MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPMENTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001100010023-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 1, 2010
• Sequence Number: 23
• Publication Date: January 21, 1959
• Content Type: BRIEF

25X1 0r,V I
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
I, In Iraq, trend of developments is still cloudy.
21 January 1959
1. Communists have sought to parry effect by tearing down at
night copies of decrees posted on walls by Military Police.
B. In his first interview with Amb Jernegan this week, Qasim
followed his standard line-spoke of desire for US friendship
and help, but appeared suspicious and reiterated "rumors" of
US activity against him.
1. But he did say he wants US contractors to carry on,
D. Meanwhile debate may be going on among anti-Qasim elements in
Iraq over desirability of Qasim-Nasir meeting,
25X1
1.I Imeeting is opposed by some for fear it
would build up Qasim and undercut his opponents, especially
in the army, 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79R0089OA001100010023-9
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
II, In UAR, the anti-Communist campaign continues, but the wave of
arrests in both Syria and Egypt seems virtually completed,
A, Pattern here seems to be an attempt at "brainwashing" of low-
level Communists and sympathizers., who are being released in
large numbers after abjuring Communism and promising to drop
any party activity, while more important figures are being
held for more interrogation,
B. Nasir apparently hopes to mute pro-Communist notes at Afro-
Asian Youth Conference scheduled for 2-8 February in Cairo
(500 delegates expected),
1. UAR personnel dominate conference's working secretariat,
but to make sure little is heard except UAR noise a UAR
youth festival will run concurrently.
2. UAR festival will import 2,500 Syrians for occasion, hold big
parades, invite Afro-Asian delegates to participate in
closing ceremonies, etc#
a, This should effectively drown out Afro Asian conference,
impress its delegates with fervor of pro-Nasir Arab
youth, and confuse observers as to which meeting is which.
III. Other Nasir notes this week:
A, Agreement initialed--not yet signed--with UK whereby London
will release frozen sterling balances of some $196 million
where Egypt pays British about $79,200,000 for nationalized
UK property and damage to sequestered properties, which are
to be returned to UK owners,
1. No war claims or UK claims for Suez base involved.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
UAR military mission now in Kuwait (arrived 17 Jan), ostensibly
to return visit made by Kuwaiti sheik who heads local security
forces.
1, With Ruler of Kuwait now vacationing in Lebanon, British
see this UAR visit as "disconcerting and possibly sinister,"
IV, In Lebanon, observers continue to fear new round of civil strife,
A. Moslems are accusing Christian extremists of maintaining armed
camps,
The Christians' continuing fear and resentment of Moslem
pressure are sharpened by belief West would not again intervene,
At moment virtually all secondary schools in country closed
because of student strikes and counterstrikes over issue of
teaching law in Arabic instead of French.
1.. This has created serious dissension in cabinet, and three
students have been injured in clashes.
In Yemen, Crown Prince Badr (main proponent of close relations with
Sinai-Soviet Bloc) and Soviets have sought to sabotage Yemeni-US
agreement on wheat aid,
A, Badr persuaded Imam to accept Soviet offer of 10,000 tons of
wheat in addition to 15,000 tons coming from US (first batch
is already on ship),
1,. Badr took to bed for four days while Soviet charge sought and
obtained Moscow's approval of deal.
3. Yemenis previously estimated 15,000 tons was maximum port
facilities could handle,
B, Note Soviets have bumper wheat crop this year, and have pulled
somewhat similar stunt in Afghl?-3a}
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/11/01: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001100010023-9