Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Apparent role of United States in Israel's invasion and continuing occupation of Lebanon considered.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds

(Studio) Continue fighting between PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and Israelis at Sidon and in Beirut examined; films shown. Possibility that confrontation near airport was instigated by Lebanese Christians considered. Senior political aide to PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) chairperson Yasir Arafat noted drawing United States into situation; details explained. Arafat said allegedly still in west Beirut; photograph shown. Syria said refusing to move missiles from Lebanon; Israel's response thought given with tacit approval of United States.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(Tel Aviv, Israel) President Reagan's alleged letter to Menahem Begin in May, 1981, regarding United States reaction to presence of Syrian missiles in Lebanon quoted on screen; apparent role of this communication in current Israeli invasion of Lebanon explained. Letter said prompted by Syrian deployment of missiles in Bekaa Valley in April, 1981; details given. Reagan's proposal to Israeli ambassador Ephraim Evron outlined on screen; planned role of Saudi Arabia mentioned.
REPORTER: Carl Bernstein

(DC) State Department's reticence noted; evident conclusions about Reagan's letter discussed in detail. Secretary of State Alexander Haig's meeting with Egyptian for. minister Kamal Hassan Ali mentioned, shown. [HAIG - doesn't want return to status quo in Lebanon.] [Kamal Hassan Ali - considers President sensitized to Palestinian plight due to current situation.] Israel noted still refusing to negotiate with PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) until it recognizes Israel.
REPORTER: Barrie Dunsmore

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(Tel Aviv, Israel) Israel's claim that today's fighting near Beirut airport was between PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and Christian Phalangist militia examined; films shown. Israeli efforts to reconstruct Tyre and Sidon described; number PLO suspects arrested and their current situation discussed. Implications of POW status for prisoners considered.
REPORTER: Hilary Brown

(Studio) Town cncls. at Nablus and Dura reported dismissed by Israelis; details given.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(Studio) Upcoming items announced.
REPORTER: Max Robinson

(Studio) Item recapped at end of broadcast