ALGERIAN SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R000101440001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 27, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: June 26, 1980
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/27: CIA-RDP85T00287R000101440001-3
Zoe
26 June 1980
SUBJECT
NE/DDO
Algerian Support for Palestinian Terrorists
1. There is no evidence that Algeria is currently
a significant patron state supporter of Palestinian -
ism. In the past,
the GOA
did provide various Palestinian groups with operational.
support such as blank passports. The GOA, on several
occasions, did permit hijacked airliners to land on
Algerian territory and did not extradite the surrendering
hijackers. For several reasons, this kind of support is
no longer offered to terrorist groups.
2. Changes in the leadership of the GOA, an increased
concern for bilateral relations with Western industrialized
states, and a growing realization of the costs of patron
state support have all led to a diminished Algerian role
in support for Palestinian terrorism. The use of Algerian
passports by Fatah operatives involved in the July 1978
grenade attack on the Iraqi ambassador to London garnered
unfavorable publicity. The use of Algerian runways by
hijacked airliners also caused unfavorable publicity and
the GOA eventually realized the dangers involved in be-
coming involved in such operations.
3. The GOA does offer the PLO and some of its consti-
tuent members certain diplomatic privileges in Algeria, and
radical groups such as the PFLP may take advantage of
Algerian hospitality by carrying out some covert operations
from their office in Algiers. However, it is doubtful that
the GOA condones such activities.
PA M 80-10288
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/27: CIA-RDP85T00287R000101440001-3
SECRET
4. The GOA is a member of the Confrontation and
Steadfastness Front, the most radical and uncompromising
of the various anti-Israeli Arab groupings. There are
indications, however, that the GOA is probably the most
moderate of the member states (as opposed to Libya, Syria,
and the PDRY) and probably backs Arafat and the moderate
International Issues Division
Office of Political Analysis
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/27: CIA-RDP85T00287R000101440001-3