DECLARING WEST BEIRUT AN "INTERNATIONAL QUARANTINE ZONE"

Created: 6/22/1985

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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MEMORANDUM FOR: The President

.The Viceofofto the President for

National Security Affairs '

West Beirut an "International Quarantine Zone"

week wetep which will put steaat behind our efforts to get the hostages out and establish our purpose and resolution to our adversarl to other nations which are watching us, and to our own people.

There is one step which could be taken quickly and onnitiative. elieve It would strengthen our efforts to get the hostages out, mobilize International Involvement, and conmand popular support all over the world.

The President would Immediately declare West Beirut and Its southern suburbs as an "International Quarantine Zone." Wast Beirut and Its southern suburbs are not under the effective control of any recognized International government and are thus outside the bounds of normal International Intercourse and law. ublic statement. West Beirut, controlled by the criminal elements which have pirated our airship and seized and killed our citizens, would be compared to the areas controlled by the Barbery pirates Inh century.

following specific steps could implementeclaration:

Initiate steps to halt all air trafficnd out of Beirut International Airport. Express regrets but point out that American hostages are being held by criminals who also control the Beirut International Airport.

. Sixth Fleet could be ordered to seal off West Beirut and its southern suburbs from the sea, and declare no further commerce by either air or water.

Ask the Government of Lebanon to seal the border of West Beirut o the east and south wherever possible.

pecial envoy to tell Assad that. Government knows that the Syrian Army border checkpoints along those roads are capable of stopping all traffic in and out of West Beirut and Its southern suburbs. Ask him to assist us in Isolating the pirates.

APPBOVED FOB RELEASE ATE: APR 2CC4

Ask the Government of Israel to provide whatever supportan offer to separate West Beirut and its southern suburbs from the south.

Inform those American citizens. Including the press, who remainlest Beirut and Its southern suburbs that their safety or the safety of their families cannot be guaranteed and we are prepared to help them leave Immediately.

Ask all surroundingSyria,cease all commerce with West Beirut and its southern suburbs.

These steps should be announced alongeclaration that If the American hostages are not immediately released, further actions against West Beirut and Its'southern suburbs will be considered and taken as necessary. .

Announce thatice President la toeeting of senior West European officials during his upcoming trip to seek support from our traditional allieshe isolation of this den of criminals.

Investigate the possibility of jamming or otherwise Incapacitating radios and telecommunication links between West Beirut and Its southern suburbs with the world.

5. For maximum and timely impact, the full program should be Assad and Gemayel may demur or refuse to participate but theyhard put to resist or refuse cooperating with our efforts to protectin an area in which Syria does not have sovereignty and over whichgovernment has no

Original document.

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