ASALI REVEALS PLOT OF JORDAN, CIA, SYRIANS INTERVIEW WITH AL-AHRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75-00149R000100140014-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 19, 1998
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: October 3, 1966
• Content Type: SUMMARY

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UNITE D A R A B R E P U B L I C
3 October 1966
FOIAb3b
ASALI.REVEALS PLOT OF JORDAN, CIA, SYRIANS
Interview With A,-ARRAN
Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 0500 GMT 1 October 1966--M
CPYRGHT
(Summary) Col. Talal Abu Asali, former commander of the Syrian front who
took part in the attempted coup of 8 September, has arrived in Cairo from Amman,
where he had taken refuge after the abortive coup and where he spent over three
taebks.::.Jfter dangerous and exciting circumstances Abu Asali succeeded in leaving
Aylpan with a Jordanian passport given him by King Husayn, who thought he had won
him to his side. The secrets and details of the plot against Syria induced Abu
Asali to leave Jordan and expose the objective of the plot. He succeeded in
convincing the Jordanian authorities that he would go to Beirut to win the support
of the National Command of the Socialist Arab Bath Party against the present regime
in Syria. However, when Abu Asali arrived in Beirut he decided to get in touch
with Cairo.
In an interview with Muhammad Hasanayn Haykal on Friday, Abu Asali said: Regardless
of my party affiliation with the National Command of the Bath Party, the UAR is
the only power capable of foiling and exposing the plot. Therefore, I decided
to come here at any cost to acquaint the UAR authorities with the details and facts
about the plot.
The aim of the plot as witnessed by Abu Asali from the minutes and evidence and the
er nce he lived through is to "bring about the downfall of Syria and its.
PYilu on in the Arab reactionary orbit which collaborates with imperialism; to
set up in Damascus a government that would take orders from Amman and Riyadh, inspired
by Britain and the United States; and to pave the way, if possible, for a Hashimite
agent throne in Syria for King Husayn."
Abu A Ali outlined the participants in the plot as follows:
"1--King Faysal, who lavishly finances the plot, and King Rusayn,-who supervises
the execution of the plot, assisted by his Premier, Wasfi at-Tall, and carried
out by the Jordanian intelligence machinery which has been set up and is directed
by the CIA in coordination with the British intelligence, of which Wasfi at-Tall
was at one time an official";
3--A number of tribal chieftains, including some members of the Al-Atrash clan
of Jabal al-Arab led by Amir Hasan al-Atrash;
4--A large group of former Syrian militarymen, including those who recently took
refuge in Jordan after the abortive 8 September attempt and who were deceived by
the leader of the coup, Salim Hatum, who kept secret his suspect contacts with
Jordanian Premier at-Tall and chief of the Jordanian intelligence Al-Kilani;
"5--The American CIA, which has placed the entire operation within its direct
concern and which has sent a 'special operation' group to Amman to issue daily
directives through Col. Muhammad Rasul al-Kilani, chief of the Jordanian
intelligence, who is regarded as the CIA man in Amman and its liaison officer."
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TI-3 plan of the plot included: The formation of a "Syrian National Front"
(i.abhat wataniyah suriyah) which would consist of reactionary leaders in Syria
and others and which would set up a Syrian government in exile in Amman; the
formation of a Syrian military division of former officers and bedouins, to be
enlisted in return for cash, which would be supported by Jordanian desert guards
dsguised in Syrian military uniform and if necessary by the Jordanian Army, planes,
and tanks, for the purpose of carrying out military operations again Syria; the
payment of funds to anyone extending a hand toward Amman; and preparation for
a general strike in Damascus. "In belief, the plan calls for strikes, then disturb-
ances, then armed interference, then the fall of the regime in Damascus into the
hands of the Syrian National Front."
Abu Asali said: I personally met with Hasan al-Atrash, who was entering the office
of Col. Ibrahim Ayyub, chief of the Jordanian military intelligence. I witnessed
tribal chieftains living lavishly in the Philadelphia Hotel and saw the'tra,ning
camp in Mafraq, where training continues and where arms are available in unlimited
tiers. Abu Asali added: "I witnessed all that and spent sleepless nights
pledg g that I would do anything not to expose Syria to an invasion operation
like that of Cuba by the CIA. This similarity is not my term, for the plotters
themselves in their planning followed the events that occurred in Cuba, benefiting
from the lessons derived from their development. I heard some who told me frankly
that they (the Americans--ed.) are determined, since they had failed in Cuba, that
they shall succeed here in Syria."
