Informer is Lebanese ex-terrorist—report

Press, 7 December 1981, Page 8

Informer is Lebanese ex-terrorist—report

NZPA-Reuter Washington “Newsweek” magazine says, that the United States Government search for a: squad sent by Libya to assassinate President Ronald Reagan and other top officials was based on information provided by “a former Lebanese terrorist.” Without further identifying the informant, “Newsweek” says that he defected in Western Europe three weeks ago. ' L ■

The magazine said the alleged informant told American officials that he was present at a meeting in Libya six or eight weeks ago at which Colonel Muammar 'Gadaffi issued the order to kill Mr Reagan, or, failing that, other high officials or members of the President’s family. Some officials still doubt his story, but they are takinbg no chances,“Newsweek” said. The informant was

given lie-detector tests, and “he passed,” it said. Newsweek. said it “learned” that two options were being considered by the White- House in case the Libyans attacked . Mr Reagan. These were a naval blockade to cut off Libya’s food imports and its oil exports, or an “air strike against one or more of Gadaffi’s terrorist training camps.