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Independent Collections

These collections were produced by independent journalists. Many of these recordings make up the bulk of the original collection of the Freedom Archives.

Subcollections

Documents

Arafat at Damascus Arafat at Damascus
Date: 10/28/1969Call Number: CE 004Format: CassetteProducers: Colin EdwardsProgram: Arafat at DamascusCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
Large-scale international press conference of Yasir Arafat. He is questioned for more than two hours by journalists from around the world. Recorded at Damascus University.
George M. Weightman Interviews George M. Weightman Interviews
Call Number: CE 344Format: 1/4 7 1/2 ipsProducers: Colin EdwardsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
Criticizes the Lebanese government, and particularly the Maronite Christian Phalangist party, for collaborating with the US to thwart Palestinian Resistance in Lebanon. Brief translation of press conference given by Yasser Arafat in Syria on 20 October 1969 in which Arafat affirms the right of the Palestinians to fight against Israel and criticizes US involvement in undermining Palestinian guerillas in Lebanon. Arafat also discusses the vulnerability of Arab regimes to their populace because of their support of the Palestinians. American Sociologist George M. Weightman discusses how convoluted and unstable Lebanese politics are because of religious sectarianism. Criticizes the unchecked power of Lebanese President Gemayel for his collaboration with the US and the unrepresentative nature of the composition of the Lebanese parliament. Also exposes the sectarianism of political parties in Lebanon. Criticizes the racism and classism of Phalangists in Lebanon. Weightman distinguishes between Syrian and Iraqi Ba’athist parties and the challenges by minorities and Israel each face. Argues that Syria is more responsible to its people’s demands than either Lebanon or Israel who claim to be democracies. Argues Syria is right to believe that it will be attacked because of Israelis historical hostility. Criticizes the New York Times for propagating the notion that Israel is in danger of being attacked “again” as it falsely claims it was during the 1967 War.
News Flashes about Israeli Invasion of Syria News Flashes about Israeli Invasion of Syria
Call Number: CE 615Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
UN Security Council meetings, 2000 Arab students march on American and British embassies in Moscow, coverage of the USS Liberty which was accidently torpedoed by Israeli warplanes. Tape begins to squeal about ¼ of the way in.
News Reports from June 9 or 10th 1967 News Reports from June 9 or 10th 1967
Call Number: CE 617Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
The reel begins in the Middle East with reports about the Israeli strike against the USS Liberty focusing on the attack, US casualties, the Israeli and US position on the attack. Reports from the Six Days War continue including Egypt’s military losses, Jordan’s casualties, and reports that Israel used napalm on field hospitals in Jordan. Reports from the city of Bethlehem which has been captured by the Israeli army. Reports shift to the United States where Texas Rangers violently suppress a UFW strike in Texas. Reports move back to the Middle East where Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser resigns but retains his position amongst popular support. Report on prostitution in San Francisco and other local stories. Brief report from Vietnam, more from the Middle Easts.
News Reports (Urban Rebellions and The 1967 Middle East Crisis) News Reports (Urban Rebellions and The 1967 Middle East Crisis)
Date: 6/12/1967Call Number: CE 618Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
The first two news reports on this reel discuss urban rebellions in Black communities in Tampa, Florida (1/4 million dollars in damage) and Cincinnati, Ohio. The reports then move to the Middle East Crisis, news from Algeria, Cairo and Jerusalem including information on Arab military losses and casualties. It is reported that the UN is unable to accurately monitor the conflict because of Israeli restrictions. Reports from the armistice line in Syria, UN moves for an emergency session, Nasser resigns and then returns to presidency, site of the Wailing Wall recaptured by Israel. More news reports from Israel, interview with General Rabin, commentary on the “misery of Egypt.” Reel and represented news reports are pro-Israel.
News Reports (Racial Warfare in US and the 1967 Middle East Crisis) News Reports (Racial Warfare in US and the 1967 Middle East Crisis)
Date: 6/12/1967Call Number: CE 619Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
Reports on racial warfare in the Southern United States specifically Negroes fighting the police in Tampa and Stokely Carmichael being arrested by police in Prattsville, Alabama. From Virginia, a recent court case declares the prohibition of mixed racial marriages unconstitutional. The following topics from the Middle East Crisis are covered: Israel says it will keep some of the land its captured; Anglo-American oil interests in Cairo nationalized; Israel will negotiate with Arabs but will not give back land; captured Arab military equipment; Israeli pilots; Arab League conference; analysis of Nasser; will USSR still support the Arab world. The final segment on the reel is the USSR calling for a full scale General Assembly meeting at the UN to discuss the crisis.
UN Security Council: USSR asks to convene Security Council UN Security Council: USSR asks to convene Security Council
Call Number: CE 620Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
USSR asks UN to convene the Security Council to discuss the withdrawal of Israeli troops from UAE, Jordan and Syria. USSR claims US imperialism feeds and militarily supports Israeli aggression and USSR will aid Arab states if Israel doesn’t withdrawal. CBS news clips on issues inserted. American delegate Alfred Goldberg will not support USSR resolution. Events take place between June 7 and 9, 1967.
UN Security Council Meeting following Israel attacking Syria- June 9 1967 UN Security Council Meeting following Israel attacking Syria- June 9 1967
Call Number: CE 622Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
This tape contains speeches from the UN Security Council following the Israeli invasion of Syria in 1967. Voices include the Soviet delegate, the Indian delegation who along with Ireland lost troops in the invasion, the delegation from Bulgaria, the delegate from Syria and the delegate from Israel. The last portion of the tape features the delegations from Israel and Syria, which contains Israeli justifications for the invasion and breaking news from the Syrian delegation. The tape ends with the delegation from USSR asking the delegate from Israel to explain why they have not withdrawn their forces despite a unanimous appeal for a ceasefire. The delegation from the United States and the USSR uses that to further claim that Israel is just an extension of American/Western imperialism.
UN Security Council Debate on the Restoration of Communication with UN Observers- June 9, 1967 UN Security Council Debate on the Restoration of Communication with UN Observers- June 9, 1967
Date: 6/9/1967Call Number: CE 627Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
The primary topic of debate is the need for the UN to reestablish communication with its observers on the ground. USSR and other “third-world” countries claim Israel is impeding the restoration of contact with the observers. At the end of the session the Syrian delegates reports that he has just been in contact with Syrian generals and that Israel has not halted its aggression. Following the adjournment of the council, there are reports on the events of the council. The tape also features the voice of Gamal Abdel Nasser who is offering his resignation to the Egyptian radio.
UN Security Council Debate (called at the request of Syria) UN Security Council Debate (called at the request of Syria)
Date: 6/10/1967Call Number: CE 628Format: 1/4 3 3/4 ipsCollection: Colin Edwards Collection
June 10th ceasefire violations Delegate from Bulgaria: council reconvened because of request by Soviet Union. Israel is still occupying Syria. Security Council has decided to not yet condemn Israeli aggression. Israel is lying and these are proven to be lies. Arrogance of Israel. Council is about to adjourn. 2 reports of bombings by Israeli aircraft near Damascus. Israeli troops within 40 miles of Damascus. UN observers in Syria. Hans Tabor of Denmark adjourns meeting. Bulgaria and USSR have sharp words towards Israeli delegate. Brief Break in Reel Ceasefire seems to be holding. News flashes- global fallout from conflict: Oil in America, the Pope at the Vatican, US evacuates embassy in Jordan. Vietnam; Egyptian changes in government, Moscow breaks off diplomatic relations with Israel. News from China. Syria- George Tomeh; Israel- Gideon Rafael