AUB Libraries Online Exhibits

Reactions after the Declaration of Greater Lebanon II

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Telegramme, [à] Monsieur Millerand President Du Conseil Ministre des affaires étrangères, Paris.

French Minister at Montevideo

To Mr. Millerand, Chairman of the Board

Minister of Foreign Affairs Paris

“The loyal and notable France has provided Lebanon with its fully legitimate borders. It has thus reassured the oppressed people, offering those liberal politics and freedom, as a sign of real protection against tyranny. Consequently, we Lebanese residents [of] Bahia Brazil salute, through your excellence, the Glorious France, to which we owe our independence.”

Signed: Nassry for the Colony

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Mgr. Elias Pierre Hoyek, Patriarche Maronite à son excellemce M. Barrère, Ambassadeur de France à Rome, le 8 Septembre 1920.

Letter from Bishop Elias Pierre Howayek, Maronite Patriarch

To Mr. Barrère, French Ambassador in Rome

Lebanon, Neo Kannobin September 8, 1920.

 “I have just attended the Proclamation of Greater Lebanon, and I am still under the effect of the emotions that evolved at this solemn moment. France has done perfect secular work with the Lebanese to see their national aspirations completed. This accomplishment is due to the efforts and the wisdom of General Gouraud, who solved the Syrian problem, so quickly and well, to the great satisfaction of your friends in Lebanon.”

 

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Ministère des Affaires étrangères, Direction des Affaires Politiques et Commerciales, Proclamation du Grand Liban, Le Caire le 21 Septembre 1920.

Directorate of the Commercial and Political Affairs

Mr. Gaillard, Chargé of the affairs of France in Egypt,
to Mr. Millerand, Chairman of the Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cairo, September 21, 1920.

Proclamation of Greater Lebanon

The declaration of the independence of Greater Lebanon has produced a remarkable impact on the Christian community, which constitutes the majority of the Syrian colony of Egypt. [...] the Syrian circle of Alexandria, whose position had been unfavorable towards us, insisted on giving a big celebration to rejoice this proclamation.

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Affaires étrangères, Télégramme au Départ, Ambassadeur Français Washigton, Paris, le 25 octobre 1920

Minister of Foreign Affairs 

To French Ambassador to Washington

October 25, 1920

“The form of the French Mandate on Syria and Lebanon and the mutual relations of these two countries are not yet completed. It is, therefore, impossible to make special postal arrangements for Lebanon now.”

Signed: Berthelot

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Ministére des Affaires Étrangères, Télégramme, à Haut-Commissaire Beyrouth, Paris, le 28 octobre 1920 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

October 28, 1920

“Father Douairi, Secretary of the Maronite Patriarch, asks for a recommendation from our representatives in America to facilitate a mission authorized by the Patriarch. It would be to increase the interest of the Lebanese in their country of origin and stop the emigration.

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Ministére des Affaires Étrangères, Télégramme, à Bogota, Indépendance du Liban, Paris, le 25 Novembre 1920

The Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bogota

November 25, 1920

“I would be obliged to report that you must confirm to the Lebanese in the country of your residence, that the independence of Greater Lebanon under the French mandate was proclaimed on September 1. The Bekaa, Tyr, and Saida, Beirut, and Tripoli have been attached. The flag adopted by the population is the tricolor flag carrying a cedar in the white band.”

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رسالة من شيخ الطريقة الشاذلية محمود ابو الشامات إلى رئيس الوزارة الافرنسية

The Minister of Foreign Affairs 

February 26, 1921

The high commissioner of the French Republic in Syria and Lebanon
His Excellency, the President of the Council, Minister for Foreign Affairs
(Directorate of Political and Trade Affairs) Asia Oceania

A letter “From Sheikh Mahmoud Mehieddin Abu Chamat, Head of the Chadelia Brotherhood in Damascus to the President of the Council at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” included in a letter from Robert de Caix.