SABRI, 'ALI

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-02771R000400310017-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 11, 2000
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: November 13, 1957
• Content Type: BIO

This document consists
SECRET of _ pages, number ,.L_
-Approved For Release 2000/05/23 : CIA-RDP78-02771 R000400310017-3of r copies, Series A
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Division of Biographic Information
SABRI. 'Ali EGYPT
Appointed Minister of State for Presidential Affairs on August 3,
1957, 'Ali Sabri appears now to have functions similar to but probably
greater than those exercised in his previous post. With the acquisition
of Cabinet rank his role has become more overt; the U.S. Embassy at
Cairo has reported his increasing prominence in the Egyptian Government.
Educated at a Catholic school in Cairo, a member of one of Egypt's old,
respected families, 'Ali Sabri seems at one time to have been favorably
disposed toward the United States. However, he has dedicated himself
to the furtherance of Egypt's national aims and as certain of Egypt's
foreign policy objectives have appeared to cane into conflict with
those of the U.S., he has turned to other sources for support. Following
the Anglo-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt, Sabri was reputed to be a
leader of a group of senior army officers who wanted to move closer
toward the Soviet Bloc. It is possibly more likely that Sabri is
devoted to a policy of non-alignment or "positive neutralism" and is
determined to use any means to strengthen Egypt's relations with and/or
influence over Arab and African nations.
There is no evidence that Sabri has leftist convictions; a regular
source (B) in 1956 indicated that Sabri was basically a middle-of-the
reader who tries to be all things to all men. The same source believed
that Sabri reflected the influence of his frequent contacts with Soviet
Bloc representatives. Sabri himself belittled the significance of his
contacts with Soviet diplomats. Ambitious and shrewd, with keen analy-
tical ability, 'Ali Sabri is not likely, under present conditions, to
use his influence to seek improved relations between Egypt and the United
States unless convinced that the positions of both his country and of
himself would be strengthened.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that 'Ali Sabri is a man of
several parts. In the first place, he made himself indispensable to
'Abd al-Nasir when he organized an efficient bureau ("cabinet") for the
executive, and he has maintained a unique position as 'Abd al-Nasir's
right hand by his dedicated and loyal service. While Director of the
President's Political Cabinet, he appears to have had a leading role in
Egypt's propaganda campaign; it is noteworthy that the PAO in Cairo on
September 12, 1957 called Sabri Egypt's "propaganda mastermind." It is
also of some interest to note that abri is managing director of al-Sha'ab,(gov't
eRl? e left- *ingwpaper controlled;
Another of Sabri's roles has been as director (possibly deputy director)
State Dept. declassification instructions on file
Approved For Release 2000/05/23 : CIA-RDP78-02771 R000400310017-3
 This docurnentconsists
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of copies, Series A
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SABRI. 'Ali (continued) EGYPT
of Egyptian intelligence. Some sources believe he has been largely
responsible for establishing the intricate intelligence and pro-
paganda network of Military Attaches, particularly in the Arab States
and Africa. Furthermore, he seems to have had a key position in
the fedayin campaign. Certain officials in Egypt's Foreign Ministry
are reported to have voiced strong sentiment in favor of Sabri's
becoming Foreign Minister. They feel this would serve a twofold
purpose: it would remove Sabri from close contacts with the
Presidency and thereby lessen his influence on Nasir, and it would
possibly force Sabri to regularize his foreign policy methods.
Sabri also spent two years planning the nationalization of the Suez
Canal Company (by his own admission), is believed to have played a
significant part in the Czech arms deal, and is reported to have
been one of the principal architects of Egypt's present constitution.
(Supplement to report dated August 1956)
IRC:BI:V24acLean:mh November 13, 1957
SECRET
Approved For Release 2000/05/23 : CIA-RDP78-02771 R000400310017-3