CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1951/09/18

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02745279
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: April 15, 2019
• Document Release Date: April 22, 2019
• Publication Date: September 18, 1951

Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
*io Nvio
18 September 1951
3.5(c)
Copy No.
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NO.
NO CHANGE IN CLASS.
DECLASMED
NEXT REVIEW DATE:
CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS 8 C
AUT HR 70-2
DATE REVIEWER:
)
4
Office of Current Intelligence
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
3.5(c)
3.5(c)
3.5(c)
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
SUMMARY
FAR EAST
3.5(c)
1. Breakdown of Soviet and Caucasian troops in North Korea estimated
(page 3).
2. References to early termination of navigation in Sakhalin area (page 4).
EASTERN EUROPE
3. Czechoslovak President perturbed by Western moves (page 4).
WESTERN EUROPE
4. US Minister to Austria opposes concession on air corridor agreement
(p9.ge 5).
2
TER-SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
3.5(c)
3.5(c)
iApproved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
SEUBEE
FAR EAST
3.5(c)
Etrea,kdqwn of Soviet and Caucasian troops in North Korea estimated: 3.3(h)(2)
are listed as follows:
The US Far East Command estimates, on the
basis of 96 pertinent reports received in the
period from 1 January to 1 September 1951 that a
total of 25, 900 Soviet or Caucasian personnel are
in Korea.
Soviet personnel in Korea, numbering 15, 400,
Three antiaircraft divisions, unidentified -- 6, 000
One security or infantry regiment, in northeastern Korea 1, 500
Military advisers -- 2, 000
Engineers - 1, 500
Supply, counterespionage, local security -- 1, 500
Coastal defense, 'artillery and antiaircraft artillery (separate
from antiaircraft personnel listed above) -- 1, 500
Signal and radar -- 1, 000
Civilian advisers -- 400
Caucasian elements, numbering 10, 500, are be-
lieved to be assigned as follows:
One artillery division, unidentified - 5, 000
Other capacities (ground and air) -- 5, 000
� Hospital and medical -- 500
The C,?,ucasians are believed to be advance ele-
ments of a "Soviet Puppet For �according to the Far East Command, ad-
ditional reports indicate the presence in or imminent movement to Korea of
troops that would fall into the classification of Caucasian members of a
"Soviet puppet army. Information concerning the existence of an organic,
tactical "Soviet Puppet Force" continues to be inconclusive.
Co ment: While this estimate of the number of
Soviet troops in Korea cannot be verified, their number undoubtedly has
risen sharply during 1951. No Soviet or Caucasian combat unit has been posi-
tively identified in Korea.
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
3.5(c)
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c)
11Ye bhUtirl:
3.3(h)(2)
2. peferences to early termination of navigation in Sakhalin area:
A recent message from the Soviet Far East
refers to the termination of navigation between
Sakhalin and the mainland by the end of Septem-
ber. Another refers to September as the dead-
line for shipments to Kamchatka and the lower
A rnur area,
Comment: Navigation in parts of these areas
continues year round, and in general is not complicated by ice formation until
considerably later than September. It may be that after September shipping
space is reserved for military goods, or possibly the references to terminat-
ing shipping represent an attempt by Sakhalin trading organizations to expe-
dite delivery of products ordered from the mainland.
3.3(h)(2)
EASTERN EUROPE
3. Czechoslovak President perturbed by Western moves:
During an interview with President Gottwald and
Foreign Minister Siroky on 13 September, the
Belgian Minister in Prague gained the impression
that the Czech Government was "considerably
disturbed by recent developments" in Czechoslovak-Western relations as a
result of the Oatis case. The purpose of the Mterview, the first Gottwald has
given to a non-Communist representative in many months, was to notify the
Prague government of the accession of the new Belgian king. Upon completion
of the formalities, however, Gottwald turned the subject to Western relations
and stated that Western Europe, under US leadership, was trying to blockade
Czechoslovakia. The Belgian Minister replied that, in his opinion, the US
would never abandon its attempts to free Oatis.
Comment: The interview with the Belgian Minis-
ter may impress the Czech regime with the widespread support in the West
of the US position on the Oatis case. Czech propaganda has recently shown
sensitivity to the adverse reaction to the Oatis case in the West.
- 4 -
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
3.5(c)
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
WESTERN .EUROPE....
3.5(c)
3.3(h)(2)
. US Minister to Austria opposes concession on air corridor agreement:
US Minister Donnelly has advised the British
Deputy. High Commissioner of U.S concern over
current Anglo-Soviet conversations regarding a
proposed modification of the air corridor route
between Vienna and the British Zone of Occupation. Donnelly asserted that
he could see no justification for amending the corridor agreement, and that
he would not in any case concur with the suggestion that the Soviet authorities
be given pcior notice of the flights of military aircraft. The British deputy
agreed with these views and promised to keep the US Legation informed on
the bilateral negotiations.
Comment The Soviet authorities have been
pressing vigorously their proposal to shift the British air corridor north and
west of its present route, ostensibly for reasons of safety. The British have
submitted counterproposals involving controlled and variable-altitude flights.
Allied authorities are convinced that Soviet Headquarters is concerned
because present flights permit photographic reconnaissance of the Soviet
Military airfield at Wiener Neustadt.
Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279
3.5(c)