French Government May Take ‘political Action’ if Israelis Remain in Lebanon

The French government had no official comment today on Israel’s armed incursion into Lebanon. But official circles hinted that serious “political action” might be taken by France if the Israelis fail to evacuate Lebanese territory as they have promised. The French position Is expected to be stated tomorrow when Foreign Minister Maurice Schumann reports on the Middle East at the weekly cabinet session. The French position. it is believed, will be to condemn “violent action,” –in this instance the Israeli raid rather than the terrorist attacks that precipitated it–and to denounce the “right of pursuit” across another country’s borders. The latter would be consistent with France’s position on the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. As with Indochina. France has important political, cultural and sentimental ties with Lebanon, once a French mandated territory. French officials stress that France has a special responsibility toward Lebanon’s security and independence.