501.BB Palestine/1–1149: Telegram
The Minister in Lebanon (Pinkerton) to the Secretary of State
19. Foreign Minister informed me negotiations are now being con ducted through UN mediator for evacuation of south Lebanon by Israeli troops. He believes they will be successful although on previous occasion when Lebanese and Israeli military met for consultations, Israeli officers said they were authorized to negotiate only on basis permanent armistice and Lebanese had no such authority. These negotiations therefore failed. Foreign Minister says Lebanon cannot consider negotiations for armistice so long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil. After evacuation and completion Egyptian negotiations Lebanon expects to undertake similar negotiations. He expressed opinion that other Arab countries would do likewise. Lebanon is pre pared to go to almost any length short of signing document formally recognizing existence of state of Israel.