions outside the suburban fringe of gardens and orchards which surround the white buildings of Damascus.

The Cairo reports indicated that the Vichy troops were unlikely to make a serious defense of the Syrian capital.

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27

BRITISH ATTACK SUPPORTED BY STRONG NAVAL FORCES
By Ralph Heinzen, United Press staff writer

Vichy, June 11 –
Reports from Beirut today said that the British had brought up powerful naval forces to support their attack on Syria.

The reports said that the British warships had engaged in a violent bombardment of French positions to support the Allied column moving up along the Lebanese coast from Tyre toward Saida, 22 miles from Beirut.

Heavy fighting in the coastal sector was reported, but the French were said to have thrown back the British and to be holding their positions, at least until early this morning.

French defense positions in the Marjayoun sector were said to be holding despite continued British attacks and the Jabal Druze sector was reported quiet.

Marshal Pétain called all ranking members of the government into a two-hour conference on the Syrian situation and other pressing matters.

Beirut reported that General Henri Dentz, the Vichy commander-in-chief, was at the front directing the defense of Damascus and Beirut.

Beirut communiqués asserted that French patrols were operating with success south of Damascus, that Allied forces had been thrown back at Abu Kamal, on the Euphrates at the point where the Iraqi oil pipeline enters Syria, and that French artillery and planes were effectively bombarding Allied motorized concentrations.

It was admitted that the British fleet had succeeded in landing men on the coast.

Dispatches said British ships put down a barrage, which permitted the troops to land, but that the French were now attacking.

British planes followed up the attack on Brest with a daylight sweep of the Dutch coast today. The RAF bombed the mole at Zeebrugge and docks at IJmuiden, sank a small vessel off the Dutch coast and shot down an enemy seaplane.

U.S. Department of State (June 11, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/13261

The French Ambassador to the Secretary of State

Washington, June 11, 1941.

Referring to the information given to His Excellency the Secretary of State in the course of their conversation on June 9, 1941, the Ambassador of France has the honor to advise the Honorable Cordell Hull that the French Government has sent the following communication to Sir Samuel Hoare, Ambassador of Great Britain in Spain, through the intermediary of its Ambassador at Madrid:

The French Government renews its declaration that there are no German troops in Syria. French forces alone are defending the territory with which they are entrusted.

Military authorities in Syria have had occasion to verify that British soldiers and sailors taken prisoner in Syria have expressed their astonishment at being prisoners of the French since their leaders had told them that they would be fighting the Germans.

In these circumstances, the French Government wonders what the motive is which impels the British Government to continue its unjustified aggression. If it goes on, it might have serious political consequences which the French Government, for its part is desirous of avoiding.

The Ambassador of France is happy to find in this communication a new proof of the conciliatory dispositions of the French Government in the regrettable conflict created by British aggression in the territories of the Levant. He feels obliged to draw the most special attention of the Government of the United States to this point.

HENRY-HAYE

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28

The Pittsburgh Press (June 12, 1941)

SYRIAN DEFENSE STIFFENS AT DAMASCUS, B.E.F. SAYS
By H. L. Percy, United Press staff writer

London, June 12 –
News that Allied troops had entered Damascus and Beirut was expected at any hour today but dispatches from the Middle East admitted that French troops were putting up a stout fight before both cities.

It was indicated that the main resistance on the coast in the march on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, had been broken and that the French would make their main defense before Damascus, the Syrian capital.

Five main columns besides smaller ones in liaison with them, were closing in on all key Syrian towns.

Germany was reported from Ankara to be withdrawing from Syria. The Nazis were said to be ferrying by air back to the Italian Dodecanese base. Ankara also said a large shipment of German arms passed through Turkey on the way to Iran.

The heaviest fighting was reported south of Damascus, where the terrain especially favored the defenders. A rocky, mountainous patch of country formed a natural obstacle between Al-Kiswah and Damascus.

The coastal terrain has also proved difficult.

A United Press Ankara dispatch quoted authoritative Free French sources as saying that the Free French planned to make Beirut their world capital immediately after the occupation.

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FRENCH REPULSE ALLIES IN SYRIA, VICHY SAYS
By Ralph Heinzen, United Press staff writer

Vichy, June 12 –
French troops have thrown back an Allied attack in the Al-Kiswah area 10 miles south of Damascus and have halted the Australian advance up the coast toward Beirut despite an all-night bombardment by British warships, official dispatches from Beirut asserted today.

The reinforced French Air Force in Syria has broken up numerous Allied troops concentrations by aerial bombing and machine gunning attacks, the dispatches said.

