THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 15 JULY 1969

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005976879
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: July 15, 1969

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/04/27 : CIA-RDP79T00936A007300130001-2
The President's Daily Brief
15 July 1969
1.9
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FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
MAJOR PROBLEMS
SOVIET AFFAIRS
In anticipation of the President's upcoming visit, Buch-
arest has made a few friendly moves, particularly in the cul-
tural field, to prepare the way. USIA Director Shakespeare was
received with unusual courtesy during his recent unofficial visit
and due notice was paid to his presence in the press. In con-
trast, former director Marks got only perfunctory treatment and
no publicity during a visit in 1967. Shakespeare was treated
as a VIP by the Foreign Office, even though the trip was unof-
ficial, as well as by the State Committees for Art and Radio
and Television. He was guest at several social functions and
was invited back for an official visit by the First Deputy For-
eign Minister.
In talks with Shakespeare, the Romanians seemed ready to
reach agreement on the questions of establishing a US library
in Romania and exchanging magazines. Both Of these issues have
been under negotiation for some time, and Bucharest would prob-
ably like to formalize agreements on them during the President's
visit.
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FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/04/27 : CIA-RDP79T00936A007300130001-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
EUROPE
Gromyko's reference in his Supreme Soviet speech last
week to Moscow's readiness to discuss a reduction-of tension
over Berlin is striking a responsive chord in Bonn. The West
Germans had for some months been urging the three Western al-
lies to sound out the Soviets on the subject. Bonn would like
to make arrangements with East Germany for easier civilian ac-
cess to West Berlin.
The Gromyko speech is being cited by leaders of both major
parties in Bonn as justification for moving ahead "as soon as
possible." With an election campaign coming up, it may not be
politically feasible for the CDU to push hard for new sound-
ings on Berlin. The SPD probably has a better claim to credit
for any foreign policy successes in relations with the East.
London and Paris had been lukewarm toward the idea, but
recently they have appeared more willing to proceed. They pre-
viously argued that such soundings might impinge on four-power
responsibility for Berlin matters and that Moscow would not be
interested.,
MIDDLE EAST
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FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
The government's arrest over the weekendof a?number of
terrorists responsible for shelling an Israeli settlement may
have brought a direct clash a little closer. Terrorist lead-
ers are said to have ordered their men to fire on Jordanian
army units if there are any more attempts to interfere with
fedayeen activity.
Israel apparently will not be able to buy the 67 Cana-
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dian-manufactured F-86
Sabrejets after all.
The deal
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hinged on the willingness of Ecuador to act
as a go-between. After first saying yes, Ecuador now says no.
There is nothing significantly new to report on Vietnam.
II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS
THAI LAND
Foreign Minister Thanat, for over a decade one of the
principal architects of Thailand's pro-US foreign policy, may
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FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
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