Lebanon and Syria were mandates of France from the League of Nations in 1920.
Not a colony nor a protectorate. France could exercise mandate until it awarded independence.
German Luftwaffe units used Lebanese and Syrian airbases in March 1941 to assist Iraqi revolt against Great Britain.
British + Free French forces fought several months long campaign. Vichy colonial administrators capitulate to British in July, 1941.
Control of the mandates turned over to the French later in July 1941.
Posted in Beirut on November 1, 1940 to U.S. by branch office.
Red alternative marking beneath stamp appears to be date stamp, not censor marking