The Palestine Chronology

U.S. administration confirms it has begun investigating intelligence reports suggesting that Israel supplied China with technical data from Patriot missile system. On a visit to U.S., DM Arens strongly denies charge. The controversy comes at a time when the State Dept.'s inspector general has formulated draft report [reported 3/13 in U.S. press] criticizing the department's bureau of politico-military affairs for failing to act on reports that Israel has been improperly transferring U.S.-made weapons to third countries. (WT 3/13; WP 3/14)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Bush in Washington, discusses possibility of announcing formation of a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation to help Palestinian delegates in their negotiations with Israel. Hussein also agrees that Jordan will "do its part" to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq. (NYT, WP 3/13; WP 3/17)

Pres. Asad accuses Israel of asking the U.S. to intercept N. Korean ship reportedly carrying Scud-C missiles to Syria [see 3/9]. Asad denied the vessel was transporting missiles. (WP 3/13)

IDF kills Palestinian in Janin, arrests dozens others. Army states all were members of the Black Panthers organization. (MM 3/12; WP 3/13; NYT 4/12)

State Dept. spokesman declines comment on report that Israel may have given China access to U.S. Patriot missile technology or perhaps even one of the Patriot missiles themselves [U.S. provided Israel with two Patriot batteries during the 1991 Gulf war on condition that Israel not share system's technology with other countries]. (WT 3/12)

IDF releases 180 Gazans detained in Ketziot-Ansar 3 detention camp following 3/10 announcement that some 300 Palestinians would be released to mark the Islamic holy month of Ramadan [see 3/101. (ITN 3/11 in FBIS 3/12)