THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 15 NOVEMBER 1976

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0006466898
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: November 15, 1976

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
The President's Daily Brief
/
/
November 15, 1976
2
7,q:rsee.1,44.15_xi
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Exempt from general
declassification scheduk of E 0 11652
exemption category. 5B( I ),(2).(3)
declassified only on approval of
the Director of Central Intelligence
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
November 15, 1976
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia: Foreign Minister Prince Saud told a US journalist
that an exclusive interview given him by King Khalid was in-
tended as a signal to the US president-elect that Riyadh
wishes to pursue a close, cooperative relationship with
Washington. (Page 1)
Rhodesia: Rhodesian security forces in late October employed
tactics against nationalist guerrillas based in neighboring
countries similar to tactics used before Prime Minister
Smith's acceptance in September of the principle of majority
rule within two years. (Page 3)
Lebanon: Syrian peacekeeping troops and armor apparently en-
tered Beirut at dawn today. (Page 4)
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
SAUDI ARABIA: King
Khalid gave a rare and
exclusive interview to
Arnaud de Borch grave
of Newsweek last Wednes-
day which Foreign Min-
ister Prince Saud later
told the journalist
was intended as a sig-
nal to the US president-
elect that Riyadh wishes
to pursue a closes co-
operative relationship
with Washington. The
King adhered to stan-
dard Saudi foreign
policy positions in the
course of the interview.
The foreign minister said that
his government would like to work
closely with the US in finding a
Middle East settlement and was
thinking in terms of a long-term
petroleum agreement and price
freeze in return for a Middle East
deal. Prince Saud did not expand
his remarks, but undoubtedly was
aware that de Borchgrave would
pass them on to US officials.
According to the Saudi-approved
transcript of the interview, the
King took the line that "peaceful
coexistence" between the Arabs and
Israel is possible if:
--Israel withdraws from the oc-
cupied Arab territories.
--The legitimate rights, of the
Palestinian people are recog-
nized.
--The Palestinians are accorded
self-determination.
In a transparent plea for US pres-
sure on Israel, the King said he
feared Tel Aviv would remain "ar-
rogant" as long as it enjoys the
support of "major powers."
On oil prices, Khalid argued that
if the price level concerned Saudi
Arabia alone, Riyadh would opt for
a price freeze until the end of .
1977. The King added, however,
that the Saudi commitment and ob-
ligations to OPEC "may preclude
such a freeze."
--continued
1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
25X1
*
*
*
--continued
2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
5X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Rhodesia
?16
Revue
Reservoir
20?
?20-
Botswana
0
25
50
7,5 Miles
0 25
50
75
Ktlometers
South -Africa
32
Mozambique
620612 11-76
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
RHODESIA: Rhodesian
security forces in late
October employed tac-
tics against national-
ist guerrillas based
in neighboring coun-
tries similar to tac-
tics used before Prime
Minister Smith's ac-
ceptance in September
of the principle of ma-
jority rule within two
years.
The Rhodesian govern-
ment probably believed
the recent cross-border
raids, in addition to
achieving tactical mili-
tary advantages, would
boost the morale of
both the security forces
and the white population.
Smith probably also be-
lieved the Rhodesian
military operations
would not threaten the
talks in Geneva and
might help split the
militant nationalists,
who represent the Mozam-
bique-based guerrillas,
from the nationalist
political groups headed
by Joshua Nkomo and
Bishop Muzorewa, which
have little guerrilla
support.
The attacks late last month on
guerrilla bases in Mozambique--
where most guerrillas are located--
were the first significant cross-
border operations since August.
In addition, Zambian officials have
complained privately that Rhodesia
is building up its border forces,
and some officials allege that Rho-
desian troops briefly entered Zam-
bia early this month. At about the
same time, Rhodesian troops appar-
ently made a minor incursion into
Botswana.
Although most Rhodesian whites ac-
cepted with apparent equanimity
Smith's announcement on majority
rule within two years, there were
still signs of nervousness, and
many whites were clearly thinking
of leaving the country if condi-
tions should deteriorate. A few
signs of indiscipline appeared in
the armed forces, and among some
troops there was a growing reluc-
tance to fight.
Members of the white delegation
have said they see no prospect of
reaching a settlement with the
militants, and that they hope
these delegates will walk out of
the conference. The Smith govern-
ment has maintained contacts with
both Nkomo and Muzorewa, and ap-
parently believes it may achieve
an agreement with them that will
safeguard white interests if the
militants quit the Geneva talks.
--continued
3
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
620645 1176
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
LEBANON: About 6,000
Syrian peacekeeping
troops and some 400 So-
viet-built Syrian tanks
entered Beirut at dawn
today, according to
press reports. The Syr-
ian air force was also
reportedly put on alert.
In any event, Smith probably sees
little chance of an early settle-
ment that would persuade the guer-
rillas to lay down their arms.
Under these circumstances, the
government presumably believes the
security forces must hit the guer-
rillas outside the country's bor-
ders or face heavier fighting
within Rhodesia.
Machine-gun and artillery fire,
which had been evident in the cap-
ital throughout the night, contin-
ued as the Syrian forces entered
the city, but apparently was not
directed at them.
The entry of Syrian peacekeeping
forces into Beirut had been held
up again yesterday, apparently to
give Lebanese President Sarkis
more time to work out arrangements
with all sides for a peaceful occu-
pation of the city.
Sarkis and the Syrians on Saturday
persuaded the Iraqis to agree to
withdraw their forces from Beirut.
Some 800 Iraqis are said to have
already left west Beirut for the
Shuf region. Their withdrawal
will be a blow to the Lebanese
leftist and Palestinian radical
forces still in the city; they had
sought to delay the Syrian advance
by demanding security guarantees
and objecting to the absence of
other Arab League units from the
peacekeeping forces in the Beirut
area.
--continued
4
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
The Syrians may have taken advan-
tage of the delays to send rein-
forcements to Lebanon. According
to press reports, two brigades with
armor have encircled Beirut, in
addition to the troops and armor
that have entered the city, and
another brigade is said to be head-
ing for the Shuf--the stronghold
of leftist leader Kamal Jumblatt,
whose forces have been stockpiling
their weapons in the area to avoid25xl
confiscation.
2
5X1
one of the Syrians'
stated objectives for months has
been to disarm the Palestinians
and all of the private militias in
Lebanon.
--continued
5
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
25X1
6
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1
Top Secret
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00024A000300050003-1