Explaining the circumstances that forced him to enter Jordan after the recent
abortive attempt, Abu Asali said: I believe that the leader of the attempt,
Salim Hatum, deceived us. de had agreed on the restoration to power of the
National Command on the Socialist Arab Bath Party, but Hatum had other contacts
which we learned of too late. Our plans were to detain Chief of State al-Atasi
and Salah Jadid in As-Suwayda as hostages should our operation fail. Our
companions in Homs were to occupy the Aleppo radio if I failed to occupy Damascus
and its radio.
However, Salah Jadid's driver succeeded in alerting the authorities, who massed a
larger number of forces. When the failure of our attempt was apparent, we decided
to avoid an armed clash. I fled and hid in a village and later sought refuge
in Jordan, where my companions and I were accorded an unexpected welcome and
were politely interrogated by the chief of the Jordanian military intelligence.
We were then moved to a special hotel reserved for Syrian officers.
The following day we met Jordanian Premier Wasfi at-Tall in the Az-Zarqa
officers club at his request. About 30 of us officers were present. At-Tall
told us that King Husayn considers Damascus and Amman as one and that "we desire
a situation that would bring about stability in Damascus and want you to give us
the necessary solutions." From that moment I began to realize the whole picture
and decided to act by myself. I asked Premier at-Tall his opinion. He replied
that this was premature, as the situation was serious in Syria and he wished
to cooperate with us. I then asked for time to consult with my colleagues.
Abu Asali said that he met with his fellow officers, who agreed to his proposal
that the National Command of the Socialist Arab Bath Party should be consulted.
Subsequently an interview took place between seven of us and King Husayn in the
presence of Premier at-Tall, chief of intelligence Al-Kilani, chief of public
security Col. Rida Basha, and chief of military intelligence Col. Ibrahim Ayyub.
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3 October 1966 B 3 UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
Premier at-Tall had a private 10-minute talk with Salim Iiatum. The King told us
that he wanted to deliver Syria. I then explained my views: regarding the proposal
for contracting the National Command of the party in Lebanon with a view to preparing
an organized action. We were told that Dr. Munif ar-Razzaz, secretary general of
the Regional Command of the Bath Party, would arrived in Jordan shortly.
When Ar-Razzaz failed to arrive, one of my colleagues and I were given Jordanian
passports to fly to Beirut airport, where a Jordanian diplomatic car would be
waiting for us. I managed to escape amid the congestion of traffic in Beirut
and went to a friend's house. I told my colleague that I would pursue another
course and gave him half of the 2,000 liras given to us. I felt that the situation
was serious and that I should offer all that I have to the national quarter
capable of confronting the coming battle. I have come to Cairo with all that I
hold and possess.
(Editor's note: Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic at 1830 GRIT on 2 October carries
PYFCGH-T inute recorded interview with Col, Talal Abu Asali following his arrival in
Cairo from Amman. Asali gives details of his defection to Jordan, his interroga-
tion by Jordanian intelligence, his meeting with Premier at-Tall and King Husayn,
and his departure for Lebanon and Cairo. In this interview Asali does not implicate
the CIA in the alleged plot and does not refer to the United States by name,
confining himself to references to "imperialism." He does specifically name the
other alleged plotters he had implicated in the above interview with Haykal.)
(Summary) The Cairo press today comments on the new plot unmasked by the confessions
of Syrian officer Col. Talal Abu Asali. In this connection AL-AKHBAR says:
"Reaction cannot possibly surrender easily. It is in its nature to struggle
and fight to its last breath. Whenever it is encircled tightly, its struggle
becomes more intense. It uses all kinds of weapons, legal or illegal, honest or
dishonest." Only events will reveal the movements of reaction. Only events can
unmask it, for one can play with words and falsify intentions,
King Husayn, King k'aysal, and Mr. Bourguiba have spoken much about Arab nationalism
and the Palestine cause in a manner that made certain people think they were honest
protectors of nationalism and the Palestine cause. However, events have unmasked
them, one after the other. Bourguibats statements in Beirut have unmasked him.
His attitude toward severing relations with West Germany, his visit to it, his
statements there, and his agreeing to permit part of his country to become a
military base for a foreign force have also unmasked him. King Faysal was
unmasked by his desperate. attempts to establish an Islamic alliance in response
to foreign desire, as well as by a war against his own people and the entire Arab
nation, including the Palestine cause.
