Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 2

501.BB Palestine/11–1148: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Lebanon

secret

Washington, November 11, 1948—4 p. m.

712. While Dept appreciates concern Leb Govt over reported occupation by Israeli forces area in southern Lebanon, it does not feel it would be appropriate intervene with Israeli Govt this matter.

If you discuss subject further with Leb Govt suggest you point out that incursion into its territory by external forces would appear be issue which should more appropriately be pursued through facilities UN, of which Leb member, rather than by approach this Govt, (Legtel 573 Nov 6¹).

We suggest appropriate action might be taken by SC if reports are indeed true that Israeli forces are now on Lebanese territory. You may inform President Khouri that Acting Mediator’s draft resolution currently under consideration by SC should go far to satisfy Lebanese complaint. This resolution contemplates separation armed forces and creation broad demilitarized zones under UN supervision and, if carried into effect, would surely result in withdrawal Israeli forces to safe distance from Lebanese frontier. You may add to President that this Govt supports draft resolution.

For your info Dept has heard no indication attitude Leb Govt re possible approach SC this matter. While course action is for sole determination by Leb, Dept would be interested your appraisal its thinking and reasons apparent hesitation.²

Lovett

1. Not printed; it reported that President Khoury had informally asked Minister Pinkerton “to invite US Government’s attention to continued occupation Jewish forces of number of villages and considerable area in south Lebanon. While no formal request was made for intervention it was clear he hoped US Government could influence Israeli Government to withdraw to Palestine frontier” (767N.90E15/11–648).
2. This telegram was repeated to Paris and London. Subsequently, the Lebanese President expressed to Minister Pinkerton his view that any request made by Lebanon for intervention by the United States be considered unofficial, because he did not wish to be placed in a position of entering formal negotiations concerning any phase of the Palestine problem (telegram 603, November 26, noon, from Beirut, 867N.01/11–2648).