My dear Lord Halifax:
I am sending you herewith for your
personal and confidential information a
paraphrase of a message addressed to the
President by Mr. Churchill and received
last evening.
His Excellency
The Right Honorable
The Viscount Halifax,
British Ambassador.
SECRET
PARAPHRASE OP TELEGRAM RECEIVED
Dated June 7, 1941
A. In order to prevent further German penetration
we enter Syria in some force tomorrow.    The attitude of
local French troops will have a very material effect upon
the success of this effort.   A prominent hut not foremost
part will he taken by de Gaulle's Free French outfit. A
proclamation to the Arabs offering in the name of France
complete independence and opportunity to form either three
or one or three in one free Arab states is being issued by
de Gaulle.   A treaty somewhat on the Anglo-Egyptian model
will fix the relations of these states with France, safe-
guarding established interest.    The designation to be given
General Catroux will be French Delegate and Plenipotentiary
rather than High Commissioner.
B. Vichy's reaction to what may happen is something
I cannot foretell.    Of course, they may retaliate on Gibral-
tar or Freetown, but I do not myself think they will do
much worse than they are now doing.    If you would keep your
pressure upon them, I should be most grateful.   Except for
our determination to win the war, we have no political in-
terests at all in Syria.
C. Harriman is seeing your son tomorrow before leaving
and I shall see him myself at luncheon Monday, I hope. My
grateful thanks for letting Harriman take this trip.
SECRET