Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Egypt Loses All Major German Missile Experts; Seeks to Replace Them

July 13, 1965
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

No German scientist now holds a senior position in the missile development program being conducted in Egypt, it was confirmed here today by Dr. Alfred Seidel, attorney for the leader of the German teams of scientists and technicians working for Nasser since 1960.

Dr. Seidel confirmed earlier reports that the top German scientists among those who had worked for Nasser, Prof. Wolfgang Pilz, had refused to renew his contract, had left Egypt, and is now living “somewhere in Germany.” It was ascertained that Dr. Pilz, the last of the senior scientists employed by Nasser, left Cairo secretly more than a month ago, and that other German rocket experts still in Egypt would come home soon.

Cairo reports reaching here, however, showed that Nasser is still trying to recruit other Germans to replace the teams organized by Pilz. The latter is a rocket-design and propulsion expert who had helped Hitler develop the V-I rocket which terrorized Britain during the closing months of World War II. Later he worked for the French, helping to develop rockets. In Egypt, he was credited with having developed at least three types of rockets, all aimed at ultimate aggressive war against Israel.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement