NEW SOVIET INITIATIVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05471837
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: September 12, 2023
• Document Release Date: June 30, 2023
• Case Number: F-2021-02184
• Publication Date: November 29, 1984

TO:
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EXECUTIVE SECREIPRIAT
ROUTING SLIP
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3637 (1�4')
xecutive Secretary
Date
Approved for Release: 2023/05/11 C05471837
Approved for Release: 2023/05/11 C05471837
SECRET
411
IExecutive Registry
84- 10002
29 November 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Near East Division, DO
FROM: Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT: New Soviet Initiative in the Middle East
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
1. Here is a s eculation
(b)(1)
which I would like to ave checked out.
(b)(3)
2. Based on what seems to be a sudden shift in attitude and
activities on the part of Dr. Hammer, President of Occidental Petroleum,
who frequently travels back and forth to Moscow, the
possibility of a new Soviet initiative in the Middle East. Hammer's
oil company, Occidental, has Libya as a major commitment. This commitment
has now been reduced considerably and Hammer, formerly said to be
anti-Zionist, has suddenly warmed up to Israel. He spoke at a Zionist
dinner in Los Angeles on November 18 at which he publicly promised to
organize a syndicate to find oil in Israel.
The question
raised is what Qadhafi's reaction is to getting out of Libya and warming
up to Israel. I
3. Take a look at what all this might add up to.
speculating it presages a new Soviet initiative in the Middle East.
William J. Casey
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2023/05/11 C05471837
(b)(3)