An Evaluation of the U.S. Early Warning System in the Sinai

The provisions of the establishment of a U.S.-staffed early warning system in the Sinai desert and of the joint resolution of the Congress approving the proposed system have been met. This review covered the period from the enactment of the joint resolution in October 1975 to the completion of the permanent facilities in the Sinai in July 1976.

The U.S. early warning system established in February 1976 is being operated by a private contractor under U.S. Government supervision in accordance with the U.S. proposal. There are 165 U.S. volunteers in the Sinai. Procedures seemed adequate to make certain that none had intelligence affiliations. They are unarmed except for small arms kept for their personal protection. There are adequate contingency plans for emergency evacuation of the U.S. personnel. The U.S. participation in the Sinai will probably continue until a new agreement is reached or hostilities are resumed between Egypt and Israel. Because of the need for what is perceived as a credible U.S. presence in the Sinai, the number of Americans probably will not be reduced below present levels. The United States provided $13 million worth of technical assistance to Egypt to begin construction of a surveillance station in the Sinai and contributed $10 million in equipment to the United Nations to help it meet its expanded responsibilities in the area. The management of the U.S. early warning system was generally satisfactory.