Admiral René Platon, Minister of Colonies, said the British High Command in Egypt appealed vainly to the authorities of French Somaliland on the East African coast, to join the Free French cause, offering them preferential treatment.

Dispatches from Syria said a French battalion suffered terrible losses in holding back the Australians advancing on Beirut.

Dispatches said the Allies had considerably reinforced their main coastal column and it was indicated that the eventual loss of Beirut was regarded as likely.

U.S. Department of State (June 12, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/11967: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 12, 1941 — 7 p.m.
[Received June 12 — 5:18 p.m.]

680.

I delivered the oral message and aide-mémoire to Marshal Pétain at 6:00 this afternoon.

Report of interview follows.

LEAHY

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30

The Pittsburgh Press (June 13, 1941)

FREE FRENCH TROOPS FLANK VICHY ARMY AT DAMASCUS
…
De Gaulle forces may be in suburbs of Syrian capital, London says; fierce fighting denied
…
By Wallace Carroll, United Press staff writer

London, June 13 –
Free French forces have flanked the Vichy troop line south of Damascus and may already be in the suburbs of the city, an authoritative source said today.

The Free French, taking the lead in the final phase of the attack on the French-mandate capital of Syria, drove through at two points east of Al-Kiswah 10 miles south of Damascus, it was said, and may have taken Al-Kiswah itself.

An authoritative informant said:

We see no reason why the Free French should not now be in the suburbs of Damascus.

He added that there was no official confirmation of this.

Vichy regime leaders flee

The coastal column of the Allied was last reported just south of Saida and a center column was north of Marjayoun, making progress despite the mountainous country and the fact that the French had blown up roads.

Vichy regime officials at Damascus and Beirut were reported to have fled to the north expecting that both towns, capitals of Syria and Lebanon respectively, would fall to the Allies soon.

General Paul Legentilhomme, of the Free French forces, was in command of French units at Damascus and it was understood that his men would be accorded the honor of leading the expected march into the city, called the oldest continuously inhabited town of the world.

Camp outside town

Dispatches reported that the Allies were camping within a 15-minute bus ride of Damascus.

The bulk of the Vichy forces was reported retreating north with movable equipment in long motor transport columns and special trains.

Trustworthy Arab sources at Cairo said it was “more than possible” that some kind of informal conversations had taken place regarding the surrender of Damascus, to spare the city.

French reports of heavy fighting both before Damascus and Beirut were denounced here as propaganda. It was said that the Allies had done everything possible to keep fighting to a minimum, and even had slowed their advance at times when apparent Vichy resistance would have meant a stiff fight.

Foreign Legion in battle

Dispatches concerning the situation at Beirut were conflicting. The Allies marching up the coast toward Beirut were variously reported in the outskirts of Saida, Biblical Sidon, in possession of the town, surrounding the town, or well beyond it. There was one report that fighting was going on in the vast groves of oranges, apricots and lemons surrounding Saida.

It was indicated that troops of the French Foreign Legion had taken stands in caves and trees in the path of the Australians marching on Beirut, and that the advance was held up until the Legionnaires had been cleared out at bayonet point. It was believed possible that the Allies had detoured around Saida, leaving it to be occupied later.

Between the Beirut column and the forces facing Damascus, there was a column which had reached Hasbaya, 35 miles southwest, and had turned east toward Damascus. It was suggested that General Legentilhomme might await their arrival before entering Damascus.

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VICHY LEADERS STILL HOPE TO KEEP CONTROL OF SYRIA
By Ralph Heinzen, United Press staff writer

Vichy, June 13 –
Vichy troops are holding the allies at Al-Kiswah, 10 miles south of Damascus, and at a point six miles south of Saida, General Henri Dentz, commander-in-chief in Syria, reported to the government today.

Dentz said that the Allies had renewed a tank attack at Al-Kiswah and that the British fleet was shelling the coast heavily in support of the column advancing against Saida and Beirut.

A previous communiqué had said that attacks on Damascus and Beirut were thrown back yesterday.

French airplanes were said to have bombed Allied concentration points.

Vichy patrols, it was said, were making raids in Allied territory.

There was no sign that the Vichy government had reconciled itself to the loss of Syria.

In the two notes of protest it has sent Great Britain, the government has implied, it was understood, that if the attack continued, the result could only be to widen and strengthen French determination to collaborate with Germany.

Dispatches from Syria said that the French Air Force was now so strong that it was able to dispute mastery of the air with British planes.

