Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969–1972; Jordan, September 1970

229. Intelligence Information Cable¹

TDCS 314/09358–70

Washington, September 12, 1970.

COUNTRY

Jordan/Iraq

DOI

6–11 September 1970

SUBJECT

• Iraqi Complicity in Multi-Hijackings

ACQ

[less than 1 line not declassified]

SOURCE

[21/2 lines not declassified]

1. When Jordanian troops arrived at Dawson’s Landing following the arrival of the hijacked TWA and Swissair aircraft, they were surprised to find Iraqi troops already in the area. It was apparent that the Iraqis had been there for some time and had assisted the fedayeen in making arrangements to receive the hijacked aircraft.

2. There is no doubt in the minds of senior Jordanian Government officials, including King Husayn, that there was collusion between the Iraqis and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in carrying out the hijack operations. Senior officials also believe that the Iraqis misjudged the extent of world reaction to these hijackings and became particularly worried by the threat of foreign intervention. The Iraqis are now at the point where they are extremely concerned about their involvement and are doing their utmost to disassociate themselves from it.

3. Field Dissem: State, CINCMEAFSA [11/2 lines not declassified].

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 330, Subject Files, Hijackings. Secret; Priority; No Foreign Dissem. Received in the White House at 1400Z.