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Coll 6/90 'Syria: Anglo-French relations in the Near East. French policy in Syria.' [‎42r] (83/169)

The record is made up of 1 file (83 folios). It was created in 23 Mar 1939-29 May 1947. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

Transcription

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BRITISH EMBASSY,
PARISo
12th July , 9 1959o
I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the semi
official "Temps” of July 11th contained a leading article
explaining French policy with regard to Syria 0
2o After declaring that France has absolutely no
intention of abandoning the mission which she has accepted
in Syria 9 the article states that the decisions recently
taken by the French authorities as the result of the
resignation of the President of the Syriah Republic and the
members of the Syrian Government should be interpreted as
being directed towards the establishment of order and the
improvement of the general situation in that territoryo
Experience in recent month has not justified original
expectations. Certain mistakes have been made, for which
neither the present French Government nor the present High
Commissioner are responsible, and to remedy this situation a
strong and wise administration is essential. The present time
is particularly favourable, in that, since the settlement of the
question of the Sanjak of Alexandretta, no differences exist
between France and Turkey, and certain influences which France
had found herself up against in the past can hardly be effective
any longer®
3c It has had to be admitted, the article continues, that
it is no longer possible to continue to collaborate in an atmos
phere of complete mutual confidence with the Syrian Chamber and
the existing executive power, if it is really desired to conduct
the affairs of Syria in the conditions indispensable to the
success of a policy corresponding to the interests of Syria as
The Right Honourable well/
The Viscount Halifaxt K.G. . G*C.SoI. . GoC.I.E.. .
COPY®
(E 5037/5/89)
o„ 892c
(96/100/39)
My Lord]

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Content

This file concerns Anglo-French relations in the near East, particularly relating to French policy in Syria.

Much of the correspondence relates to British efforts to obtain information from the French Government regarding the latter's future policy in Syria. The correspondence includes discussion of the following:

  • British concerns in 1939 regarding public support in Iraq for the Syrian Nationalist cause.
  • Differences between the French Mandate in Syria and the British Mandate in Palestine.
  • British misgivings regarding the French Government's decision not to proceed with the ratification of the treaty between France and Syria (the Franco-Syrian Treaty of Independence), which was concluded in 1936 and amended in 1938.
  • The reception given to King Faisal II of Iraq upon his visit to Damascus in July 1939.
  • Reactions in the Iraqi press to the suspension of the Syrian Constitution in July 1939.
  • The suspension of the Lebanese Constitution and the dissolution of its Parliament in September 1939, reported as a 'wartime measure'.
  • An increase in the number of French forces in Syria in September 1939.
  • The French Government's concerns in 1946 regarding the activities of the Arab League in North Africa.

The file features the following principal correspondents: His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris (Eric Phipps, succeeded by Ronald Ian Campbell); His Majesty's Ambassador in Bagdad [Baghdad] (Basil Newton); the British Consul, Beirut (Godfrey Thomas Havard); officials of the Foreign Office.

The date range of the file is 1939-47; however, with the exception of three items dating from 1946-47, all of the correspondence dates from 1939.

The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence (folio 2).

Extent and format
1 file (83 folios)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the file.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 84; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Written in
English in Latin script
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Coll 6/90 'Syria: Anglo-French relations in the Near East. French policy in Syria.' [‎42r] (83/169), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/12/2162, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100043035211.0x000056> [accessed 25 April 2024]

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