790E.00/1–1149: Telegram
The Minister in Lebanon (Pinkerton) to the Secretary of State
21. Foreign Minister informed me yesterday that Lebanon is now prepared to put Palestine episode to one side and consider its foreign policy on basis of friendship with Western Powers in possible future global war. He said Arab east would likely be one of several battle fronts and to prepare for such eventuality Lebanon would like to consider role which it would be expected to play. He added that public opinion here was not yet prepared to accept its responsibilities in this regard but it was rapidly approaching that point. He pointed out that Arab countries, except Syria and Lebanon, have arrangements either in force or temporarily in abeyance defining their positions. This policy of isolationism had been deliberately chosen by Syria and Lebanon but Lebanon had to definitely change its policy, and while Syria has not gone so far it also is changing. Use of port of Beirut and airfield at Rayak was mentioned as example of assistance Lebanon might be prepared to give. He indicated that Lebanon desired some sort of agreement regarding its role and did not exclude even defensive alliance although it was obvious he was not enthusiastic about treaty with Great Britain alone because of special privileges which would be involved. He said they would prefer multilateral treaty or some joint [Page 642] agreement short of treaty basis. At no time did he indicate possibility of renewal of relations with France and dismissed it casually from conversation.
From previous conversation I am convinced Foreign Minister brought this subject up with me under direction from President and Prime Minister and that it had been discussed with President of Syria.1
- The Department, on February 11, replied with an expression of warm appreciation for the “friendly attitude Leb Govt and its desire align itself with US and Western Powers in event possible future global war.” The remainder of the reply was broadly along the lines of telegram 57, February 25, to Damascus, p. 770; except for the additional suggestion that the Lebanese Government give consideration to early resumption of discussions concerning a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation as a “long step forward in promoting development of US-Leb relations” (790E.00/1–1149).↩