They asserted that the British were now relieving the troops who started the attack on Syria last Sunday and were moving up materials and fresh men for the next phase of operations.

Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain is keeping in almost constant consultation with his ministers and defense leaders on the Syrian conflict.

Meanwhile, General Maxime Weygand, commander of France’s overseas forces, who is making a flying inspection of French defenses in West and North Africa, conferred yesterday at Rabat, Morocco, with Gen. Charles Noguès before departing for Algiers.

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32

BRITAIN TELLS VICHY TO QUIT RESISTANCE

London, June 13 (UP) –
Great Britain, replying to a French protest against the invasion of Syria has advised the Vichy government to instruct Syria authorities to cease resistance, the Foreign Office announced today.

Britain cited in its reply the statement of Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden that the British would attack the Germany enemy wherever it might find him.

The Vichy note said that French government had informed the United States that there were no large German forces in Syria and warned that the British attack:

…brought the risk of producing the gravest consequences.

However, it was disclosed, the Vichy government said it had ordered resistance in Syria and that France would defend its territories by all the means in its power. It said that France would:

…avoid any action which might aggravate or spread the conflict.

To thus, Britain replied:

His Majesty’s Government is happy to note that Marshal Pétain’s government will avoid taking any action to aggravate the spread of this conflict.

U.S. Department of State (June 13, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/11994: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 12, 1941 — 8 p.m.
[Received June 13 — 10:05 a.m.]

682.

Marshal Pétain received me in the presence of Admiral Darlan. After I had delivered the message the Marshal said: “The British have attacked us. We said that we were going to defend our territory and we shall do so all the way up to the Turkish frontier. We know that we shall lose Syria but we are determined to fight to the end.” Admiral Darlan stated that British and Gaullist forces vastly outnumber the French forces, the former totaling approximately 50,000 men against some 3 divisions or roughly 25,000 French and colonial forces. The British are also sending reinforcements. In addition, said the Marshal, the British have “several hundred tanks” and the French none.

The fact, he went on, that the British have been held so well so far (and he showed me on the map) constitutes “almost a French victory”, particularly in view of the support given the British coastal column by naval units. Darlan remarked that he hoped, however, “to sink a couple of British warships very soon” (thus appearing to confirm reports of the sending of French submarines to that area).

While the manner of both was cordial and personally friendly throughout the interview they seemed to resent the implication that the French defense of Syria is to help Hitler. Darlan said that had this been the case they would have accepted “the aid which the Germans offered” and which, he went on, the French had “formally refused”; they are determined to fight the battle of Syria by themselves he said. “If the British think that they are going to stop a German drive on Suez by conquering Syria they are gravely mistaken,” Darlan went on, “for the Germans have never planned to use Syria in their major operation.” On the other hand letters in French possession, he said, which date back 6 months conclusively show that the British even at that time were planning an invasion of Syria. “In fact,” said Darlan, “they always wanted Syria.”

Darlan likewise expressed surprise that the Department’s message gave no recognition to the fact that the British had attacked the French without warning.

Both the Marshal and Admiral Darlan appeared surprisingly calm and resigned to the loss of Syria. Darlan indicated however that this would be “the last affront” which the French would submit to on the part of the British. He also said that a written reply to the aide-mémoire would be prepared.

Repeated to Algiers.

LEAHY

740.0011 European War 1939/11995: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 12, 1941 — 10 p.m.
[Received June 13 — 11 a.m.]

683.

Less than 3 hours after delivering the message and aide-mémoire to Marshal Pétain, the following note initialed by Admiral Darlan was delivered at the Embassy:

“The aide-mémoire transmitted June 12 sets forth the considerations which actuate the American Government with respect to the evolution of the situation in the Near East especially in Syria.

In reply to that communication, the French Government feels that it should in its turn draw the attention of the Federal Government to the following facts which seem of a nature to lead the American Government to appreciate more objectively the developments of present events in the Near East:

  1. The German planes which flew over Syria or which landed there were without exception in transit toward Iraq; none of them was destined for Palestine or for Egypt. On the other hand no Syrian airfield has been used as a base of operations for German planes.

  2. The French Government was informed by a sure source several months ago of the British intention to attack Syria or to incite internal uprisings which could furnish pretexts for intervention.

  3. Syria has always loyally proclaimed its determination to defend the Empire by its forces alone against any foreign attack. It is in that spirit and with the same will that it is facing the attack of which it is subjected on the Syrian frontiers and it has expressly declined all offers of military assistance which were given it. It must, however, reserve in this connection all freedom of action in case the development of the situation should require new decisions on its part.

