US troops to retaliate if attacked in Lebanon

Secretary of State George Shultz warned in a press conference Wednesday that US Marines in Lebanon will fight back strongly if attacked. At the same time, Shultz pledged all possible US aid for Lebanese President Amin Gemayel's call for a dialogue among all Lebanese faction leaders to end the violence. He called on all nations involved, particularly Syria, to support that effort. But Walid Jumblatt, leader of the pro-Syrian Druse involved in the fighting, immediately refused to participate.