International: Lesson for the Lebanese

A San Francisco correspondent’s telephone rang.

“This,” said a cultured voice in perfect English, “is the Lebanese delegation. I wonder if you could help me. I’m supposed to be press relations officer here, but I’m really a political scientist and I’m not sure how these things are done. I’ve spent all day completing a statement, rather important in our view. What do I do next?”

“There are several hundred newspapers represented here. You’d better get it Mimeographed.”

“Mimeographed?” asked the political scientist. “Is that one of those things with a crank? I’m afraid we haven’t one.”

It was suggested that he have copies typed for the most important publications.

“Oh, dear. Two typists promised faithfully to come around today, but they just haven’t shown up.”

“What is the release, anyway?” the political scientist was asked.

“Do you mean I may read it to you? Oh, you are kind.”

The statement said that the Lebanese believed Moslem states will act together. Hanging up, the correspondent formulated a new definition of a Middle Power*: one that has access to a Mimeograph machine.

* Journalese for all the small and middle-size powers: “The Little Forty.”