LETTER TO L. K. WHITE FROM (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03097A000200030179-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2008
• Sequence Number: 179
• Publication Date: July 20, 1948
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2008/12/09: CIA-RDP78-03097A000200030179-5
Colonel L. K. White
Chie f, FBIS
2430 E Street M
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Colonel Whites
20 July 1948
It is impossible to tell from the local press what information
if any you are receiving on the situation here in Cairo. That you may be
adequately informed for planning purposes I am submitting an estimate of the
situation together with recommendations.
THE SITUATION:
Although the Government of Egypt appears to be thoroughly
satisfied that the FBIB operation is in no way directed against Governmental
interests and seems to be content to allow continuation under the present
agreements, the operation cannot be considered stable or secure.
As a result of recent bombing attacks, presumably by the
Jews, and the Security Council's oease fire order, mob violence has broken
out on a rather large scale. The violence is not directed toward any particular
national group but against all non-Egyptian and non-Arabic groups. Jews, Greeks,
British, and .aerioans have been killed or beaten within the last few days.
The American who was killed was a sightseer and his wife was beaten. Several
FBIS employees have been molested but no serious casualties yet. and 25X1
his family were stoned while riding in a taxi last evening. has 25X1
ordered that no one go down town at night. A bomb believed to be planted
exploded one block from Shepheard's Hotel, where I am staying, last night and a
mob immediately gathered. The polio* lost control of the situation but the mob
was disbursed by an AA barrage which rained shell fragments on the streets.
It is reported that a great many staboings occurred during this episode.
The effoot on our operation we are Having to transport then to and from their i terrified
r homes. Some absenteeism
exists and it is likely that more will develop.
The situation may ease in which Case our problems would
decrease in direct proportion.
The situation may continue in the present tenor in which case
we could continue our operations under the present difficult circumstances.
The situation may worsen in which ease it would probably mean
serious curtailment of the operation.
I am inclined to think that the second contingency will prevail
for the duration of Basmr.dan gradually lifting to a more satisfactory state of
affairs, however, I do not believe that we should be unprepared to establish an
emergency operation in Cyprus on very short notice and to evacuate all American
personnel and their families as well as other personnel who desire and could
arrange exit.
HECOh NDATIONa 0 V U L U
Tlitt the yprus station be expedited. That plans for an
Approved For Release 2008/12/09: CIA-RDP78-03097A000200030179-5
 Approved For Release 2008/12/09: CIA-RDP78-03097A000200030179-5
EMERGENCY OPERATI HE EXPEDITED
emergency operation be expedited, and kept alive. That the build up of American
persor,z,el for the Mediterragean Bureau be confined to sale employees at this
time. Ta*t nom-dasrican personnel be trained elsewhere than in Cairo.
I plan to aN Very snortly at which time I will
discuss these matters with hia. arNin oa ,ons of a classified nature are
only possible from Cairo to Cyprus at this time.
Yours very truly,
/a/
Approved For Release 2008/12/09: CIA-RDP78-03097A000200030179-5