"The arms deals with Britain and the United States, the British pilots who stay in
Saudi Arabia to pilot its planes and train its army, King Faysal's violation of
the Jidda agreement, his inciting the Yemeni tribes, his supplying arms to them,
his smug ling of gold to these tribes to buy their consciences and corrupt them,
his participating in a plot to topple the Syrian regime, his financing of the Syrian
devi.ationists and those who escaped, andhis encouragement of methods of work
based on bribery and falsehood have unmasked him."
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UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
King Husayn, who has constantly shown his anti-Zionist inclinations in support
of the Palestine cause, has also been unmasked by events as a first-class
reactionary who takes part, together with his supporters, in a dishonorable plot
to topple the system of rule in Syria so that if the plot succeeded he would sit
on the throne of Jordan and Syria.
If we were to discuss reaction, we would find that reaction, which pretends
progressiveness and which alleges it marches in the vanguard of the peoples,
will seize the first opportunity that presents itself to plot and fight the
peoples, Arab nationalism, and all Arab issues. Half-truths, bribery, and lies
have never succeeded in keeping any people from realizing their will. This is
an old lesson.
r~'Oheadline "on the New Plot," AL-AHRAM says that hardly a day passes
r- 1 without the imperialist intelligence and its hirelings introducing a new plot
against the Arab homeland. "Syria is the direct target nowadays, although the
UAR is the permanent and real target. The imperialists do not spare our country
the latest inventions in the field of crimes and plots. The confessions of the
Syrian officer. Col. Ta1al Abu Asali, and the exciting information he made known
to the public in the pages of AL-AHRAM and which he placed at the disposal of the
UAR are the best witness to all this."
These confessions reveal the treason of Saudi Arabia and Jordan against the
question of Arab liberation and their full connection with British and American
intelligence and the close coordination of their plans with those of Israel and
its hostile actions. Reactionary plotters inside the liberated Arab countries
cooperate with the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the service of imperialist
designs and its plots.
"The reactionaries and plotters desperately carried out their feverish activities
again:,t Syria before the present revolutionary system in Damascus had a charce
to bolster its pillars and restore the close relations between the revolutionary
forces in the Arab homeland, particularly in Cairo and Damascus. In their
actions the plotters depend on the remnants of reaction left behind by the
reactionary secession, elements which lost part of their social and economic
concessions. The danger alarms sound around us daily, calling on all the national
revolutionary forces in the Arab world, particularly in the UAR, to double their
vigilance, to arm their masses with clearer ideology, and to increase their
effort to bolster unity in their ranks.
"We have confidence in the ability of Damascus to resist the plots of the
adventurers and reactionaries, the pressure of the Hashimites and Saudis, and the
threats of the Zionists. Damacus is not alone in this battle--the battle of
life and death for all the Arab liberation forces. As the national and progressive
platforms continue unmasking plots, the UAR and Iraqi armed forces are fully
ready to help the sisterly region should Israel choose to begin its aggression
against Syria. The fate of the plotters on the Syrian border is no different
from that of their ilk in the Bay of Pigs on Cuba's shores. The similarity in
this instance does not originate with us. It is recorded in the documents on
the plots by the Jordanian intelligence officials and their masters in the West."
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3 October 1966 b 5 UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
AL-AKHBAR 3 October Editorial
Cairo Domestic Service in Arabic 0600 GMT 3 October 1966--M
(From the press review)
(Excerpts) In an editorial entitled "The First and Last Aim," AL-AKHBAR says:
The UAR has adopted a stand dictated by its historic responsibilities. It cannot
possible adopt a different stand. It has therefore declared that it will Inter-
vene militarily should there be any attack on Syria whether from Jordan at the
hancs of Arab reaction colluding with imperialism, or from Israel, which is an
agent for imperialism. It is painful for every Arab to see that Jordan's stand
is similar to Israel's stand both with regard to method and purpose.
It is also painful for every Arab to see that the plot links Jordan to Israel
and the CIA. Therefore, when the UAR declares that it is prepared to intervene
military should Syria face an attack from either Jordan or Israel, it is merely
taking the natural stand expected from it in view of its responsitilities toward
Ai'ab nationalism, the Arab liberation movement, and its own security, system,
and future. The plan as revealed is aimed ultimately at striking at the UAR--
the heart-of the Arab struggle and pioneer of revolution in the area. All plots
which have occurred in the Arab region, whether east or west, close to or far
from the UAR, have been primarily and ultimately aimed at striking at the UAR
to silence it and to steer it toward a course compatible with the interest of
reaction and imperialism.
