Word: damascus
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...declaration was neither a signed document nor a diplomatic ultimatum. But it was clear enough. It came when Nasser stepped onto his Damascus balcony, looked grandly out on the sea of cheering Arabs who have surrounded the guesthouse every day all day since he arrived two weeks ago, and charged that Saudi Arabia's King had plotted to overthrow the new United Arab Republic...
...Abdel Hamid Serraj hovered at his side, Nasser dramatically yanked a canceled check from a Manila envelope and shouted: "The first million was paid by Check No. 85902, drawn on the Arab Bank in Riyadh Feb. 20, 1958, payable to bearer and cashed at the Arab Bank branch in Damascus." Bearer, roared Nasser, was Serraj, who, as conscientious as he was vigilant, had accepted the check, then hurried to tell Nasser all about it. "We decided to nationalize it," said Nasser, and with a big grin, related how they coaxed Saud's agents into paying...
...code word for the plot was "the building," Serraj produced copies of three cables. The first, addressed by Ibrahim to Umm Emir Khalid, the name of his royal daughter in Riyadh, said: "We arrived safely. We saw the building and completed definite agreement. Send 200 immediately. Am waiting in Damascus at Hotel Bilat Rashid for your prompt answer. Your father Assad Ibrahim." The second said: "Building in perfect condition, but he wants second half of money before transferring building as planned. Necessary repairs will be made after arrival of your remittance. Assad Ibrahim." Serraj handed around photostats of three checks...
...until the situation becomes normal and the republic is proclaimed. After that, they are of no value and can be disposed of." Without supporting evidence, Serraj charged that another Saudi emissary offered him another $5,600,000 to "send a plane after Nasser's plane when he leaves Damascus, and then say a Jewish, American or British plane was responsible for shooting it down." The same man, said Serraj, told him that "the Americans are advised of what is going...
...week's end Crown Prince el Badr arrived in Damascus to tell Nasser of Yemen's adherence to the republic. Imam Saif el Islam Ahmed will keep his throne and his absolute power, and the arrangement constituted little more than a close alliance. But the battle was joined for leadership of Arab unity...