  4. The French Government observes that the British forces opened hostilities without any prior ultimatum or even a warning. If, forewarned of hostile intentions, the French forces had not been on their guard, the English assailants would not have met with any military resistance.

  5. The French Government believes as does the American Government that present events in Syria present a problem of a general character. It seems that it is sufficient for England to consider that the occupation of a territory placed under French sovereignty or authority is necessary to prevent a German initiative for it to attack it without other pretext or reason. The French Government feels certain that it should once more affirm its determination to defend by all the means of which it disposes all those of its territories which are the object of an aggression.

  6. The French Government notes with regret that the American Government refrained from any representation or any observations when without any reason Great Britain:

  • Interned French sailors;
  • Attacked the French at Oran and Dakar;
  • Seized Gabon and New Caledonia, under cover of an undertaking partially led by French rebels in its pay.

Repeat to Algiers.

LEAHY

740.0011 European War 1939/12022: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut to the Secretary of State

Beirut, June 13, 1941 — noon.
[Received 1:10 p.m.]

208.

A pro-British French Government official, whom I have always found well informed, has just sent word to me to warn me that the Germans are definitely planning to occupy northern Syria in the immediate future. He believes they will use chiefly Aleppo aerodrome to land suddenly large numbers of troops, accompanied or followed by landings of troops and heavy material at Latakia by sea and that the whole movement will be covered by intensive bombing of British positions in Syria and British naval units off the coast. My informant fears that Syria will share the fate of Crete unless the British are able to take immediate possession of all landing fields and to capture or immobilize French Army in Syria which is today far more anti-British than it was a week ago. He suggests a quick advance on Aleppo from Deir-ez-Zor and perhaps a landing near or at least a close watch on Latakia.

Please see in this connection my 186, June 3rd, and paragraphs 7 and 9 of my 200, June 9th. I personally entirely agree with the statements of my informant and feel that today speed is of the utmost importance. The longer this campaign lasts the more it will encourage the French to resist and tempt the Germans to participate.

Please repeat to London.

ENGERT

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The Pittsburgh Press (June 14, 1941)

VICHY ARMY FLEES KEY TO DAMASCUS
…
British and Syrian defenders reported negotiating on evacuation of capital as Allies continue to advance
…
By Wallace Carroll, United Press staff writer

London, June 14 –
Vichy troops have evacuated Al-Kiswah, 10 miles south of Damascus, and other positions within a few miles of the city, it was said authoritatively today.

It was understood that Royal Air Force planes were watching the withdrawal of Vichy transport columns from the Marjayoun area, 22 miles inland from Saida, Lebanon.

British Imperial troops have taken Nabatieh, between Marjayoun and the coast, it was asserted.

Urge French evacuation

It was admitted that the Imperial troops still encountered opposition near Saida.

Reports from Cairo had indicated that envoys of General Sir Henry Wilson, British commander-in-chief and General Henri Dentz, the Vichy force chieftain, were in contact near Damascus and that General Wilson was trying to induce General Dentz to evacuate the capital to prevent damage to the ancient city.

These same dispatches had said that it was believed General Dentz would refuse. However, the Allied troops were known to have formed a strong semi-circle on the southern side of Damascus, with three separate columns in liaison.

Urge all-out attack_

Some air and military experts here urged that the British and Free French forces abandon their policy of proceeding slowly and throw all their strength into attacks on Damascus and Beirut.

They cited Ankara reports of “feverish activity” by air fleets in the Italian Dodecanese Islands and on Crete, and reports that some Vichy troop units were commanded by Germans.

The experts urged that the Allies get a solid foothold in Syria before German planes could strike.

Experts warned that the German plane activity might foreshadow an attack on Cyprus as a jumping-off place for operations against Syria.

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3 NAZI PLANES SHOT DOWN OFF SYRIA

Cairo, June 14 (UP) –
Three of a squadron of eight or nine German Junkers-88 bombers “with Italian markings” were shot down late yesterday. It was stated officially, when they attempted to bomb British warships shelling the ancient town of Saida on the Lebanese coast, 20 miles south of Beirut.

Several other Junkers 88’s were damaged when Australian planes ding in the siege of Saida attacked them.

This was the first officially reported clash of the British with the Nazi air force which is said to be in control of Aleppo, Riyaq and other key Syrian airdromes.

The Australian squadron suffered neither damage nor casualties, it was stated.

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BRITISH SHIPS BLAST AT SYRIAN PORT

Vichy, June 14 (UP) –
Ancient Saida on the Lebanese coat, battleground of the Crusades, was mercilessly blasted by nine British warships today as Australian tank columns battled French defenders for possession of the historic Phoenician port, according to military dispatches.

