Reactions after the Declaration of Greater Lebanon II
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
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.