THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 27 APRIL 1973

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005993808
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: April 27, 1973

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/14 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011600010022-4
The President's Daily Brief
27 April 1973
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Exempt from general
declassification schedule of E.O. 11652
exemption category 5B(1112).(3)
declassified only on approval of
the Director of Central Intelligence
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/14 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011600010022-4
Declassified in Part: Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/14 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011600010022-4
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF
27 April 1973
PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENTS 25X1
Soviets
In the Middle East, Moscow seems to be encouraging
the Arabs to believe that the US played a key role
in Israel's recent raid in Beirut. (Page 4)
France
(Page 5)
In Cambodia, Sink Matak is already having problems
with President Lon Nol over the powers of the new
high council. (Page 6)
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USSR
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USSR
The Soviets are moving ahead with their new
D-class submarine that carries 12 SS-NX-8 missiles
with a range of up to 4,300 nautical miles.
--Earlier this month one of the two such sub-
marines launched last year was sighted in the
Barents Sea, some 55 miles from its base on
the Kola Gulf.
--A third D-class recently was launched from
the Severodvinsk shipyard on the White Sea.
--Eight more apparently are under construction
at Severodvinsk, and some hull sections for
another two
--The Komsomolsk shipyard in the Far East is
also producing the D-class.
When the construction program hits full
stride, the two shipyards together prob-
ably will turn out seven D-class submarines
annually. The one seen in the Barents Sea
may soon fire its missiles in crew-training
exercises, and could go on operational patrol
before the end of the year.
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USSR
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USSR - MIDDLE EAST
The Soviets apparently are encouraging
the Arab world to believe that the US
played a role in Israel's raid in Beirut
earlier this month.
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it. Soviet diplomats in Amman spread the same story
to their Arab counterparts, 25X1
Pro-Soviet papers in Beirut are 25X1
giving extensive coverage to allegations of US par-
ticipation in the raid, and Moscow radio broadcasts
to the Middle East and Africa have repeated the
stories.
In Moscow the press has replayed Palestinian
charges of US complicity in the raid, but the tone
has been more moderate. Soviet commentaries have
not passed judgment on the accuracy of the accusa-
tions, and Izvestia printed the US denial. The USSR
also has not issued an official statement condemning
the Israeli action as it did after the Israeli raids
against Syria and Lebanon last September.
The Soviets still regard Palestinian ter-
rorism as counterproductive and dangerous,
but could not pass up this opportunity to
blacken the US image in the Arab world.
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
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FRANCE
The French continue to deny that Mirage air-
craft sold to Libya have been turned over to Egypt
and maintain that Israel has not provided proof of
the transfer.
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The French policy dilemma is genuine.
France has repeatedly stated, both pub-
licly and privately, that if Libya vio-
lates the terms of its contract prohibit-
ing transfer of the Mirages to a third
country, delivery of the remaining air-
craft--between 40 and 50--and spare parts
would be discontinued.
France stands to lose money not only for
the remaining Mirages and equipment but
also for other arms purchases in which
Libya has indicated an interest. This
potential market is a key consideration
at a time when Paris is concerned over
declining arms sales.
Although Libyan oil supplies to France
are not critical at this juncture, the
approximately 15 percent of French crude
oil needs which Libya now provides could
grow in importance in view of the in-
creasing tightness of fuel supplies world-
wide.
Paris wants to limit Soviet influence in
the Arab world and therefore values
Qadhafi's vocal anti-communism. France's
interest in extending and deepening its
own influence throughout the Mediterranean
also underscores its desire for good re-
lations with Libya.
Pressure on France to make some further
statement on the Mirages is likely to in-
crease. Israel will continue to keep the
heat on France, and members of opposition
centrist groups in the French parliament
have now taken up the issue.
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NOTES
-Cambodia: Sink Matak is already having prob-
lems with President Lon Nol over the powers of the
new four-man high council.
Lon Nol does not accept Matak's
position that all major executive decisions 'should
be taken in council. Matak refuses to accept any
reduction in the council's authority and believes
he is supported by his two colleagues?In Tam and
Cheng Heng. Matak declined to predict whether Lon
Nol wouldcapitulate. Even so, he believes it will
take several days to resolve the problem, and the
selection of A new cabinet will be correspondingly
delayed.
Venezuela-Cuba: A high Foreign Ministry of
privately says that contacts with Cuba are
continuing. He has confirmed to the US Embassy that
three high-ranking Cuban trade officials are cur-
rently in Caracas to explore commercial opportuni-
ties. The official implies that if suitable arrange-
ments can be worked out, Venezuela will sell oil to
Cuba directly rather than continue the expedient of
filling Soviet tankers returning to Europe from Cuba.
He says that Venezuela will delay recognition of Cuba
pending further discussions in the OAS, but hopes to
raise the question again this summer in the Permanent
Council.
Kuwait-Iraq: Kuwaiti forces returned yesterday
to the border post that Iraq had occupied since late
March. Tension is still being generated, however,
by several long-standing problems. These are the
disputed border, Iraq's occupation of Kuwaiti-claimed
territory south of Umm Qasr, and Baghdad's claim to
Kuwait's offshore islands.
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?-?
Top Secret
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