The most savage fighting of the six-day-old invasion of Syria and Lebanon raged in the outskirts of Saida, 20 miles south of Beirut, while the British warships moved in close and poured salvoes of shells into the center of the town.

The guns of the nine British warships were reported to have “sowed death and destruction” in the narrow, dirty streets of Saida which centuries ago was the fabulous wealthy Sidon that flourished from Phoenician shipbuilding, glassware making and wool dyeing.

An entire Australian division – perhaps 12,000 men – and a whole battalion of tanks were reported to have been hurled against the battle-weary and outnumbered French colonials and Foreign Legion units defending Saida.

French planes unloaded tons of bombs on the British warships and on the tanks of the Australian forces which drove into Saida, a town of 12,000 to 15,000, after a lightning six-mile advance from the south that broke the French defense lines.

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Woman urges troops on –
DAMASCUS’ FALL IMMINENT; BATTLE RAGES IN OVEN HEAT
By Henry T. Gorrell, United Press staff writer

With the Free French approaching Damascus, June 12 – (delayed)
The Free French Army is closing in on Damascus and the fall of that city, capital of Syria and one of the birthplaces of civilization, seems certain by Sunday or Monday.

It is a strange battle in which Frenchman fights Frenchman. Foreign Legionnaire fights Foreign Legionnaire, and men from the French African colonies fight other men from the same villages.

London reported today that Vichy troops have evacuated Al-Kiswah 10 miles south of Damascus, and other positions within a few miles of the city.

Tiny Arab children play and work in the fields, loading straw on the backs of their fathers’ camels between air raids. Occasionally, planes swoop down with machine guns spitting fire and the big guns of Damascus set up bombardments.

A little while ago, I saw a woman, wearing a light cotton dress with a military belt, and a blue handkerchief around her head, jumping from rock to rock and reading the riot act in a torrent of French to a Senegalese soldier.

A French artillery captain said she was the wife of a sergeant-interpreter who had joined the Free French. He had volunteered as a private and the wife had insisted on coming along. He was fighting on the hill just ahead of us.

The Free French are systematically undermining the last defenses of Damascus. We are well within the range of the city’s big guns now and these guns have entered the action.

Defenders of the city have concentrated more than 100 tanks and armored cars, as well as numerous batteries of mortars and the famous old 75mm field guns.

After traveling for hours from the coast, where I had accompanied the Australian column proceeding to Beirut, I joined the advance units of the Free French. My journey was one across the torrid Jabal Druze plains where the only relief from a scorching sun came from occasional blasts of wind. Even these were like gusts from an oven.

On my arrival, the Free French general in command did not minimize the strength of the Vichy forces. He said:

They are he-men all right, and their equipment, including airplanes, is first rate. But we fight better. The men of Vichy have no morale and do not want to fight anyone.

By a road under shell fire, I proceeded, accompanying a column of British military vehicles through territory pitted by bomb and shell explosions, to the front.

Two peaks hold key to city

I reached the advanced artillery observation post from which I surveyed the last obstacles between us and Damascus.

A French artillery captain told me we were about 20 miles due south of Damascus and that the advanced Free French infantry was about eight miles north of us.

To our right was the Ma’ani range of hills, rising to 3,370 feet. Just ahead of us, fringed by the only trees for miles around, was the town of Khiyarat Dannun in which there were Free French infantrymen. Immediate to the north of Khiyarat Dannun was Al-Kiswah, the forward line of the Vichy troops.

Many strange contrasts

Sticking up just northwest of Al-Kiswah was Madani Peak. To the northeast was Kalb Peak. These two hills, with Al-Kiswah, are the keys to the gates of Damascus through the valley south of the city.

There are strange contrasts. On the lava-colored plains, the villages are black, because the black lava rock alone is available for building. As if the torrid heat were unreal, majestic Mt. Hermon, snow-capped, stands in the distance.

In the villages, Arab policemen with their guns were sauntering about full of confidence. The Arabs work as if nothing was happening and nothing was ever going to happen.

U.S. Department of State (June 14, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/12091: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey to the Secretary of State

Ankara, June 14, 1941 — 10 a.m.
[Received 10 p.m.]

190.

