Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVII, Part 3, North Africa

89. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Turner to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)¹

Washington, April 20, 1977

SUBJECT

• Current Activities of Major Hasan Ashkal

1. Background. The United States demarche of 20 March 1977² on the Libyan-sponsored plot to assassinate Ambassador Eilts identified Major Hasan Ashkal as one of the three Libyan intelligence officials involved in the plot. The Libyan reply claimed that two of the individuals named in the demarche work in the “agricultural sector.”³

2. [3 lines not declassified]

3. Moreover, [1 line not declassified] Major Hasan Ashkal accompanied Qadhafi from Tripoli to Benghazi on 5 April aboard a Libyan VIP aircraft. The only passengers on the flight were Qadhafi and Ashkal, who was dressed in military uniform and carried a machine gun.

4. A copy of this memorandum is also being provided to the Secretary of State.

Stansfield Turner⁴
Admiral, U.S. Navy

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East, Subject File, Box 61, Libya: 2/77–12/78. Secret; Sensitive.
2. See footnote 6, Document 88.
3. See Document 88.
4. Turner signed “Stan” above this typed signature.