HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 c156
16. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make a further statement in regard to the present position in the Lebanon; and whether, in the opinion of the United Nations, it is now satisfactory.

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. General Catroux's negotiations with the Levant States resulted in the conclusion of an agreement on 22nd December by which the services known as "interêts communs," that is, common to the Syrian and Lebanese States, were transferred to those States by the French authorities from 1st January last. It was also agreed that the formalities connected with the transfer of each of the public services in question would form the subject of separate agreements. I understand that General Catroux has returned to the Levant States to continue his negotiations. I am sure we all hope that these efforts to reach agreement will continue to be successful.

Mr. Astor

Will my right hon. Friend express to the National French Committee and to the Government of the United States of America the satisfaction of this House on these agreements?