CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1955/12/01

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03019098
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: September 20, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 26, 2019
• Publication Date: December 1, 1955

� Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
3 0-141A -TOP SECRET
1 December 1955
Copy No.
4
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NO.
NO CHANGE IN CLASS.
Li DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANCED TO: TS S C
NEXT !REVIEW DATE 2e2 /40
AUTH: HR 70-20P+
SATE:v.0n_ REVIEWER:
Office of Current Intelligence
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
.ft
/7/17.)ff TOP SECRET Wier/31/ A
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
ED)
33(h)(2
100 35(c)
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
'Sue
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
1 lf1 1
Noir
CONTENTS
1. SOVIET OFFICIAL ASSERTS EAST GERMANS CONTROL
EAST BERLIN (page 3).
2. RESIGNATION OF TURKISH CABINET (page 4).
* * * *
THE ARAB-ISRAELI SITUATION
(page 5)
THE TAIWAN STRAIT
(page 6)
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 2
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
1,1 L.4.011.1,4 A
No,
1. SOVIET OFFICIAL ASSERTS EAST GERMANS CONTROL
EAST BERLIN
The assertion by the Soviet commandant
in Berlin, General Dibrova, that the
German Democratic Republic is the
sovereign authority in East Berlin
opens the way to East German efforts to interfere with
Allied travel in East Berlin and to deal directly and of-
ficially with Britain, France, and the United States. Al-
though in theory this would extend to East Berlin the re-
strictions on Allied access to East Germany, in practice
East Berlin will probably continue for the time being to be
more accessible, with only spot harassments. To date there
is no sign that the Soviet action is intended as a challenge to
Allied control of West Berlin or access to the city.
The letters exchanged at the time of the
Soviet-East German treaty of 20 September said that East
Germany would "eNercise guard and control functions" along
the zonal and sector borders and in Berlin, while control
over Allied military traffic to Berlin was reserved to the
Soviet authorities. According to press reports, General
Dibrova stated that the transfer of authority over East Berlin
to the East German regime had occurred during Foreign Min-
ister Molotov's stop in Berlin on 17 and 18 November on the
way home from the Geneva foreign ministers' conference.
East German administrative organs have
been exercising gradually increasing qontrol over those of
the East Berlin government.
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 3
-Ter SLCRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
b.. 1 La 1/4,1 %La A
Nov Nose
2. RESIGNATION OF TURKISH CABINET
The resignation of the Turkish cabinet
on 29 November, immediately follow-
ing the censure of Acting Foreign Min-
ister Zorlu, the minister of economy, and the finance min-
ister during a Democratic Party "caucus," reflects growing
popular discontent with the government's economic program.
Prime Minister Menderes, who has been asked to form a
new cabinet, may have encouraged the party's criticism of
these three ministers in order to shift responsibility from
himself for Turkey's economic deterioration and to forestall
criticism in the Grand National Assembly.
Turkish legislators have been concerned
over the sharp rise in the cost of living and have called for
counterinflationary measures. Several deputies have strongly
criticized the government for its lack of economic planning
and its neglect of current needs in favor of long-term invest-
ment.
Deputies who have recently returned from
the provinces have heatedly criticized the shortage of es-
sential commodities, indicating for the first time that the
peasant population, which is the primary basis of Menderes'
political strength, has been affected by Turkey's worsening -
economic situation.
Menderes' new cabinet will probably con-
tain many of his former ministers. The prime minister will
probably now make revisions in his economic program
in an attempt to speed negotiations aimed at getting a long-
sought American loan.
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 4
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
=44110.4 Nee
THE ARAB-ISRAELI SITUATION
(Information as of 1700, 30 November)
No significant military activity has
been reported in the past 24 hours.
The presence of five Egyptian jet
fighters (British Meteors) and a C-47 transport at
Damascus airport has been confirmed
This is the first indication that the
joint Egyptian-Syrian command is starting to operate
on a working level.
Egyptian minister of war Amir ar-
rived in Jordan from Damascus for a three-day visit on
30 November. The purpose of Amir's visit is not known,
but he will probably try to persuade Jordan to join an ar-
rangement similar to the ones Egypt now has with Syria
and Saudi Arabia for the co-ordination of Arab military
action against Israel�
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 5
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019096
1-",11.1-a
'ger
BIWEEKLY SUMMARY
17-30 November 1955
THE TAIWAN STRAIT
Report of the LAC Current Intelligtnce Group
for the Taiwan Strait Problem
1. After a, lull of several weeks in artillery duels in the
Quemoy area, Chinese Nationalist 155mm howitzers on 28
November fired 240 rounds at a causeway which the Chinese
Communists are constructing between the mainland and Tateng
Island, four to five miles north of Quemoy. Communist artil-
lery responded with 680 rounds. No major damage was re-
ported.
2. The Chinese Communists began constructing the 6,300-
foot causeway to Tateng apparently early in November. Such
a link with the mainland would facilitate supply of Communist
military positions on Tateng. Communist artillery now on the
island is believed to include only 76mm guns, but 122mm or
larger weapons could take any point on Quemoy under fire.
3. On 27 November, two Chinese Nationalist RF-86's on
a photo recon mission over the mainland were intercepted by
Chinese Communist jet fighters. Although firing passes re-
portedly were made on one RF-86 in two instances, no hits were
scored
4. Another antiaircraft artillery (AAA) division is tentatively
accepted in the Amoy area of Fukien concurrent with confirmed
reports of additional antiaircraft artillery weapons in the area.
