A traveller on the Lebanon gives his findings
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Following the recent articles in your publication I have tried to establish the precise position for United Kingdom vehicles wishing to transit the Lebanon from Beirut.
I was in Beirut from June 24 to 26 and approached the various authorities who could be involved in this particular problem. Please find detailed below my various findings : (1) There is no agreement in existence which allows UK vehicles to transit the Lebanon from Beirut. Similarly there is no permit available which gives such permission, whether on a routine basis or as a special privilege. UK Vehicles which have arrived in Beirut by mischance to date, have been given special dispensation to move, following a suitable " waiting " period.
(2) The policy of the Lebanese authorities both now and for the immediate future seems to be to promote local traction. There are any number of tractor units registered with Lebanese, Syrian and Kuwait registration plates.
(3) There is one specific exclusion to this ruling, which concerns Rumanian vehicles on a specific contract with the Syrian Government. I understand that these have special arrangementts and are only involved in a contract which involves the use of refrigerated trailers.
Naturally, I, along with many others, would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has access to permits which allow British vehicles to transit from Beirut ; specifically I would be interested in learning the address of the issuing body.
M. J. B. CAVE, European Plant Haulage,
Bedford.