LIBYA: THE MILITARY JUNTA IS CONSOLIDATING ITS POSITION.

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Fall of the Libyan Monarchy
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06759182
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: August 20, 2019
• Document Release Date: August 30, 2019
• Publication Date: September 3, 1969

C03149586
Approved for Release: 2019/08/15 C06759182
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E Libya: The military junta is consolidating
its position.
�The new regime is not encountering any threat
to its rule,
Some senior military and security officials loyal
to King Idris have been arrested and the military
is performing all civilian security functions. The
military is still exercising tight control over the
civilian security forces. It is taking over all
heavy equipment such as armored vehicles.
Radio Libya is broadcasting the names of senior
members of the old government who are allegedly
voicing their support of the junta. To forestall
any public criticism of its actions the junta has
suspended the publication of five Libyan newspapers
and periodicals. In a move indicative of a growing
confidence, the army yesterday lifted the curfew,
which had been imposed Monday, for a three-hour
period.
The Revolutionary Command Council has still
not disclosed its membership, but has announced
that it will administer the country itself rather
than forming a new cabinet.1
King Idris has left Turkey and has arrived in
Greece; he has revealed no plans to return to Libya
soon. His special adviser, Umar Shalhi, made a
quick visit to London where the Foreign Office re-
iterated its stand that the coup is an internal
affair and that the UK does not intend to intervene.
Shalhi plans to come to the US to continue his
search for support.
Soviet comment on the coup has been sparse but
gives cautious approval. In the Arab world the
coup has made Saudi Arabian officials more concerned
over the future of Arab moderates./
3 Sep 69
Central Intelligence Bulletin. 3
Z4412-S-E-C-R-E-T
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Reaction to Phantom Delivery:
The Israeli4s announced Saturday the F-4 Phantoms
had been delivered and thus far, only limited reaction
has been received. The Iraqis described the delivery
as an act of US aggression 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
appeared slim. The Saudis believe the delivery, follow-
ing hard on the Libyan Coup, will further weaken their
position at home and in the Arab world.
� Attached at Tab A is the CIA Intelligence
-
Brief.
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Approved for Release: 2019/08/15 C06759182