Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Lebanon and Jordan, Volume XI

325. Telegram From the Embassy in Lebanon to the Department of State¹

Beirut, September 19, 1958—11 a.m.

1627. Repeated London Exclusive for Admiral Holloway. Re Deptel 1273² I believe we should retain initiative in announcing withdrawal of all US forces from Lebanon by October 15 in order to forestall adverse propaganda possibilities outlined Embtel 1560.³ However, I believe we could usefully arrange with Chehab and Prime Minister of new government for a joint US–Lebanon release outlining details of this phased withdrawal.

I do not consider it either feasible or desirable to work out some announcement with Chamoun: (A) Because Chamoun himself is deeply opposed to early withdrawal of US forces; and (B) an announcement involving ex-president would not sit well with new president.

Re final paragraph reference telegram, it is unnecessary to stress to Chehab that withdrawal take place in logical, dignified and orderly fashion since this has been general’s concept from the beginning. Throughout many conversations Admiral Holloway and I have had with Chehab he has shown a soldier’s appreciation of need for phased movement and full comprehension withdrawal must take place in an orderly fashion with maximum of cooperation from Lebanese Government and armed forces.

Recommendation: That I be authorized to negotiate with Chehab tentative text of a joint communiqué indicating, however, that initial release will come from US side either from Washington or USDel UNGA.

General Adams, Admirals Loud and Yeager concur.

McClintock

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783A.00/9–1958. Top Secret; Priority. Repeated to London.
2. Document 322.
3. Document 319.