MORNING CABLE SUMMARY

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Fall of the Libyan Monarchy
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03359320
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: August 20, 2019
• Document Release Date: August 30, 2019
• Publication Date: September 7, 1969

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MEMORANDUM FOR DAVE MCMANIS
FROM: Ray Wotring
SUBJECT: Morning Cable Summary
38 4- / 4-// z
7 September 1969
3.3(h)(2)
Brazil: Following yesterday morning's Ministerial meeting the Brazilian
Foreign Minister announced the governrnenddecision to follow through with
the prisoners exchange. Alter several hours of delay, caused by difficulties
in assembling the prisoners, a Brazilian Air Force C4130 departed Rio
for Mexico City yesterday evening with 13 prisoners aboard. The aircraft
made two subsequent stops enroute to pick up the remaining two prisoners
and is tentatively scheduled to arrive in Mexico City at about 3:00 PM EDT
today. Meanwhile, the kidnappers have released another note and a letter
from Ambassador Elbrick to Mrs. Elbrick. The kidnappers's note states
once confirmation is received through international agencies, i. e. , radio
stations and/or the Mexican Embassy, Ambassador Elbrick will be released.
Ambassador Elbrick's letter indicates that he is well and expects to be re-
leased today.
The military apparently was not happy with the government's decision
to exchange the prisoners
The government is cognizant of this dissatisfaction and is using
Brazil's forthcoming Independence Day as a means to rally the country into
a festive mood. However, yesterday evening four men dressed as Army
paratroopers briefly took over the government radio station just outside
Rio and read a short note denouncing the government's decision to release
the 15 prisoners. (Various)
Libya: The_ State Department spokesman announced early yesterday after-
noon that we intend to maintain diplomatic relations with the new regime in
Libya. Subsequently our Charge in Libya presented a representative of the
RCC an. aide-mernoire tendering formal US recognition. Meanwhile, the
identity of the RCC maybe surfacing. An authoritative UAR source, recently
returned from Libya, reports that the main group of the RCC including it's
president, are between 20 and 30 years of age and that Abu Shuwayrib is not
the head of the RCC. King Idris announced yesterday that he will abzlicate
within a few days and intends to return to Libya to live as an ordinary citizen.
State 151150, Tripoli 2282, 2177, FBIS 83)
Current Situation in Lebanon: Lebanon's internal situation appears to have
been severly affected by Israel's recent retaliatory attacks. President
Helou reports that subversive elements are using these attacks to weaken
his regime and to strengthen the position of the Fedayeen in Lebanon. Helou
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concludes that a direct confrontation between the Army and the Fedayeen
would split the country, therefore, he has requested three US moves to
ameliorate the deteriorating internal situation: 1) our help in persuading
Saude Arabia and Iran to improve relations with Lebanon; 2) US assistance
in halting Israeli attacks for 15 days to three-weeks during which time
he will attempt to form a government; 3)�a unilateral US declaration em-
phasizing our traditional concern for the independence and integrity of
Lebanon. (Beirut 7419)
Effect on Libyan Coup on Tunisian Security: The government of Tunisia
has expressed deep concern over the Libyan coup and concludes that
Tunisia is now flanked by pro-Soviet regimes--Libya on the east and Algeria
on the west--which constitutes a major threat to their security. Our Em-
bassy in Tunis believes Tunsian security will be the principal subject
Foreign Minister Bourguiba will raise with Secretary Rogers prior to the
UNGA and will possibly request from us: 1) a security assurance encompassing
external and internal agression; 2) improved MAP to possibly include high
performance aircraft; 3) greater economic assistance. (Tunis 5237)
Reaction to Phantom Delivery: The Israeli's announced yesterday the
Phantom delivery and thus far only limited reaction has been received. The
Iraqi's described the delivery as an act of US agression against the Arabs,
while the Egyptians declare that the delivery ends the hope that the US is
acting for peace in the Middle East. Mohamed Riad was visibly disturbed
when informed and stated that Israel's adamancy would be further hardened
and that prospects for a negotiated settlement now appaardd slim. The Saudis
believe the delivery, following hard on the Libyan coup, will further weaken
their position at home and in the Arab world. King Faisal will reportedly
be upset and the news will further spotlight Saudi Arabis' "unpopular" ties
with the US. (Various)
Operation Ho Chi Minh: In an unprecendented double hijacking, gunmen
hijacked two Ecuadorean Military Air Transport DC-3's yesterday on
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flights from Quito to Guayaquil and from Esmeraldas to Quito and forced
them to fly to Turnaco, Colombia, where twelve hijackers, crew and fifteen
passengers transferred to one DC-3 and tookoff for Cuba. A co-pilot was
killed and an Ecuadorian Army Sergeant was wounded while attempting
to disarm thehtia.ckers. Ecuadorian authorities report there are no US
citizens aboaMiijacked aircraft. Cuban authorities have yet indicate if and
when they will permit the aircraft's return to Ecuador. (Various)
Tell "Tail" Cluem-, Members of the Nature Preservation Society who are
aiding in the search for James Pike, discovered his underpants beside a
water hole in the Judean Wilderness yesterday. Identification of the garment
was confirmed by Mrs. Pike. (Press)
Ho Cease-fire Rejected: In a communique, released this morning, President
Thieu rejected the three-day Viet Gong cease.-fire called to commemorate
Ho Chi Minh. The basis for the rejection is the present increase in enemy
activity and the enemy's past failure to observe cease-fires. (Saigon 18141)
South Vietnam/Military: The tempo of enemy initiated activity declined some-
what Last night with 36 rocket/mortar attacks reported throughout the country.
Bien Hoa Airbase received the heavist indirect fire attack with eighteen
122. mm rockets impacting on the base resulting in seven South Vietnamese
civilians killed and 12 wounded. Materiel and base damage was light.
The Third Corps continues to experience the brunt of the ground action,
however, there are no sustained engagements underway. The mcsst
significant enemy initiated ground attack took place just northwest of
Cam Ranh City when approximately 200 enemy attacked and looted a resettle-
ment hamlet. This attack resulted in ten South Vietnamese killed and eleven
wounded.
Cumulative Casualties for Present Enemy "High Point":
Killed Wounded
US 63 334
ARV N 161 411
Enemy 1,285
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