Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East: Jordan-Yemen, Volume XIII

130. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon¹

Washington, November 23, 1956—5:06 p.m.

1880. Embtel 1281.² Inform Chamoun USG deeply appreciative his consistent efforts exercise moderating influence, especially in connection with current NE crisis,³ and hopes Lebanon will continue to support UN actions to restore and preserve peace in NE. Steps which it has taken in Egypt indicate manner in which UN can be effective. UN thus provides measure of protection to Lebanon as regards its own security.

With regard possible intervention Soviet volunteers in NE, US has stated its firm determination to oppose such action, which would contravene terms of GA resolution November 2⁴ and subsequent resolutions.

With regard to arms mentioned by Chamoun, Department urgently reviewing matter. Meanwhile US understands UK has agreed furnish Lebanon considerable quantity arms of various types. Would be helpful to Department know to what extent Lebanese needs will have been met when these arms received. FYIUK Embassy has told Department UK prepared loan Lebanon 500 Sten guns or 500 machine guns and unspecified number of anti-tank guns, tanks, and aircraft. These items, together with recoilless rifles purchased in US, should strengthen Lebanese armed forces considerably. End FYI.

Does Embassy now recommend that GOL be advised of total cost of military items they have requested?⁵

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783A.00/11–1956. Secret. Drafted by Rockwell and approved by Rountree. Repeated to Cairo, Damascus, Tel Aviv, and London.
2. In telegram 1281, November 19, Heath recounted his conversation of November 19 with Chamoun. According to Heath, Chamoun expressed concern over the Soviet arms shipments to Syria and the presence of Syrian troops on the northern border of Lebanon. Chamoun stated that this situation required the United States to furnish immediately the weapons Lebanon had requested to purchase a year before. Heath said that Chamoun admitted he had made the same request of the British Government. (Ibid.)
3. Reference is to the Suez Canal crisis. At this date, the United States was encouraging Britain, France, and Israel to withdraw from occupied territory.
4. U.N. General Assembly Resolution 997 (ES–1).
5. In telegram 1542, December 17, Heath informed the Department that the question of payment for U.S. arms had not yet arisen, and that such a question would probably provoke a request from the Lebanese Government for the entire arms list on a grant basis. (Department of State, Central Files, 783A.56/12–1756)