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Beirut, 12/5/1949 - No. 67

I learned from Antoine Catafago, head of the Nour Libnan (Light of Lebanon) Lodge, which is part of the Greater Syrian-Lebanese Lodge, that Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Hamoud who, as I mentioned in a previous report, is a Freemason and member of this Lodge, suggested that he invite a large number of Muslim Brothers to join his Lodge, because once they join and assume leading position, its influence will be strengthened and its revenues will increase; but that he refused.

Antoine Catafago explained to me his theory thus: ‘The objective behind Ahmad Hamoud’s proposal is to use Freemasonry for political aims, namely to further the interests of the Muslim Brothers. He, however, wants us to believe that his actions towards this end are illegal and could lead to chaos, as has happened in Egypt. This is why I rejected his proposal and decided to create obstacles to prevent him - i.e. Sheikh Ahmad Hamoud- from attending our Lodge’s sessions.’