24 October 1983
The following messages to President Reagan and President Mitterrand were sent by the Prime minister today:
President Reagan
" Please accept sincere condolences from the Australian
Government and people on the tragic loss of life and injuries
suffered by American marines and soldiers, members of the
multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Australia pays
tribute to the statesmanship and the generosity of spirit of
United States efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the
conflict'in Lebanon, both through your leading role in the
multinational peacekeeping force and your continuing efforts to
achieve negotiation between representatives of all sides to the
conflict. The difficulties and danger of these tasks have been
tragically demonstrated by yesterday's appalling events."
President Mitterrand
" Please accept sincere condolences from the Australian Government and people on the tragic loss of life and injuries suffered by French members of the multinational peacekeeping
force in Beirut. We pay tribute to the French servicemen-who died in the cause of efforts to restore peace in Lebanon. France's willingness to provide forces for this difficult and important task is greatly appreciated by all those concerned. Yesterday's terrible events are tragic evidence of the dangers
involved."