POST LEBANESE on 18th September 1942 issued a set of six First Day Cover stamps with two different designs. The stamps depicted Emir Bechir Chehab and a plane flying over Mount Lebanon. The stamps were released one year after Lebanon's proclamation of independence. The designer was Paul Koroleff, whereas the engraver/printer was I.C. Beyrouth. The postmark cancellation on this FDC states 11.V.1942.
In 1941 turmoil in Europe raised the fear that Germany would gain control of Syria and Lebanon, leading French and British troops to occupy Lebanon. Under various political pressures from both inside and outside Lebanon, General Charles De Gaulle decided to recognise the independence of Lebanon. On 26 November 1941, General Georges Catroux announced that Lebanon would become independent under the authority of the Free French government. It was not until 22 November 1943 that the French government officially accepted the independent republic of Lebanon, but the country was not evacuated by French troops until 1946.
Emir Bechir Chehab was an Emir of Lebanon who ruled Lebanon in the first half of the 19th century and was one of the most important figures in the history of the country. Post Lebanese dedicated a set of 4 stamps with the denomination ranging from 0.50 Lebanese piasters to 15 Lebanese piasters.
The second set included two air mail stamps of 10 Lebanese piasters and 50 Lebanese piastres which depicted a plane flying over Mount Lebanon which is a national symbol. A follow-up issue on the second anniversary of independence featured various denominations and colours.
From the 1940s the term Liban started to be used, which is Lebanon's name in French. Today all stamps of Lebanon are marked simply Liban.
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