What concerns this Senator is the danger of expanding U.S. involvement in an ever widening conflict in Lebanon. A year ago this summer U.S. marines were deployed as part of the multinational forces detailed to protect the orderly evacuation of PLO troops from Beirut. After the successful completion of that mission. the Marines were fully withdrawn from Beirut only to be redeployed again last September following the tragic assassination of the newly elected Lebanese President Beshir Gemayel. and the brutal massacre of refugees in Sabra and Shatila Palestinian refugee camps. Even then. however. the President stressed on his September 29. 1982. letter to the President pro tempore of the Senate that the Marines would be needed "only for a limited period." and that he had "no intention or expectation that U.S. Armed Forces will become involved in hostilities." The President specifically states in his letter. notifying the Senate of the second marine deployment. that All armed elements in the area have given assurance that they will refrain from hostilities and will not interfere with the activities of the Multinational Force.
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