THE SOVIET–ISRAELI WAR, 1967–1973This was not the only measure taken after the Moscow summit to create the appear-
ance of an abrupt recall. As the anti-aircraft adviser Murzintsev relates, routine repatria-
tion of advisers whose tour of duty had ended was delayed for over six weeks up to
mid-July, with no reason provided. “His” battalion had been holding a forward position
in Port Fuad since November 1971, and he was able to move with his wife into one of
the comfortable beach cabins formerly used by Suez Canal Company personnel.
I had already hoped to serve out my term in this Eg yptian paradise, but it was not to be. ...
On 2 June 1972, my tour of duty was to end, but I received no notice about my replace-
ment. On one of my trips to Cairo ... I was told that my replacement was being delayed
somewhat. ... On 19 July, I was in Cairo. Early the next morning, I was getting ready to
leave for Port Said but a visit from Yavorsky disrupted all plans.Col. Gennady Yavorsky, another anti-aircraft adviser, had arrived in Eg ypt together
with Murzintsev and so was likewise awaiting replacement.
“Do you know why all the advisers are being assembled in Cairo?” he asked. “I’m hearing
about this for the first time. I leave for Port Said tomorrow.” “I wanted to leave too, but
there’s talk that everyone has been summoned here.” At the meeting we were told about
the order: in three days, be ready to fly back to the Motherland. [Our] bewildered ques-
tions how to explain our sudden departure to our advisees and friends were answered
curtly: “We have accomplished the assigned mission. [Make] no comments and certainly
no assumptions or speculations.” Those whose tour of duty in Eg ypt had ended were to
leave in the first plane. The same day, Mister Usama [Murzintsev’s advisee] showed up at
my apartment. He looked worried and bewildered. “Why, Mister Vasily? Why?” What
could I answer him? I asked myself the same question and found no answer.So far, Murzintsev’s account might be consistent with a sudden and unexpected
expulsion of the Soviets. But he goes on:
my thoughts were confused by the new advisers who were arriving. We were packing our
bags, while for some [of us] replacements arrived from Moscow. Those who arrived swore
that they knew nothing about a withdrawal of advisers and troops. The very fact of their
arrival aroused distrust about what was going on.The planes that were to evacuate the “expelled” advisers were bringing in their
replacements—on 19 July, that is, after Sadat’s public announcement and at least
twelve days after the Soviets were supposedly informed that the advisers were no
longer welcome.^63
“Lt Smirnov,” the “radio-technical” expert, was assigned besides maintenance of
Soviet hardware to train Eg yptian personnel in its use. In “late July” 1972, on
an ordinary workday ... a call came from the office of our ambassador, Vinogradov:
“Everyone is to stay at his workplace, but not to start working.” ... Suddenly, another call
came with a new order: “... The Soviet military experts’ mission is being terminated. ...