The adventures of a retired British Army Captain who allegedly received $72,000 from an Egyptian agent to blow up an El Al airliner at London airport, were recited in a crowded court room here today. On trial is former Capt. Trefor Owen Williams, 40, who is accused of illegal possession of 11 1/2 ounces of gelignite, two detonators and a timing device. According to the prosecution, the material was given to him along with the cash by an Egyptian secret agent who used the code name “Omar Sharif.” Omar Sharif is the name of a popular Egyptian-born actor who has appeared in many American films. The cloak-and-dagger tale unfolded today was based on evidence given by Ronald Hannan. described by Prosecutor Peter Barnes as an “unwilling accomplice” of Williams. Hannan went to the police before the alleged plot could be carried out.
According to the prosecution, Williams and Hannan contacted the military attache at the Egyptian Embassy in London and offered their services against Israel in return for payment. They were sent to Cairo where they reportedly discussed five sabotage projects with an official described as a “chief of staff.” One involved blowing up an El Al Boeing 707 jetliner which arrives at London airport once a week. The agreed price was $72,000. “There was further talk of other projects and of other payments totalling $4.8 million,” Mr. Barnes said. The two mercenaries were then flown to Amman, Jordan, where they were met by “Omar Sharif.” The latter instructed them in the fine points of blowing up planes and paid them, the prosecutor said. But Hannan got cold feet when they returned to London and spilled the alleged plot.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
