The text above is ambiguously worded.
The lever at those FD lenses is not to switch between manual and automatic aperture setting (that is done at aperture setting ring) but to lock the lever that stops down aperture. This enables stopped down operation without use of the stop-down (DOF) switch at the body. As when using non-coupled extention means or when flipping the lens.
Yes, I assume that L-mark indicating such locking function too. Though I got no idea how...
Most Canon FD-lenses have the automatic-diaphragm lever arrest when pushed manually to the end of its way. Only a few early lenses lack that self-arrest and need a manual lock.