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

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

Washington, July 15, 1958—2:27 p.m.

217. Following is State–Defense cleared political directive to military commander being communicated to CINCSPECOMME by Defense:

• “1. The USG has acceded to the request of the lawful Government of Lebanon that US military forces be dispatched temporarily to Lebanon. The purpose of this action is to assist the Government of Lebanon in maintaining the independence and integrity of the country and to ensure the protection of US life and property.
• 2. The military measures whereby those objectives are to be attained are laid down in the overall military plan. Military operations will be limited to the geographical confines of Lebanon unless the Government of the US specifically authorizes their enlargement.
• 3. Only the minimum degree of force necessary to attain the objectives should be used, and military tasks should be handed over to the Lebanese forces as soon as they are in a position to assume them. It is intended that withdrawal should take place as soon as practicable after the Government of Lebanon is able to fulfill unaided the purposes set out in para 1 above or the UN has assumed the responsibilities now being exercised by the US. The US Government will provide further instructions when this stage appears to have been reached.
• 4. This is an operation in a friendly country in support of a friendly government, and members of the US armed forces should act accordingly in dealing with local authorities and with the local population. All public relations activities should be fully consistent with official guidances issued by the US Government and to that end should be coordinated with the local US Diplomatic Representative.
• 5. Advice on political matters relating exclusively to Lebanon should be sought from the US Diplomatic Representative in Beirut. To this end liaison should be maintained with him at all times, and he should be consulted also in regard to procedures for making any necessary official contacts with Lebanese political and military authorities. Through the local American Diplomatic Representative, the US forces landing in Lebanon should also establish appropriate liaison with the UN Observer Group in Lebanon. To the maximum extent compatible with their mission, the US forces should cooperate with the UN Observer Group and avoid any action which would impede the functioning of the Observer Group. Wider political issues affecting US military forces in Lebanon should be referred to the US Government through military channels and should such reference become necessary, the local Diplomatic Representative of the US should be kept fully informed.
• 6. In case of difference between the military commander and the local US Diplomatic Representative in regard to political matters relating exclusively to Lebanon, the views of the latter shall be controlling.”

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 783A.00/7–1558. Top Secret. Drafted by Symmes and cleared with NEA, C, G, and JCS. Also sent to London. The text of this directive was also sent by the JCS to CINCSPECOMME, London, in JCS telegram 944787, July 15. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 218, JCS Files: CCS 381 Lebanon (5–13–58) Sec. 3)