346. Editorial Note
On October 8, the Department of State released an announcement concerning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Lebanon which reads as follows:
“The Government of the United States announces that by agreement with the Government of the Republic of Lebanon it has now been decided to complete withdrawal of United States forces from Lebanon. It is expected that, barring unforeseen developments, the forces will all be withdrawn by the end of October.
“The United States sent forces to Lebanon in response to the urgent appeal of the then government of that country for assistance in maintaining Lebanese independence and integrity. At the same time the United States took steps in the United Nations with a view to having it take measures to preserve the independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon and thus facilitate the withdrawal of the United States forces. Subsequently the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution developed by the Arab states and designed to ensure respect by states for the freedom, independence [Page 600] and integrity of other states, and to establish practical arrangements to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter in relation to Lebanon.
“The steps which have been taken with respect to the situation in Lebanon have led to a substantial improvement in the international aspects of the Lebanese security situation. The current unrest appears to have essentially domestic origins. In view of the progress made toward more stable international conditions in the area, it has been concluded that United States forces can now be totally withdrawn from Lebanon. It is the confident hope of the United States Government that the Republic of Lebanon, its sovereignty and independence strengthened, will move forward in unity, peace, and prosperity.” (American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1958, page 1058)
The announcement was also transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on October 8 by Ambassador Lodge. (U.N. doc. A/3942)