C. WILLIAM KONTOS PAPERS, 1976-82

C. William Kontos was named first Director of the United States Sinai Support Mission on January 15, 1976. This independent body was formed by joint resolution of Congress to organize, coordinate and provide overall management of an American early-warning system in the Sinai, and to maintain the UN buffer zone between Egyptian and Israeli forces. Kontos, as the Director of the Mission, was designated a Special Representative of the President and reported to him through his Assistant for National Security Affairs. The President was required by Congress to submit a status report at least every six months.

The papers consist of photocopies of nine speeches delivered by Kontos and copies of the thirteen Reports to Congress and five general reports. The speeches cover the history, formation, role and status of the Sinai Support Mission (SSM) and its overseas arm, the Sinai Field Mission (SFM), and the use of technology as a peace keeping tool, with SSM tactical early warning system using sensor technology as an example.

The congressional reports span April 30, 1976 to May 25, 1982. The Mission's peacekeeping operation ended April 25, 1982, when Israel completed its withdrawal from the Sinai and Egyptian sovereignty was re-established. The general reports include Department of State publications on the SSM, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty and a Foreign Service Post Report.

Grouped by speeches, congressional reports, and general reports and arranged chronologically thereunder.

Related Materials (September 1982)
Related materials can be found in White House Central Files Subject File categories FG 418 (Sinai Support Mission), CO 71 (Israel), CO 159 (Israel), and ND 18/CO 7 (Wars - Middle East. Scattered materials on the Sinai accord also appear in the staff files of the Congressional Relations Office and elsewhere.