MONTHLY REPORT--JORDAN BUREAU--OCTOBER 1985

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP86-00040R000300540003-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 8, 2010
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: November 5, 1985
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/08: CIA-RDP86-00040R000300540003-1
5 November'-1985
MJN 8519
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, Foreign Broadcast Information Service
THROUGH Chief, Operations Group
SUBJECT Monthly Report--Jordan Bureau--October 1985
A. The Embassy continues to maintain a low public profile in
response to the numerous potentially incendiary developments in
the region recently, and this month in particular. Several com-
munity functions were canceled, and the need for increased general
vigilance was reemphasized. So far, fortunately, no untoward in-
cidents have occurred, and the general mood of the mission has re-
mained upbeat.
B. The FBO architectural design team led by FBO architect Anne
Eggertson visited Amman from 16 to 22 October to unveil the plans
for the new Embassy compound. The team gave a general overview
briefing on the 17th, and then met with the various Embassy sec-
tions individually to work out specific design problems.
A. Monitorial/Editorial
1. The bureau opened early on the morning of the 11th
in anticipation of harsh Arab world reaction to the diversion of
the Egyptian airliner carrying the "Achille Lauro" hijackers by
U.S. Navy fighter planes. Editors kept in constant touch with
the Embassy throughout the day to keep them informed of monitored
reaction, especially from Jordan.
2. The Jordanian-Palestinian relationship was the focus
of attention in the wake of the latest round of "terrorist" in-
cidents during the month. Talks in Amman between King Husayn and
PLO leader Yasir 'Arafat ostensibly solved the problems that arose
in the relationship, particularly as a result of the cancellation
of a scheduled meeting in London ,etween British Foreign Secretary
Geoffrey Howe and a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation.
3. Syrian-Jordanian relations continued to take a turn
for the better. After several high-level contacts during the month,
King Husayn, speaking on "Meet the Press," said that Syria and
Jordan "are trying to embark on a new beginning." Jordanian Prime
Minister al-Rifa'i will reportedly be visiting Damascus soon.
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MJN 8519
B. Lateral Services
1. At
the
request of AG, all program summaries from
Amman, Baghdad
and
Damascus radios currently being wirefiled to
the Middle East
E
South Asia Review writer in London,are also
being wirefiled
to
Headquarters.
2. In the ongoing effort to ease the load on our pri-
mary circuit, the bureau has undertaken a systematic review of
our lateral service (drop copy) requirements. Embassy consumers
are also being canvassed to update their formal requirements.
A. Personnel
1. Bureau electronic technician as
presented an Exceptional Accomplishment Award, and a $500 check,
on the 22d in recognition of his work in upgrading the bureau's
primary communication circuit.
2. Monitor specialist
fective 13 October.
B. Buildings and Grounds
Bureau Chief and bureau technician
1
.
net with the FBO design team on the 21st to discuss eir
preliminary space allocation/floorplan for FBIS
building. We presented the design team wi h an alternative oor-
plan which would break up our somewhat long and narrow space into
three separate modules: administration, technical and operational.
The design team was quite amenable to our suggestions and said
they will try to work them into the next, "final," design phase.
ATT: Monthly Production Report
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/08: CIA-RDP86-00040R000300540003-1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/09/08: CIA-RDP86-0004OR000300540003-1
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