DEPARTMENT OF STATE
GIST: SUDAN: Pro-UAR Deputy Prime Minister Seeking to Assume Prime Minister Mahjoub's Functions While Latter on Leave
INR BRIEFING NOTE
TO:
DATE: 6/12/68
The Director, INR
TIME: a.m.
COMMENTS CONTAINED IN INR BRIEFING NOTES ARE INITIAL AND TENTATIVE.
SOURCE(S)
TDCS 314/09529-68 S/NOFORN
6/11/68
(Source: a journalist with extensive contacts who has been a reliable reporter.)
CLASS./CONTROL(S)
Prime Minister Mohamed Mahjoub, who is reportedly suffering from high blood pressure in addition to diabetes, plans to go on summer leave in Beirut and Turkey as soon as the assembly recesses. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Ali Abd-al Rahman (who is also Vice President of the Democratic Unionist Party and who enjoys UAR backing) is aware of Mahjoub's plans and claims that, as Deputy Prime Minister, he is charged with taking over Mahjoub's functions during the latter's absence. Mahjoub is reportedly moving to curb Sheikh Ali's ambitions.
Field Comment: If Sheikh Ali were to assume the office of Defence Minister in Mahjoub's absence, he might use that period to consolidate aspects of the arms agreement with the Soviet Union.
INR/RAF Comment: The above TDCS was received after the one on which a June 11 White Book CIB item was based. The earlier report had suggested that Mahjoub might retire from politics following his illness and that he might be succeeded by Sheikh Ali. Even if Mahjoub does not retire, his illness adds a new element of instability to the Sudanese political scene. It seems more likely that it may hasten the day of a military take-over, however, than provide any opening for the erratic and radical Deputy Prime Minister.
INR OFFICE
BRIEFER
EXTENSION
RAF
Kinter
4970
---
SECRET/NOFORN
*(Classification)*
NM 31097 DocId:33061196 Page 20