Archaeology Magazine Archive

A publication of the Archaeological Institute of America

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Stamp text: "[Arabic text]. No. 2201/29. Good for travel to Beyrouth. Aleppo, 14/5/1920. French Liaison Officer. Stamp: High Commissariat of the French Republic in Syria and Cilicia. Signed: Captain Munérot [?], Military Commissioner, Aleppo. [Arabic text]"

In the Arab State, Breasted received permission to visit Beirut (Beyrouth), which was the headquarters of the French military in the region, under the command of General Gouraud, High Commissioner of France in Syria. Breasted wrote: "While I had only a brief conversation with Gouraud, I was impressed with him as a very strong man. When he asked me when I was expecting to come back for work in Syria, I said, "Probably not for a year,—not until all was quiet and safe." This was not wholly a diplomatic answer to give, but I could not dissemble. I mentioned the discontent of the Arabs, and Gouraud replied, ‘The power of France will subject them.'"
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The citadel entrance; Professor Breasted and the governor of Aleppo standing on the steps of the outer tower, May 12-13 (Courtesy Oriental Institute)

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