611.83A/1–2653
No. 549
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Byroade) to the Secretary of State
Subject:
- Current United States-Lebanon Relations
Overall
Late September of 1952 saw the downfall of the nine year regime of President Bechara el Khouri through abdication, and its replacement by the reform government of President Camille Chamoun. The present cabinet consists of four men: Prime Minister Khalid Chehab, Foreign Minister Musa Mubarak, Minister of Defense Selim Haidar, Minister of Finance George Hakim. The new government, which is not expected to last long, has concentrated on reform by decree law of abuses prevalent the former regime. Elections under the new law are expected in early Spring. Overall relations with the United States Government continue to depend largely on United States actions towards Israel.
Point IV
On January 15 the Lebanese Government signed 12 more Point IV project agreements; this removed the existing impasse and signified a considerable advance over the last months of inactivity, during which proposed agreements had been delayed or shelved by the Lebanese. The Lebanese objected to the small scale aid as compared [Page 1105] with United States aid to Israel. A number of hitherto inactive United States technicians are now able to put their plans into operation. Only seven technicians out of 67 now remain uncovered by signed agreements, and may be reassigned elsewhere in the area. Lebanese newspapers are now voicing support for Point IV; they had previously criticized the program.
Private Interests
The Trans Arabian Pipeline agreement with Lebanon, signed in May 1952, is now under examination by the Lebanese Government with a view to Lebanon’s possibly asking for renegotiation of the terms and royalties. Lebanon’s moves will to a large extent depend on Syrian discussions with the pipeline companies.
Military Aid
Lebanon has asked the United States for arms assistance (telecommunications equipment, subchasers) with which to better equip its small army. A joint State–Defense recommendation is being sent forward to the Mutual Security Director, asking that Lebanon be declared eligible for cash-reimbursable military aid within the limits of existing priorities.
Political
The new Lebanese Government is basically well disposed towards the United States, but on matters such as the Middle East Defense Organization (MEDO) and the Israel question Lebanon continues to follow the lead of the Moslem Arab States, albeit sometimes reluctantly. Lebanon shares the Arab hope for a “New Deal” from the new administration. The inaugural address was well received.
Dr. Malik
Charles Malik (Greek Orthodox) is subject to considerable criticism in his own country for being too pro-American and not sufficiently “Arab”. He has been subjected to continual sniping by the new Government’s Moslem leaders (Mubarak, Ammoun). He reportedly will try to determine his future plans during his forthcoming trip to Lebanon. The Lebanese Government has told our Ambassador Harold Minor that he is being given the choice of Security Council or Lebanese Ambassador. Malik states he has been only offered the Security Council on condition he leave Washington. He states he will resign first.