Untitled report on Soviet interest in events in Syria

1/173

Beirut, Jun 24, 1949

Number 127/ The Russian Commission continues its interest in discussing multiple position in the current situation. This is what was relayed to me by Mr. Victor Nicolin, the Press Attaché for the Commission.  I met with him yesterday and he told me:

First – At the time that Husni Al-Zaim had dismantled the Syrian papers, prior to that, he was doing it for the aim of limiting the activities of foreign propaganda in press circles. Otherwise, what is his reasons for allowing Syrian press to publish French propaganda?

With the knowledge that we have information [page 2] confirming that all current Syrian press receives financial donations from the French and the Americans.  Likewise, Syrian newspapers that were banned from publishing ads for “Radio Paris in Arabic” had restarted its publication.

Second – What is the influence of the German Colonel Hardin on Husni Al-Zaim and what are his contacts with the Americans?

Third – Do the Syrians believe the Lebanese government’s accusations to the Social National Party concerning its cooperation with the Jews?

Fourth – What is the influence of Habib Al-Jabashihla on Husni Al-Zaim and if he does then what’s behind this influence?

I wasn’t able to answer these questions so I promised him to look into it.