§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to secure the safety of British personnel in Beirut.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government are taking all necessary steps for the safety of British nationals in Lebanon. A British merchant ship was chartered and embarked British and Commonwealth subjects and a number of other nationals who wished to leave the Lebanon from the port of Jounieh on 24 June. We are in close touch with the United States and French Governments to co-ordinate evacuation measures. The British ambassador, who has so far remained with most of his staff in West Beirut, has discretion to move to East Beirut if the situation deteriorates further.