Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, to Rear Admiral Mark L. Bristol, Senior Naval Officer Present, and United States High Commissioner, Turkey

November 1, 1919 ECM    

 Opnav Washington.                          8198

SWO                     This message R/T’d to Stanav

AD                      Constantinople as 957

Code 90-3-C

Simsadus for Admiral Bristol

8198

     RUSH

          State Department has received following telegram from consul Knabensue1 of Beirut QUOTE In confidence.

     There arrived at Beirut to-day after inspection in the interior the chief political officer of the British forces in Syria who is a relative of mine. My reports that the forth-coming withdrawal of British forces will have serious consequences are confirmed by him and he states that telegraphic communication will most likely soon be cut off between Beirut and the interior. Preparations are being made by me to evacuate to Beirut from the interior and Syrian port renew the native born American women and children. Kindly send a destroyer to assist in the evacuation and that radio communication be maintained by her. The first call of destroyer should be made at Beirut for consultation. Reply by telegraph is requested UNQUOTE. Send destroyer to Beirut in accordance with above request if one has not already been sent. 11031 8198.

Opnav.        

Sent:

Recd: 845am

N.B.- Sent to PS via Cable STC 957.