Saudi Arabia has been a party to every plot and has played a role which has never
changed despite any change in the faces of the plotters. It has been the role of
the financier who" willingly contributes millions or the role of a shelter which
receives those who flee from their respective countries when they fail in their
attempts. It is painful for every Arab to see that while on the one hand King
Faysal calls for an Islamic pact, on the other hand he pays out millions in order
to kill, and spread anarchy in an Islamic country over whose debris he wants
to set up a throne either for himself or his friend.
Cairo MENA in Arabic 0615 GMT 2 October 1966--M (FOR. OFFICIAL USE ONLY)
(Text) Cairo--AL-AHRAM says today: "In the light of the facts, details, and
proofs conveyed to Cairo by Col. Talal Abu Asali on the plot being concoted
in Jordan at present against Syria--the plot which King Faysal finances, King
Husayn executes, add for which the American Central Intelligence Agency, (CIA)
plans and directs--the UAR finds itself forced not to stand idly by in the face
of this attempt to invade Syria and to force it to submit to reaction, which
collaborates with imperialism."
The paper pointed out that an-official source at the highest level in the UAR
has stated: "The UAR can only link the Israeli provocations against Syria to
this plot in which King Faysal and King Husayn collaborate with the U.S. CIA.
to strike Syria. The UAR regards the two operations as or.ginating from the
very same source. Accordingly, the UAR will interfere militarily if need be
against any attempt made to invade S;?ria, whether this attempt is made by the
rulers of Jordan, who rove in an imperialist orbit, or by Israel, which roves
in the same orbit,"
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The paper says that the official source added: "It is regretful that because of
the hatred it harbor^ toward the freedom and progress of the Arab people, Arab
reaction has not hesitated to debase itself to accept coordination with Israel
through the American CIA--a matter which is even worse than the debasement of
Arab reaction led by Nuri as-Said, when in 1957 the invasion of Syria was planned
because of its rejection of the Eisenhower plan. The former American President
has zecorded this plan in his diary At the time Turkey was the state which
exerted military pressure on Syria and paved the way for the reactionary operation
which was ready to impose a civil war in Syria to satisfy its greed. To accept
coordination with Turkey is, however, less harmful than accepting coordination
with Israel, for Israel now exerts military pressure on the Syrian front while
Arab reaction prepares for the invasion operation."
The paper goes on to say: "The information, details, and proofs carried to Cairo
by Col. Talal Abu Asali have been carefully studied and analyzed during the past
48 hours." Col. Talal Abu Asali arrived in Cairo the day before yesterday after
spending three weeks in Jordan, where he took refuge against his own will and
in extremely difficult circumstances following the failure of the 8 September
attemtp in Syria and in Jordan. When the elements concocting and executing the
plot were trying to make him join them, he had the opportunity to learn of serious
information. He decided to leave Jordan at any cost and go to Cairo to transmit
the true picture. This is because he regards Cairo as the only Arab national front
capable of striking and foiling the plot.
Cairo MENA in Arabic 0640 GMT 1 October 1966--M (FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)
(Text) Cairo--AKHBAR AL-YAWM has uncovered the details of a plot which is being
engineered between King Faysal and Britain and by which King Faysal has pledged
to resist the revolution in the occupied South and to work to preserve British
interests in t,ie area in return for a promise by Britain to the King to extend
influence over the entire area.
The paper said that Britain has proposed that King Faysal contact the tribal
chieftains in the Hadramawt region, which has an area of 80,000?square miles and
which is one of the occupied south areas east of Aden, and asked him to come to
an understanding with the chieftains on stemming the tide of the revolution and
on preventing it from extending to the eastern region, where the oil-rich British
protectorates are situated, by working to transform the Hadramawt area into an
isolated region between Aden and the other protectorates.
The paper added that the tribal chieftains at first rejected King Faysal's
invitation to meet in Jidda to discuss the conditions of the area but, due to
pressure by the oil companies to stop the oil extraction operations in the area,
they were forced to attend the meeting, which ended with the signing of a document.
One of the documentfs articles provides that the tribal chieftains cooperate
with Britain by handing over to it the rebels who demand its departure from
the area.
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