CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1956/01/05

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03020476
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: October 25, 2019
• Document Release Date: October 31, 2019
• Publication Date: January 5, 1956

Approved for Release: 2019/10/21 C03020476
e/ r fr/d TOP SECRET
CURRENT
INTELLIGENCE
BULLETIN
/
3.5(c)
5 January 1956
L-mPY I"' 103
DOCUMENT NO /
NO CHANGE IN CLASS. ult
El DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS S C
NEXT REVIEW DATE. 40/
NTH: HR70.-2*
DATE.T.4W,.._ REVIEWER:
OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
TOP SECRET
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CONTENTS
1. USSR REPORTEDLY ASKS LIBYA FOR USE OF AIRSTRIP
page 3).
2. ETHIOPIA MAKES OIL AGREEMENT WITH
CZECHOSLOVAKIA (page 4).
3. PARAGUAYAN POLITICAL TENSION INCREASES
(page 5).
5 Jan 56
* * * *
THE ARAB-ISRAELI SITUATION
(page 6)
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1. USSR REPORTEDLY ASKS LIBYA FOR USE OF AIRSTRIP
The American embassy in Tripoli com-
ments that these airstrips are numerous and that most of
them would need only minor repairs to handle aircraft up to
Dakota size. The ostensible purpose of the airstrip would
be to provide unrestricted access for Soviet planes ferry-
ing diplomatic personnel� their supplies, equipment, etc.
It could also be used to observe United States air force and
British army operations and for actively supporting the North
African nationalists. In the absence of any evidence to con-
firm or deny the American embassy views it
"with considerable reservation."
Comment Libya is dependent on payments it re-
ceives from Britain and the United States
in return for base rights. If the USSR has made such a re-
quest in connection with establishment of its diplomatic mis-
sion in Libya, Prime Minister Ben Halim may see an oppor-
tunity for further bargaining with the West. Ben Halim has
indicated that he believes Egypt successfully maneuvered the
West into an offer of financial aid for its high dam project.
5 Jan 56
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 3
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2, ETHIOPIA MAKES OIL AGREEMENT WITH
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Comment Communist exports of petroleum are
prominent in Moscow's trade with un-
derdeveloped countries. In the first six months of 1955,
Ethiopian-Soviet bloc trade amounted only to about $100,000.
The Czechs have shown increasing eco-
nomic interest in Ethiopia by their large trade mission and
by their expensive exhibit at the Jubilee Fair in November.
Communist interest in Africa has in-
creased recently as demonstrated by the Soviet Union's
diplomatic representation in Libya and its request for sim-
ilar privileges in Liberia. (Concurred in by ORR)
5 Jan 56
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3. PARAGUAYAN POLITICAL TENSION INCREASES
There are numerous indications of
continued uncertainty in the Paraguayan
politico military situation, according
to Ambassador Ageton in Asuncion.
Troops were confined to barracks over the holiday and
chauffeurs assigned to foreign military missions have been
recalled for Paraguayan army use.
The reported leader of the abortive army-
police rebellion on 21 December, Epifanio Mendez Fleitas,
Central Bank president and a leader of the ruling Colorado
Party, has resumed energetic political activity. Moreover,
the two military commanders involved in the conspiracy have
been freed and no action has been taken against Police Chief
Ortega, who was also involved. The selection of replace-
ments for these men is a source of friction between the army
and the Colorado Party.
Top Communist leaders, including Oscar
Creydt and Obdulio Barthe, have reappeared in Asuncion, but
the government is hesitant to take action against them at this
time because of its distrust of Ortega's police. Ageton com-
ments that the current political confusion offers the Commu-
nists an opportunity for advantageous political maneuvering.
Comment President Stroessner's hesitancy in act-
ing against the Mendez group probably re-
flects his uncertainty as to the extent of Mendez' support in
the army. Stroessner is also being pressed by Argentina to
get rid of this pro-Peron group.
While Ortega is not known to be a Commu-
nist, he has protected Communist friends, and the Commu-
nists are so well placed in the police that few surprise raids
against Communists can be made.
5 Jan 56
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4.),L14.11,1-0
EGYPT
THE ARAB-ISRAELI SITUATION
(Information as of 1700, 4 January)
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5 JANUARY 1956
No significant military
activity has been reported.
High Israeli officials in
Tel Aviv have urgently requested
American help in obtaining de-
livery of "at least" the 12 Mark
IV Mystere jet planes which
Israel has on order in France.
According to the American em-
bassy, the fear of Egyptian air
superiority and the possibility
that Egypt might bomb Israeli
cities have brought "near panic"
in some quarters and Prime Minister Ben-Ourion is report-
edly "extremely nervous and upset over it."
60104 5
Ambassador Lawson believes that the
Israeli government has made a "sober reappraisal" of the
raid at Lake Tiberias on 11-12 December and that similar
raids are unlikely in the future. The British ambassador
also believes that Israel is not at the moment contemplating
aggressive action.
5 Jan 56
negotiations for procurement
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of arms from the Soviet lbloc were continuing, and that
tentative arrangements had been made for delivery in
January of 2,000 small arms. Additional deliveries were
scheduled to be completed in March.
It is not clear at this time
whether or not Syria has contracted for the more important
items
some 60 T-34 medium tanks complete with replacement
parts, 40,000 shells and 2,000,000 rounds of machine gun
ammunition.
5 Jan 56
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 7
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