RAGAB (RAJIB), HASAN FAHMI

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-02771R000400310015-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 11, 2000
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: November 12, 1957
• Content Type: BIO

This document consists of j.
SECRET pages, number L of 2_ copies
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Division of Biographic: Information
RAGAB (RAJIB), Hasan Fahmi EGY ]
There is little information available concerning Ragab's orientation
toward the United States during the Faruq regime and very little more since
the 1952 coup. During his early career, Ragab was essentially a technician
(and undoubtedly a sincere nationalist). U.S. officials who came in con-
tact with him described him as generally frank and personally friendly.
Ragab was at one time dedicated to developing Egypt's arms production; in
1949 it was reported that by "stealing, utilization of captured equipment,
and by improvisation" he was developing an excellent chemical laboratory.
From 1953, however, there is some evidence that he became interested in
assuming a political role. Extremely impressionable, he returned from
Turkey in 1953 with pro Turkish leanings, praising that country's democracy
and much impressed by her military factories. Late in 1953 and early in
1954 he travelled in Russia and some of the satellite countries. Given
the red carpet treatment, he returned with glowing comments on Russia's
productivity and rapid industrial development. Although he vehemently
denied that Egypt could ever become Communist, some observers felt that
"scone Red had rubbed off on him" during that visit. The U.S. military
attache in 1954, however, felt that there was no awing to Communist
ideology, that it was as a technician that Ragab had been impressed.
Following his return from Eastern Europe Ragab made one of his few recorded
statements about United States policy in the Near East. He felt that the
U.S. was "playing into the hands" of Russia's propaganda experts by sup-
plying Israel with arras. That policy, he said "is just what Russia wants."
Since his assignment to Communist China, FBIS monitored speeches
record his glowing comments on Chinese technological advances. In July
1957, however, an Egyptian source (B) reportedly indicated that Ragab
had become disillusioned with Communism and had asked to be recalled.
(Akhir Sala, edited by Nasir's confidant Haykal, reported on October 16~
1957, that Ragab is "expected" to return to Egypt to take up a "new,
important post.")
(Supplement to report dated August 2, 1956)
IRC:BI:VHiiacLean:mh November 12, 1957
State DptoQ CI s I 0dOr9&28vtiml CW-R 02771 8000400310015-5