The reaction of the Turkish press to the British and Free French invasion of Syria has been guardedly sympathetic with chief emphasis on their announced intention of giving it its independence and with the implied hope that this time the British may be quickly successful. Various editorials have also mentioned the economic advantages which will accrue to Syria through British occupation and the importance to Turkey of having the situation in that country stabilized. Sympathy for the British as opposed to the Vichy Government in this move had been increased by Admiral Darlan’s statement to the press at Paris on May 31 in which he is reported to have said that after the last war the English encouraged the Turks to throw the French out of Cilicia. This statement was the cause of bitter resentment and was attacked in length and in detail by practically the entire Turkish press.

MacMURRAY

740.0011 European War 1939/12056: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut to the Secretary of State

Beirut, June 14, 1941 — 2 p.m.
[Received 4:59 p.m.]

212.

Principal German Agent Roser and some 8 or 10 German and Italian members of the armistice sub-commissions have just returned to Beirut from Aleppo. They are being taken on a tour of inspection of the front by the French authorities who seem to be anxious to prove to the Germans that the French forces are resisting in earnest. Several of these Germans and Italians have also visited the French military hospital, also interviewed French wounded regarding the fighting.

Please repeat to London. Repeated to Vichy.

ENGERT

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37

The Pittsburgh Press (June 15, 1941)

FRENCH ATTACK AT SEA, CLAIM SAIDA VICTORY

Beirut, June 14 (UP) –
The French claimed officially tonight that they had repulsed an Allied infantry and tank assault on Saida, 22 miles south of here, and that French air and sea forces had smashed at the British battle fleet off the Syrian coast.

An official communiqué said that defending troops had maintained their positions everywhere against invading Anglo-Free French forces.

Dispatches from Cairo and Lisbon said that the British had occupied a considerable additional area of Syria and said that Allied forces were threatening to flank Saida. A Vichy dispatch said the Allied forces had been chased out of Saida.

Deny evacuation report

Authorities denied a British newspaper report that French troops had evacuated Al-Kiswah, 10 miles south of Damascus.

General Henri Dentz, French High Commissioner to Syria, ordered all police, gendarmes, public servants and customs officials to remain at their posts no matter what happens in the near future.

The Lebanese government issued a decree setting up an auxiliary police force to assure the maintenance of public order.

The successful resistance at Saida, the communiqué said, was in the face of heavy shelling by the Royal Navy.

Quiet at Damascus

Fighting in the Damascus region, it was said, was more or less at a standstill. In that ancient Syrian capital, French military authorities requisitioned all large autos, trucks and buses, and chauffeurs were ordered to remain with their vehicles.

Beirut was subjected to another two-hour bombardment of harbor works and other objectives early today, but the populace remained calm. Hundreds went to their rooftops to watch the aerial pyrotechnics.

Many shops and bazaars have closed and about one-fourth of the civil population has fled to the hills.

French airplanes, it was said, yesterday entered the fighting south of here, bombing tank concentrations in the region of Saida and attacking ground forces near Al-Kiswah. The French planes registered direct hits with their bombs, it was said, and shot down a twin-engined British plane.

The communiqué said the air force today joined French warships in an attack on British warships.

The communiqué said:

Our air force and fleet undertook common action against the enemy fleet.

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38

WON’T FIGHT BRITISH IN SYRIA, NAZIS SAY

Vichy, June 14 (UP) –
A German spokesman in Paris said today that any British success in Syria would be “annihilated by the final result of the war” and that intervention by the United States “cannot modify the outcome.”

The spokesman said:

Germany spent four years organizing its war production and the United States cannot hope to catch up before the end of 1942, by which time it will be too late.

The spokesman’s remarks were made at a press conference called by German authorities, who announced that Germany would refrain from military action in Syria.

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39

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA UNIT AIDS IN SYRIA

Jerusalem, June 12 (UP) – (delayed)
An Arab force organized by Maj. J. B. Glubb, one of the late Col. T. E. Lawrence’s chief assistants, was revealed today to be supporting the Allied advance into Syria.

The Arab column, a Transjordan frontier defense unit, was said to be patrolling in advance of British operations northward from the Yarmuk River, just southeast of Lake Tiberias.

U.S. Department of State (June 16, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/12113: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 16, 1941 — 1 p.m.
[Received June 16 — 11:55 a.m.]

702.

Admiral Darlan told me this morning that the Germans had offered military aid for the defense of Syria and that he had again refused the offer.

He added that he still has no illusions as to ultimate French defeat in Syria. His naval bombers he said, however, had “destroyed”, two British torpedo boats. On his side he has lost a destroyer which he was sending to Syria from Toulon presumably sunk by a submarine. Of the land operations he had nothing to say.

