The State Department indicated today that it took a calm view of troop movements in southern Lebanon by what it described as the “Arab deterrent force.” But Department spokesman Frederick Z. Brown told reporters that the U.S. is in touch with Syria. Israel and Lebanon through diplomatic channels in connection with these developments.
He was referring to the reported movement by a Syrian armored battalion beyond the so-called red line which Israel has said it will not permit an Arab army to cross. The Syrians were reported at Nabatiyeh, about 10 miles from the Israeli border.
According to Brown, the “Arab deterrent force,” which consists mainly of Syrian formations, operates under the orders of Lebanese President Elias Sarkis who is trying to establish central authority and security for the entire country. Brown said, “We believe we could be of use to the governments concerned” to help them “understand each others point of view” in a “sensitive area.”
Meanwhile, it was reported today in Israel that the Syrian battalion has stopped short of entering Nabatiyeh, apparently as the result of a warning Israel conveyed to Damascus through the United States. The Syrian force has remained at the northern approaches to Nabatiyeh. The Syrians claim the force is a temporary patrol but Israeli sources said the Syrians planned to establish a base at Nabatiyeh from which they intended to expand their presence in southern Lebanon.
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