THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 19 MARCH 1975

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0006014749
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: March 19, 1975

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
The President's Daily Brief
March 19, 1975
5
--.-7-?q:rS.6???tf,LZ5X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8 -
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Exempt from general
declassification schedule of E.O. 11652
exemption category, 5B( 1),(2).0)
declassified only on approval of
the Director of Central Intelligence
Ap Ri
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
March 19, 1975
Table of Contents
Cambodia: President Lon Nol may be seriously con-
sidering leaving the country. (Page 1)
South Vietnam: Heavy fighting continues, with the
communists increasing attacks along the north-
central coast and on the approaches to Saigon.
(Page 3)
USSR: General Secretary Brezhnev, speaking in
Budapest yesterday, presented a sober but
positive reiteration of Soviet foreign policy
positions. (Page 6)
Portugal: The newly, created Revolutionary Council
yesterday banned political activity by a
center-right party and two far-left groups
until after the election on April 12. (Page 8)
UK: The white paper on defense review maintains
Britain's position as a major force within
NATO while also meeting demands for defense
cuts. (Page 9)
(Page 10)
Canada: Prime Minister Trudeau has returned from
a relatively unproductive tour of West Euro-
pean capitals. (Page 12)
Notes: European Security Conference; Rhodesia
(Page 13)
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
CAMBODIA
President Lon NoZ may be seriously
considering leaving the country at the
behest of his closest political supporters.
Prime Minister Long Boret called on Lon Nol
Monday to inform him that a number of Asian diplo-
mats in Phnom Penh believe that Lon Nol's departure
would improve the chances for a favorable US Congres-
sional vote on supplemental aid for Cambodia.
Socio-Republican leaders?with the exception
of Lon Nol's younger brother Lon Non--met late on
Monday and unanimously agreed to advise that both
Lon Nol and Lon Non go abroad. The party leaders
were planning to meet with Lon Nol late yesterday
and tell him that it would not be necessary for him
to resign, but that he should depart and leave the
affairs of state in the hands of the new cabinet
Long Boret is forming.
Long Boret and a Socio-Republican representa-
tive met separately with Ambassador Dean and his
Deputy Chief of Mission on Monday and Tuesday to
elicit US reaction to these developments. Both
US officials were non-committal, stressing that the
Cambodians themselves were responsible for their
internal political affairs. Ambassador Dean doubts
that there is any comprehensive plan behind these
efforts to encourage the President's departure, but
only a hope that this would result in a favorable
vote on supplemental aid and buy the government
time in which to try to arrange a compromise settle-
ment with the communists.
Under present circumstances, it seems almost
certain that the insurgents would read Lon Nol's
departure as a sign of political unraveling in
Phnom Penh, and that they would continue to press
their military campaign until the government is
forced to accept a settlement on communist terms.
(continued)
1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
25)0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Cambodia: Lower Mekong
Oudong
5
Steady fighting
Tuol Leap.
Government
clearing
4 operatio
Fresh .
communist
attacks
,
0
Navy headquarters
PHNOM
PENH
Communist penetration
Prey Veng
15
2
03
River
cn
narrows
30 1.
Banam
Neak Leong
Navy se abandoned
Takeo
Miles 10
557502 --75 CIA
SOUTH VIETNAM
4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
The government operation to eliminate Khmer
communist rocket-firing positions near the town of
Tuol Leap is making some progress, despite logistic
and coordination problems. Rocket attacks against
Pochentong airport are less frequent, probably be-
cause insurgent crews have to keep moving to avoid
government units and air strikes. The communists
have launched fresh attacks against government posi-
tions near Route 4 west of the airport and are keep-
ing steady pressure on Phnom Penh's northern
defenses, apparently in an effort to divert govern-
ment forces from the Tuol Leap operation.
Along the Mekong River near the capital, a
communist penetration of an area directly opposite
the cityls waterfront has forced the postponement
of government plans to push insurgent mortar and
recoilless. rifle crews out of range of the main navy
headquarters.
Farther south on the river, the government en-
clave around Neak Luong and the nearby town of aanam
remain targets of intense communist shelling. Neak
Luong is packed_with some 30,000 refugees, and ci-
vilian casualties are mounting. The navy lost three
patrol boats when the navy base just off Neak Luong
was abandoned late Monday night. Thirteen navy ves-
sels and all personnel from the base and a nearby
island safely reached government lines.
2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
I .
'NORTH
VIET AM:
138
Demilitarized Zone
Da Nang
MR 1
Tan; Ky
MR 2
aha Trang
Gulf of
Thailand
17.
557500 3-75
J
MR 4
116
3
Capital Special Zone
South
China
SOUTH VIETNAM
1711 ? 1 MILES
47. ?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
SOUTH VIETNAM
Heavy fighting continues, with the
communists increasing their attacks along
the north-central coast and on the ap-
proaches to Saigon. A potentially crit-
ical situation is developing in the north-
ern provinces of Military Region 1, where
the government is speeding the withdrawal
of the airborne division. Only two bat-
talions of marines are scheduled to re-
place the airborne forces.
