107. Editorial Note

In his June 26 briefing of the National Security Council on significant world developments affecting U.S. security, Allen Dulles offered the following assessment of developments in Lebanon:

“Turning to the situation in Lebanon, Mr. Allen Dulles said there had been no significant change overnight. However, the truce, which had been observed during the visit of the Secretary General of the United Nations, was now over. From Hammarskjöld himself we have learned that he is opposed to the intervention of foreign troops in Lebanon, whether UN forces or other forces. He believes that a force adequate to police the border could not be formed from the armies of the smaller countries, and he does not wish to risk the prestige of the UN by a failure to provide an adequate force. While he thinks that there has been a considerable infiltration of Syrians into Lebanon, he is also convinced that the hostilities in Lebanon are largely internal. He seems to be impressed with the views of President Nasser.

“Meanwhile, there had been a good many reports that rebel forces in and around Beirut are soon going to make a large-scale attack on the city. There is continued clear evidence of UAR financial and other support to the rebel forces. Meanwhile also, there are clear indications that General Chehab is continuing his equivocal policy. Accordingly, the situation drags on without any dramatics, although the tempo of military operations will soon be stepped up.” (Memorandum of discussion at the 370th Meeting of the National Security Council, prepared by Gleason on June 27; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)