867N.01/5–1948: Telegram
The Minister in Lebanon (Pinkerton) to the Secretary of State
191. Marine Carp now in Beirut is being searched and transit passengers destined Palestine together with their baggage being specially examined. Jews of military age regardless of citizenship may be removed and interned in Lebanon as they are regarded as reinforcements of Jewish forces in Palestine and therefore as danger to Lebanon, particularly as Lebanese Army is now in Palestine. Decision is not yet definite and immediately upon being informed of proposed intention I intervened with Foreign Office with view obtaining release American citizens but was informed public opinion both in Lebanon and other Arab states would probably make it impossible accede my request. Officer of Legation has been present during search and examination. [Page 1016] Authorities are doing everything possible avoid delaying ship regardless of decision.
Will cable as soon as decision is taken and ship has departed.1
- In telegram 193, May 20, 11 a. m., Beirut reported that Lebanese authorities had removed 40 American citizens of Jewish descent from the Marine Carp and that “This Legation protested against removal passengers but as Lebanese stated they would be be removed by force if necessary, Americans were advised that physical resistance might only lead to bloodshed. Result was that there was no violence and no use of force.” (867N. 01/5–2048) The telegram was received at 7 p. m. on May 20, one hour after telegram 252, p. 1017, was sent to Beirut. Other information in telegram 193 is included in the statement released by the Department on May 21; for text, see Department of State Bulletin, May 30, 1948, p. 712.↩