Office of the Historian

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

Washington, September 13, 1957—7:01 p.m.

971. Joint State–ICA. Embtel 614.2 FYI. We prepared supply on crash basis subject ICA procedures reasonable amount equipment up to $2 million for Lebanese police agencies including Gendarmérie [Page 218] along lines request submitted ARMA’s CX 883 and provided equipment can be justified for civil police purposes. ARMATT evaluations Gendarmérie needs are not sufficiently detailed. In order determine specific items needed on most urgent basis and in order tailor list to items currently available in stock here we can send police expert this week to Beirut for brief study which can be completed within few days. End FYI.

You should advise President Chamoun that in response his request we are prepared assist GOL strengthen internal security agencies by study of needs, technical advice, training and supply of most needed civil police equipment. In order obtain current evaluation most urgent needs, we can send expert immediately to Beirut for consultation GOL officials. In view urgency we would appreciate immediate reply4 and, if reply favorable, Chamoun’s assistance in facilitating consultations. We would expect be able commence shipments immediately upon receipt expert’s recommendations.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783A.56/9–357. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Waggoner and approved and signed by Dulles.↩
  2. In telegram 614, September 3, the Lebanon Country Team reported to the Department on the internal security situation in Lebanon. The Embassy also stated its approval of Chamoun’s request for gendarmerie assistance. (Ibid.)↩
  3. ARMA CX 88, July 11, reported, among other things, the list of gendarmérie equipment requested by Chamoun on July 6. (Ibid., 783A.56/7–1157)↩
  4. The Embassy agreed to the idea of sending a police expert to discuss the needs of the Lebanese gendarmérie. (Telegram 779, September 16; Ibid., 783A.56/9–1657) In telegram 981, October 3, the Embassy summarized the study and recommendations of the police expert, forwarded a specific list of equipment, and noted that the Lebanon Country Team concurred in the expert’s report. (Ibid., 783A.56/10–357)↩