The Nome Nugget

EGYPT BUILDING UP ARMS IN ARAB WORLD

CAIRO (AP) President Nasser is sending Egyptian arms around the Arab compass in an apparent counteroffensive against the Eisenhower doctrine.

There were reports of a dual shift in the Middle East: a swing toward stricter neutrality in Cairo and Damascus, and a weakening of support in pro-Western Lebanon for the anti-Communist U.S. doctrine.

Nasser pushed Egyptian influence with these moves:

1. The surprise landings of an undisclosed number of Egyptian troops at the Syrian port of Latakia yesterday was followed by a formal display of Egyptian naval force there.

2. Egypt announced it was sending to Libya a symbolic gift of six armored cars and 100 to 200 rifles. Egypt offered arms to Tunisia in September and sent Vampire jet planes to the Saudi Arabian air force in August. Both Libya and Tunisia endorsed, the Eisenhower policy and Saudi Arabian King Saud at least tacitly approved it.

3. Egypt moved to weld stronger military ties under the joint command which includes Egyptian, Syrian and Arabian forces.

With the arrival of Egyptian troops in Syria, preceded by Egyptian technicians, the two governments declared their determination to stand together against any aggression from Turkey.

Lebanon, previously under bitter attack from Egypt and Syria over its endorsement of the Eisenhower doctrine, was reported to be asking the U.S. to let it renege on that endorsement.

Lebanon might have little to lose, since she has received almost all her share of the $200 million Congress appropriated for the American campaign against Communist aggression in the Middle East.

King Saud, who is visiting in Lebanon, was said to be urging a Lebanese reversal as a contribution to Arab unity.