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

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

Washington, July 8, 1958—2:37 p.m.

104. We have noted your recent reports indicating Chamoun now actively considering problem of successor to him. We believe this process should be encouraged and request that you convey following to President:

You should refer to your statement on July 1² concerning our desire to be helpful to Lebanon in matter of forthcoming election of new President in whom Chamoun has confidence and who shares his determination to defend independence and integrity of Lebanon. Since date of that conversation we have received increasing indications of expectation in Lebanon that Parliament will convene on July 24 or shortly thereafter for purpose of considering election of new president. Our estimate is that failure of Parliament to be convoked at that time for this purpose would have negative effect not only upon opposition but upon some elements loyal to government. Accordingly, and because of our desire to be of appropriate assistance, we are increasingly anxious to know from President what his political program for future is.

We do not want to see any political compromise or “deal” with Nasser. On the contrary, we believe there surely must be within Lebanon qualified presidential candidates dedicated to preserving genuine independence of Lebanon. We confident Chamoun appreciates great measure of faith we have shown him by grave and indeed momentous responsibility assumed by Western powers on behalf of independence and integrity of nation which he heads.³ We believe this attitude on our part entitles us expect from Chamoun a frank and confidential indication of what his own program is. He should not expect us to remain in dark with respect his intentions. We repeat our desire be helpful in assuring election of successor to him of person dedicated like him to genuine independence of Lebanon.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783A.00/7–858. Top Secret. Drafted by Rockwell and cleared by Rountree and Dulles. Repeated to London, Paris, and USUN.
2. See Document 112.
3. In telegram 113 to Beirut, July 8, the Department indicated that it did not believe Chamoun expected a further reply from the United States to his inquiry during the tripartite démarche of July 1 concerning the willingness of the Western governments to stand by the pledges they had given Lebanon. The British Chargé raised the question of a reply on July 8, and Rountree replied that the Department felt Ambassador McClintock had responded adequately to Chamoun’s inquiry at the time, and no further response was required. Hood concurred. (Department of State, Central Files, 783A.00/7–858; included in the microfiche supplement)