890E.00/169: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

2032. Due to interruptions of all means communications except military telephone Wadsworth at Beirut has requested that following message be sent urgently to Department:

“I am reliably informed that at 4:00 this morning French Marines and Senegalese troops arrested President of Republic and all members Lebanese Ministry; also that French General has signed unpublished decree appointing Edde President of Republic. Military review scheduled for this morning has been cancelled.[”]

Kirk