[104-10438-10237.pdf — page 7]
# Hussein on His CIA MoneyFollowing the disclosure that Jordan's King Hussein had for years taken secret payments from the CIA. NEWSWEEK'S Arnaud de Borchgrave flew to Amman last week for an exclusive interview with the King. The result was what Hussein called "my first and very last words on The Washington Post's revelation of the payments and their possible impact on chances for peace in the Middle East. Some excerpts:DE BORCHGRAVE: How much truth is there in the story that appeared in The Washington Post?HUSSEIN: The whole thing is ridiculous and insulting. But I am prepared to answer questions about it.Q. Your government spokesman said the story was a combination of "fabricatior and distortion." What has been fabricated and what has been distorted?A. What was fabricated in the story was everything about funds handed over personally for private benefit. When friendly Arab countries extend aid, it has been traditional for the checks to be made out to the Head of State, which then are deposited in the state budget account. This is not an uncommon practice. All assistance received by us is handled in the same way. What is true is that for a number of years, we have been offered security and intelligence assistance, which the government of Jordan accepted gratefully.As for the story that the CIA paid for the protection of my children at school in America, my request was made to the State Department which kindly agreed to ensure their security. Remember that there have been many extremist plots against me and my family and this was a perfectly normal request. If Amy Carter decided to come to school in Jordan, we would, needless to say, be responsible for her security and would not be sending a bill to the U.S. Government for an elementary courtesy and security measure.Q. How do you feel about President Carter ordering the arrangement-code-named "No Beef" stopped?A. We had, I promise you, never heard anything about all this before. If the reference is to the assistance we have been receiving for security and intelligence, then I have not been advised about its suspension, either officially or unofficially.Q. The Intelligence Oversight Board set up in February 1976 reported to President Ford a few months later that they regarded the payments as improper and he did nothing about it. What do you feel was improper about those payments?A. What is a proper way to support a friend and ally is strictly your business.Newsweek, March 7, 1977The subject never came up before and 1 was totally unaware that this assistance to Jordan had come into question last year. What is proper in some minds is apparently improper in others. As far, as I am concerned, anything I can get for Jordan and my people is proper. And five of your Presidents [Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford] thought so, too.Q. Since you say the assistance was proper and just another form of U.S. aid, why, then, the secrecy and method of payment?A. If you mean the report that payments were made directly to the King and for his [personal] benefit and with political conditions and obligations, this is à complete fabrication. The assistance was designed, only to enhance our intelligence and security capabilities period.To us, the CIA is a part of the U.S. Government., We have sought to acquire know-how, equipment and new capabilities to defend ourselves in the face of a worldwide battle, be it hot or cold, which is still with us. And wherever there is an identity of interests between our two countries, I will continue to advocate fruitful and mutual cooperation.Q. What do you feel was the principal motivation of those [sources who contributed to the Washington Post story?A. To undermine the credibility au integrity of those who are able and willing to contribute to the forces of peace: My people know me and I know them and these attacks are futile in terms of the Jordanian scene. We are. stronger than anything that can be levNewsweek, March 7, 1977eled against us. It was hardly coincidental that these attacks were made as the peaçe offensive was peking up steam and on the very day that Secretary Vance arrived in Amman. It is obvious to me that those who wish to sabotage the peace process-and help Israel stay put in the occupied territories-are even willing to engage in character assassination of persons whose dearest wish is for a just and durable peace.Q. Who benefits?A. Two quarters: One, in your own country, that has been trying to undermine one of your key institutions.e gaged in a worldwide struggle to try to neutralize the actions of the KGB in its efforts to promote Communism. The other is a powerful group that is not interested in a settlement and which also feels it has a score to settle with Jordan. Don't forget it was the Israeli lobby that launched the campaign to block the Hawk anti-aircraft missile defense system to Jordan. Fortunately, the lobby failed.Q. How much of a setback do you feel the story has been to the peace-with-Israel campaign?A. I fervently hope, of course, that it will not be a setback. Admittedly, it may have a deleterious effect on our peace efforts, but I plan to persevere regardless of attempts to sabotage a just and durable peace.Q. What, for example, do you feel the story will do to your differences with the PLO and attempts to form a joint delegation for the Geneva talks? Is a joint delegation still a realistic possibility?A. A PLO delegation is in Amman this week and the whole question of a joint delegation is still very much in question.> [Figure] Choice of targets: Jordan's King Hussein taking aim on the shooting range> ![Choice of targets: Jordan's King Hussein taking aim on the shooting range]