The departure of the full airborne division
has upset the regional commander's plans to rein-
force Quang Tin Province; he no longer can augment
the forces in that province and expects it to fall
to the communists. North Vietnamese units have in-
creased pressure on Tam Ky, the provincial capital.
Saigon will not send
additional munitions to the region--at least for
the time being--fearing that the munitions would
fall into communist hands.
The airborne division's 3rd Brigade, which was
in the process of moving to Saigon, will now be
diverted to Military Region 2. The remnants of the
government units that had fought at Ban Me Thuot in
Darlac Province, including the 23rd Division and
ranger units, are having a tough time making their
way out. Even if the 23rd Division can regroup
along the coast, it will not be an effective combat
unit for some time. President Thieu has abandoned
plans to recapture Ban Me Thuot.
The communists apparently captured all nine
Americans, including American missionaries and an
official of the US Agency for International Develop-
ment, who were in Ban Me Thuot when it fell. A
Viet Cong radiobroadcast alluded to the Americans
on March 16. It maintained that "foreigners, in-
cluding honest Americans, will be well treated and
released if they are captured, but this treatment
will not be given to US military advisers. They
are special cases because they have violated the
Paris Agreement."
(continued)
3
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
The withdrawal of civilians and military per-
sonnel from Kontum and Pleiku provinces is continu-
ing. As of late yesterday, an estimated 200,000
had left Kontum and Pleiku cities. Although the
communists have cut the highway the refugees are
using, the North Vietnamese are allowing the people
to move out of the area. An intercept indicates,
however, that the communists are moving into posi-
tion to attack a South Vietnamese military convoy
retreating from the highlands.
In Military Region 3 there is heavy fighting
in Tay Ninh Province, but there have been no sig-
nificant losses since Monday, when a key outpost
east of Tay Ninh City fell. Most South Vietnamese
regulars in the area have fought well thus far.
Regional forces, however, have abandoned a number
of remote outposts in the face of communist tanks.
In the delta, a major new battle appears to be
shaping up near the border of Kien Phong and Dinh
Tuong provinces. A North Vietnamese division is
concentrated in this area, and the government is
moving to challenge it.
4
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
5
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
USSR
General Secretary Brezhnev, speaking
at the Hungarian party congress in Buda-
pest yesterday, presented a sober, posi-
tive reiteration of Soviet foreign policy
positions. Brezhnev said the USSR is
giving "most serious attention" to con-
solidating relations with the US; other-
wise he said relatively little about
bilateral matters. He made no mention
of you or of his coming trip to the US.
Brezhnev devoted considerable attention to
European matters--no surprise given the venue of
the speech. He referred to progress at CSCE and to
the prospect of its "summit-level" wind-up in the
coming months. He did not mention June 30--a date
he proposed for the summit finale in letters to
Western leaders earlier this month. Brezhnev did
indicate that with CSCE out of the way, greater
attention could be given to "military detente."
He referred to the MBFR talks in Vienna and the
Vladivostok agreements on strategic arms limitation.
In this context he spoke of the "gradual reduction,"
as well as limitation, of armed forces and armaments
He observed this is not a matter that could be de-
cided "overnight."
For his East European audience, Brezhnev re-
ferred positively to the contributions of the Warsaw
Pact and CEMA, alleging that the East has done a
better job than the West in promoting economic
growth and stability at a time of worldwide economic
trouble. At the same time, he admitted that Eastern
Europe and the USSR would have to coordinate eco-
nomic planning more effectively in order to meet
the problems raised by higher prices for energy.
On the "crisis of capitalism," Brezhnev picked
up the theme that the West's economic woes have
strengthened the hand of reactionary elements, and
hence, are a source of potential trouble for the USSR.
He gave a nod to the importance of stepping up the
ideological struggle around the globe.
Brezhnev hewed close to the standard Soviet
line on the Middle East. He made no reference to
Secretary Kissinger's current round of negotiations.
(continued)
6
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
He referred to the importance of resuming negotia-
tions in Geneva, satisfying the rights of the Pal-
estinians--including the creation of their own
"state-entity"--and ensuring the existence of "all"
states, by which he means Israel as well as the
Arab nations, in the Middle East.
The Soviet party chief did not mention China
directly, and made only passing references to prob-
lems in Asia.
Brezhnev seemed in good health.
7
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
25X1
Declassified in -Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012-500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
PORTUGAL
Portugal's newly created Revolution-
ary Council yesterday banned political
activity by the center-right Christian
Democratic Party and two far-left groups
until after the election scheduled for
April 12. The leader of the Christian
Democratic Party has been accused of
complicity in the coup attempt of March
11. At least one of the two leftist
groups has frequently criticized both
the Armed Forces Movement and the Com-
munist Party and is expected to continue
political violence.
The moderately conservative Social Democratic
Center was not included in the ban. The loss of
its records during extremist attacks on party of-
fices following the attempted coup, however, will
make it difficult for it to organize an effective
election campaign.