LEAHY

740.0011 European War 1939/12119: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany to the Secretary of State

Berlin, June 16, 1941 — 2 p.m.
[Received 4:30 p.m.]

2380.

The following conclusions regarding the German policy towards the Syrian situation in particular and the present state of collaboration with Vichy in general are based on the information available here as well as public and private utterances and the general propaganda line taken in Berlin:

  1. Apart from propagandist and moral support German aid to the French in Syria appears thus far to be confined outwardly to aerial attacks on Cyprus. Egypt, Haifa, and British naval and supply shipping along the Lebanon coast.

  2. It is clear that Berlin has been putting full pressure on Vichy to offer 100% resistance in Syria as a prerequisite for further German concessions under the collaboration arrangement. At present the resistance appears satisfactory to Berlin and Vichy is being rewarded by the progressive release of prisoners and shipments of food.

  3. Vichy is likewise being urged to follow a similar uncompromising policy with respect to its African colonies with the promise that France will be allowed under a German peace to continue as a major colonial power. It has been stated in the press that the terms of the Armistice have been supplemented by subsequent arrangements giving Vichy what are described as far-reaching means of defending its colonial empire by land, sea, and air.

  4. As a permanent guarantee for Vichy against Italian aspirations to French territory, Germany has reluctantly bought off Mussolini by permitting Rome for the time being at least to dominate most of Yugoslavia and Greece and by promising aid in reestablishing the Italian African Empire and with possible extension of Italian influence to Egypt and the Sudan.

The German policy towards France and the French Colonial Empire appears to be following closely that of steady penetration originally pursued in the Balkans rather than of open invasion with the hope that matters will shape themselves according to the Berlin design under incessant German pressure and without precipitating an extension of military and naval operations to French North and West Africa for which Berlin may not yet have completed preparations on its usual thorough scale. Nevertheless it is obscurely suggested that when the time is regarded as ripe, Germany will make full use of Vichy territory for its military schemes under the guise of assistance to what is now described as a victim of aggression.

Repeated to Vichy.

MORRIS

740.0011 European War 1939/12114: Telegram

The Ambassador in France to the Secretary of State

Vichy, June 16, 1941 — 4 p.m.
[Received 9:15 p.m.]

705.

The military news from Syria today Rochat said confirms that the French have withdrawn north of Sidon but that their positions there seem strong; in other areas the French are even counterattacking he claimed. He admitted that the German “offer” to send military assistance — of what specific sort he did not know — to the French defence of Syria is becoming more “insistent”. He is pleased as are our other friends in the Foreign Office that the French Government has firmly declined this “offer”: they feel that France’s moral position will be much stronger even if Syria is lost, (and they probably realize that it would be lost to France anyway if Germany does occupy the territory, whether to send assistance or otherwise).

LEAHY

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The Pittsburgh Press (June 17, 1941)

FOOD SHORTAGE REPORTED IN VICHY LINES IN SYRIA
By W. R. Downs, United Press staff writer

London, June 17 –
Allied forces have taken one hill dominating Damascus from the southwest and are storming another which dominates it from the southeast, it was said authoritatively today.

One Allied force was striking at the important Riyaq Air Base in western Syria while another closed in on Beirut on the coast.

Authoritative informants said there was a shortage of food in the Vichy troops’ frontlines in Syria but that ammunition seemed to be holding out.

Vichy troops, counter-attacking fiercely along the entire southern Syrian front, have recaptured Marjayoun and taken 100 prisoners and a large amount of war material in the Quneitra area, Beirut dispatches reported.

It was indicated that attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender of Damascus had failed.

It was believed that two Imperial columns which had started out from Iraq were nearing Aleppo in northwest Syria.

Dispatches indicated that the Allied command in Syria might plan to surround Beirut and Aleppo rather than make frontal attacks, hoping that the Vichy troops would surrender to avoid a siege.

But some newspapers showed signs of uneasiness today, expressing belief that Germany might start a gigantic offensive at any time, by way of Russia or Turkey or both with the oil fields of the Middle East as the objective.

The Daily Herald, the Labor Party organ, said:

In Syria, our method of offering a palm branch with one hand and a Tommy gun with the other does not seem to be very successful.

The independent conservative Daily Mail suggested that Turkey might sign a nonaggression treaty with Germany. It said:

Such a move, though disappointing to Britain, would be no more than could be expected. We have failed to impress any of our friends with our ability to fight more than defensive actions.