This brings AAA units in the Amoy-Foochow area to a total of
three divisions and one independent regiment.
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 6
J
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Nor
A ILO
NNW
6. Construction of Fukien ProvinceTs first rail line,
from Yingtan to Amoy, is apparently proceeding rapidly.
Aerial photos of 21 November show that track has been
laid along the northern portion for a distance of about 25
miles. Since grading work has been in progress for sev-
eral months on the northern two thirds of the 400-mile
line, it is now believed the Communists can complete the
entire project by the end of 1956. This would be in advance
of the timetable recently announced by Peiping.
7. The only major Chinese Communist pronouncement
on the Taiwan issue during the period was a statement by
Vice Premier Chen Yi published in the East German press
on 24 November., Chen remarked that there were two pos-
sible solutions to the question of Taiwan�withdrawal of US
forces or "liberation" by military force. Chen stated that
Peiping preferred a peaceful solution but realized that it
must be prepared for action. He enumerated specific prep-
arations for an invasion, including new airfields, new rail-
roads in Fukien, and construction of ships for amphibious
operations.
8. In contrast to the threatening tone taken by Chen Yi,
the Chinese Communists have been at pains to stress their
peaceful intentions with visiting foreign delegations.
a. Reporting a conversation with Premier Chou
En-lai and other Chinese Communist officials in late Octo-
ber and early November when he visited China, French
Socialist leader Daniel Mayer said he was told no force
would be used in the "liberation" of Taiwan. The Chinese
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 7
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
.11 F./ V2-4
NOP?.
Communists declared, Mayer said, that while they considered
Taiwan to be an internal problem, events had in fact made it
an international question, and in practice they would not use
force to settle the issue.
b. purporting
to give Chou En-lairs remarks to a visiting Japanese delega-
tion of municipal officials, the Chinese Communist premier
warned that the US will never be able to keep "Chiang Kai-
shek's government going," but reassured his listeners that
the Chinese people will never fight the American people
over Taiwan.
1 Dec 55
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 8
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 003019098
ot.lr.17,1�1111111X,
Tungan
Chimei
ICaochi
Kaochi
Afrfieid
.ICULANG HSU
.�....FERRY DOCK
AMOY MAROON
'52TATAN
-
EHRTAN
Photo coverage
ends here
WEITOU
NAV
0
Shuitou
Lienho
HSI AOTENG
c�. jorA
CF CH I AOHSU
QU "OY
(Ch en)
Airstrip
Liaolo
OW SOY
BAY
Shihshih
Welton
THE EMOY AREA
1 DECEMBER 1955
AOTICAL MILES
5
50325 2
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 003019098
Approved for-iv-OA Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098
ANGHAI
HUAINING ApilAHSING 6
0 .1,
rI - l' A,s
hGatow ��4 An
/I INGPOous
A.1
04-
r
ACHINHUA
�
--I
6111,000 Or\ � -/
G.77' >,---
�) (INCUIDES FIELD FORCES iND
,...StCURITY TRC)OPS) Y.'.. .-
1
)
/.-__ 'I
1-\-JIIII.I. .
's
/ II/IV
I.,----
`---,�
,--- I ill/
ICILI CHENG'
......'\ P
I.......
,,.... ,
\180,00bu
W A N G T U N G ,�...,..\.,
CsHwEANTG'0HwA i i \
c ../
....,1_1ANG
..r.�
HAUT !CAL MI LES
50 100
170
SIO 100
STATUTE MI LES
Plk0Q7-,
-11,\ Z WENCHOWI:.::; -
/ + -
1-�
cHIENOU*
5-11;900
FOOCHO tviATsus
NANTAI - 19,000
LUNGTI.EN
I 4 RAILROAD
-h�.+-F- PROPOSED RAILROAD
4r.4 LUCHI/Aa. TAMEN
Noe
TAIWAN STRAIT 1 DECEMBER 1SITUATIO955
CHINESE COMMUNIST AIRF ELD LEGEND:
DESIGNATIONS
PRIMARY AIRFIELD
CONSIDERED MOST IMPORTANT IN
AREA WITH PREPARED RUNWAY
GENERALLY 5000 FEET OR LONGER,
SECONDARY AIRFIELD
AUXILIARY OR EMERGENCY BASES
OR FIELDS OF LESSER IMPORTANCE.
RUNWAYS GENERALLY LESS THAN
5000 FEET.
ACTIVE BASE FOR MILITARY & CIVILIAN AIR-
CRAFT. SOME BASES USED BY PISTON TYPES
MAY BE USABLE BY JETS
�
OPERATIONAL
INACTIVE BASES CAPABLE OF USE BY AIRCRAFT
�
SERVICEABLE
A
CURRENT STATUS UNDETERMINED
UNK
OWN
USABILITY
MIG-15
MIG-17
TU-4
IL-28
TU-2,
IL-10
LA-9/11
U-2
ETC.
* FIELDS NOT CONSIDERED CAPABLE
OF SUPPORTING SUSTAINED OPER-
ATIONS AT PRESENT.
AN
E H
.�,OHANKOW
NANCIJAN
,=
8
lio
\ K1ANGSU
NANKIN/9401.
WI;1-117�.(5
'1/410Au.f.�
� SH
.4�
HUlAN
CHINGYANG
MACH IAN
QUEMOY
- _6,000
,- TAIPEI
f * * ILAN
HSINCHU Y"
4rFAICHUNG
TA I W
PENGHIJ
'230,000 .4AINAN
10
*NATIONALIST AIRFIELD
PRIMARY ROADS
SECONDARY ROADS
51130 5
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03019098