Vitor Alves, a minister without portfolio,
told a US embassy source yesterday that an announce-
ment is imminent that the election wia be postponed.
This lends substance to rumors that the balloting
may be put off until April 25, the first anniversary
of the overthrow of the Caetano regime.
The cabinet shuffle that was authorized on
March 12 has still not materialized. The delay
suggests Prime Minister Goncalves is having diffi-
culty finding suitable candidates or in obtaining
agreement for his recommended changes.
Continuing rumors of a marked shift to the
left are somewhat supported by Goncalves' state-
ment last week that he would bring members of the
Portuguese Democratic Movement--a communist front--
into the government. Communist Secretary General
Cunhal has recently attacked the center-left Popu-
lar Democratic Party. He claims that the Popular
Democrats, by engaging in reactionary propaganda,
have abandoned their position as a member of the
democratic coalition government.
8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028 8
Declassified in -Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012-500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
UK
The white paper
outlining the results of the year-long
defense review maintains Britain's posi-
tion as a major force within NATO, while
meeting some of the demands of the ruling
Labor Party's left-wing for defense cuts.
The defense review in effect:
--Retains all essential equipment programs.
--Maintains Britain's contribution to NATO's
central region.
--Reduces Britain's ability to operate in and
reinforce NATO's flanks.
--Increases slightly in real terms expenditures
in fiscal 1975 and 1976.
--Postpones projected "savings" until after
1980, well beyond the term of the current Labor
government.
The government is not expected to have much
difficulty getting parliamentary approval for its
defense plans. Left-wing Laborites, however, will
continue to press for further cuts. This, however,
would probably mean additional unemployment.
Britain's NATO allies, which have been examin-
ing the defense review for the past several months,
have accepted the British proposals, although with
some reservations.
9
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012-500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
(continued)
10
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012-500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
11
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T00936A012-500010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
CANADA
Prime Minister Trudeau has returned
from a relatively unproductive 17-day
tour of West European capitals to a do-
mestic scene characterized by growing
labor unrest, inflationary wage settle-
ments, charges of corruption touching
his own Liberal Party, and criticism of
his failure to reach definitive arrange-
ments in Europe. During his tour, the
Prime Minister emphasized Canada's de-
sire to balance its dependence on the
US with a "contractual" relationship
with the European Community.
In The Hague, Bonn, Rome, London, and Dublin,
Trudeau found polite listeners but no firm commit-
ments. The Europeans apparently are waiting for
the Canadians to define what they want in a "con-
tractual" relationship.
The EC is considering three alternative ap-
proaches to the Canadian request: a commercial
agreement, an agreement establishing a framework
for industrial cooperation, or postponement of
negotiations with Canada until the current multi-
lateral trade negotiations in Geneva are concluded.
An obstacle to an agreement with the EC is
Canada's desire to become an exporter of finished
products rather than to remain a supplier of raw
materials. The EC countries prefer to tap Canada's
mineral and timber resources and to market their
own finished products.
In West Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy,
Trudeau urged the prompt ratification of the nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty. Ottawa is anxious to sell
Canadian nuclear power reactors in these markets.
After India used material from a Canadian-supplied
reactor to explode a nuclear device last year,
Canada has insisted that no nuclear deals can be
made with any nation that has not ratified the Non-
Proliferation Treaty and agreed to additional bi-
lateral safeguards arrangements.
Italian officials assured Trudeau that their
ratification of the treaty was progressing rapidly
and would soon be presented to parliament. West
Germany and the Netherlands indicated they were
waiting for the Italians to ratify the treaty be-
fore concluding their own ratification process.
12
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028-8
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15: CIA-RDP79T009-36A012300010028-8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
NOTES
The NATO allies have decided to answer Soviet
party chief Brezhnev's letter of last week by tell-
ing him that they will agree to conclude the Euro-
pean Security Conference with a summit meeting this
summer only if outstanding issues are resolved
first.
NATO members on Monday also discussed whether
they should hold a Western summit to discuss the
security conference before the end of the conference
itself. The allies believe that a Western summit
could be used to counter any public impression that
the security conference represents a final solution
to East-West problems. They also believe, however,
that a Western summit might have the effect of giv-
ing too much emphasis to Western concessions, thus
increasing the problems they will have justifying
conference results to their publics. On balance,
the representatives felt that the disadvantages
outweighed the advantages.
Herbert Chitepo, the prominent Rhodesian insur-
gent leader who was killed yesterday in a bomb ex-
plosion outside his home in Lusaka, Zambia, may have
been a victim of feuding within the African nation-
alist movement.
Intense rivalry has persisted among the nation-
since they merged last December, and
serious feuding
has been taking place in Zambia among supporters of
the former Zimbabwe African National Union, of
which Chitepo was a major leader. Prime Minister
Ian Smith will point to Chitepo's death as an exam-
ple of the dissension among the nationalists that
prevents progress toward a negotiated settlement
in Rhodesia.
alist groups
13
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028 8
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T009-36A012500010028-8
Top Secret
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/15 : CIA-RDP79T00936A012500010028 8