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August 3, 1949

Untitled report on Soviet interests in the Middle East

This document was made possible with support from Youmna and Tony Asseily

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Beirut, Aug 3, 1949

 

Number 22/ The Russian Commission is showing serious interest in developments in the political situation of the [Middle] East.  They are particularly interested in the following matters:

 

First – They believe that the Turkish General Oriani’s trip to Damascus includes signing a military agreement for establishing military cooperation between Syria and Turkey. Also that Colonel Bahij Al-Kallash’s transfer from the position of Commander of the Armed Forces to Commander of Al-Jazira Battalion was done for this purpose.

 

That’s why the Russian Commission is interested in order to gather precise information about this.

 

Second – the Commission believes that the British and the Americans are conspiring with the Turks against Russia and the Communists.

 

Despite their interest in these arrangements, the Russians are likewise pursuing new arrangements to counter them.  I found out the things that the Russians are doing currently, the British and Americans and their allies have no clue as to the new plans.

 

Third – The Russians are interested in knowing the types of military aid from the British and the Americans to Syria.  They are seeking to find out detailed information about this.

The Russian Commission is showing interest in the Middle East, especially in Turkish-Syrian collaboration and American and British support for a Turkish fight against communism.

Author(s):


Document Information

Source

Emir Farid Chehab Collection, GB165-0384, Box 1, File 275/1, Middle East Centre Archive, St Antony’s College, Oxford.

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Original Uploaded Date

2014-04-21

Type

Report

Language

Record ID

119875

Donors

Youmna and Tony Asseily