Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-06-13
Will Avoid Spread of Conflict
In Syria, Vichy Tells Britain
England Risks 'Grovest Consequences
In Attack, June 8 Note Declared
Z, the Associated Press.

p the Associated Press.
LONDON, June 13.-The French
government has informed Britain it
would avoid taking any action
which might aggrayate or spread the
conflict" in Syria and Lebanon.
The Vichy regime, in note dated
June &, asserted, however, that the
Allied attack on the French-man-
dated territories risks producing
the gravest consequences" and that
"the French government is deter
mined to defend it's territory and
possessions, wherever they may be
attacked, with all means at its
disposal"
The British government, express
ing pleasure at the French aSsur-
ances. replied tartly that its action
in Syria was based on facts" and
that his majeSty's government cam
not be expected to enter INFO argu-
ment with Marshal Petain'S govern
ment on the subject of the meaning
of the word collaboration
tVichy reports said second
and stronger note had been sent
Britain reiterating the first pro-
test over the invasion of the
French mandates and reciting
the French lnSiStence that no
German troops were there
The notes were exchanged through
Admiral William D. Leahy, United
States Ambassador to Vichy. by way
of the British Embassy in Madrid
The French insisted that all Ger
man personnel and equipment, eX-
cept for some wounded and some
damaged planes, had been removed
from Syria.
TeXa Of Communication.
The Foreign ONCE news depart
ment issued this text of a COM
munication which it said had been
delivered to Sir Samuel Hoare,
British Ambassador in Madrid, on
June 8:
"On instructions from his govern
ment. the French Ambassador has
the honor to communicate to his
majesty's ambassador the following
text of note handed this morning
by Admiral Darlan, Minister of For
eign Affairs, to the United States
Ambassador at Vichy:
The French government have
just learned by telegram received
from the French high commissioner
at Beirut that Syrian territory has
| been attacked this morning near
Merdjayoun, south Of Jebel Ed Druz,
and that enemy reconnaissance ele-
ments. armored cars and infantry
have come into contact with our
posts.
Fighting is in progress.
Collaboration In Syria Denied.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
again draws the attention Of the
United States Embassy 10 the fact
that there has been no collabora-
ton between the French and Ger
mans in Syria and that all German
air material and personnel which
might have been there during
events in Iraq have been withdrawn
with the exception of two or three
damaged machines and about 10
men.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
wishes most particularly to draw
the United States EmbasSy's atten-
ton TO the fact that any British
attack, which nothing in the pres
ent situation in Syria can explain,
risks producing the gravest conse-
quences, as the Embassy already is
aware the French government is
determined to defend its territory
and possessions wherever they may
be attacked and with all means at
its disposal
Every measure is being taken
accordingly to this effect in Syria
Aware of the danger of, the pres
ent situation, the French govern
ment will, for its part, avoid, pend
ing further information. taking any
action which might aggravate or
spread the conflict.