The Department of the Navy today made known that it has initiated “a full investigation” of reported Sixth Fleet regulations barring Jewish personnel from shore liberty privileges in the Arab port of Beirut, Lebanon. This was revealed to Rep. Seymour Halpern, New York Republican, by Captain F. M. Lloyd, Deputy Chief of Navy Information.
Captain Lloyd informed the Congressman that “we have asked the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, to provide complete information with regard to your recent communication concerning shore privileges for Jewish Naval personnel in Lebanon. We have been assured that no regulation exists which restricts the right of any group of U. S. Naval personnel from shore liberty in the Beirut area; however, a full investigation of any circumstances which might have caused complaint has been requested.”
The Congressman’s protest to the Navy followed persistent reports that the Sixth Fleet published orders for guidance of its ships, pertaining to restriction of Jewish personnel from shore privileges in Arab ports. It appeared that the Arab-inspected action was being haphazardly applied by the Navy, implemented in some cases, but ignored by captains of other ships. A question existed whether Washington had been officially advised on the steps taken by the Sixth Fleet to comply with Arab anti-Jewish blockade requirements.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