If we had occupied Syria months ago and maintained a hold on our Libyan conquests, Turkey would have been able to resist the blandishments of the Axis… The Syrian advance appears to be going well but too slowly. Speed is vital. We want Syria and its airfields. Germany might decide at any moment to make a lightning airborne stroke – especially if she could be assured of a friendly Turkey on her flask.

U.S. Department of State (June 17, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/12174: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut to the Secretary of State

Beirut, June 17, 1941 — 10 a.m.
[Received 5:22 p.m.]

219.

Head of the Lebanese Government, Alfred Naqqache, has sent to me in strict confidence a copy of the note referred to in paragraph No. 3 of my 217, June 16. In this note the Lebanese Government expresses with unusual boldness the hope that the High Commissioner would follow the example of the great military leaders in France who ceased useless fighting in order to save the defenseless civil population. It points out that the present operations have nothing whatever to do with the territorial integrity or independence of the Lebanon and it suggests (1) suspension of hostilities before the Lebanon is laid waste. The French would not wish to repeat in the Lebanon that [for which] they reproach Reynaud; (2) negotiations between the belligerents with a view to declaring Beirut an open city whose defenses and port must not be used by either side for military purposes. Such a declaration to be made in any event by the French as soon as the enemy reaches the city limits; (3) large towns must be respected and must not be defended.

Monsieur Naqqache added a verbal message for me requesting on behalf of the Lebanese Government that we sound the British authorities informally as to whether they would be willing to consider Beirut an open town provided the French make a declaration to that effect. Lebanese Government hopes for an early reply in order that unnecessary loss of civilian lives and destruction of property may be avoided. Incidentally, German agent Roser is reported to have said to a Lebanese official a day or two ago that the Germans would bomb Beirut within 24 hours after the arrival of the British.

As already pointed out in my telegrams the people in Beirut have touching faith that the British will not harm them if it can possibly be helped. An official British statement to that effect would therefore also have excellent propaganda value.

Repeated to Vichy.

ENGERT

740.0011 European War 1939/12158: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom to the Secretary of State

London, June 17, 1941 — 7 p.m.
[Received June 17 — 12:50 p.m.]

2500.

I have communicated the substance of Beirut’s telegram orally to the Foreign Office and when I saw Mr. Eden last evening he asked me to say how very much the British Government appreciates the attitude and help of Mr. Engert.

JOHNSON

U.S. Department of State (June 18, 1941)

740.00119 European War 1939/732: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut to the Secretary of State

Beirut, June 18, 1941 — 11 a.m.
[Received 2:40 p.m.]

223.

For Secretary and Under Secretary. Monsieur Conty, Director of Political Affairs, at the High Commission requests that I inquire of the British authorities as it were on my own initiative what terms the French here could expect in the event that they feel that the time had come to suggest that I offer my good offices with a view to bringing about a cessation of hostilities.

He referred to the report that the Free French organization had recently condemned General Dentz and other high officers to death and that such “plaisanteries” were hardly conducive to the creation of an atmosphere in which one could negotiate. They would therefore particularly like to know in some detail what the British Government and the De Gaullists proposed to do: (a) with the French Army of the Levant; (b) the French civil services in Syria and the Lebanon; and (c) all other Frenchmen and their families.

Conty implied although he did not say so that he was speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner and that the matter was very urgent but that it had to be handled with extreme discretion as they did not of course wish to appear to being [be] suing for peace.

I told him that I could not very well “on my own initiative” transmit his inquiries to the British authorities in Palestine direct but that I would be very glad to telegraph the substance of our interview to the Secretary of State with the request that it be discreetly brought to the attention of the British Government. He was willing that it should be done in this way provided I could be authorized at once to use my good offices without asking for further instructions in case the French authorities decided to take this step.

It is significant that Conty did not once in this interview refer to Vichy and that he did not have in mind terms of an armistice or negotiations of a purely military nature. On the contrary in reply to my question he said specifically the French desired to know what “political arrangements” could be made with the British and Free French.

My personal impression is that the French forces are weary and that they have not been able to receive reinforcements from France. They would probably be ready to accept terms that would safeguard all British military, naval and air requirements provided they were otherwise sufficiently generous to enable the French to yield gracefully and with honor.

ENGERT

740.0011 European War 1939/11718: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Beirut

Washington, June 18, 1941 — 8 p.m.

102.

Sheikh Taj-ed-Din’s proposal has been given attentive consideration. Although the American Government continues to maintain its established policy of favoring the independence of Syria, provision for which was made in the Syrian Mandate incorporated in the treaty of 1924 between the United States and France, the Department does not consider that it would be desirable for the American Government to issue a statement on the subject at this particular time.

HULL

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