CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1959/03/13

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03023195
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March 12, 1959
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Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 -TUP�StrcKLI 12 March 1959 Copy No. C 6 3 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN DOCUMINT NO No CI if:Y-RLV!:-;\i'V DATE: C " ":") TO: NL1- NJTH� -IR DATE TOPSECth REVIEWER: Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Approved for Release: C03023195 *gaol TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 � Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 4....F.La�...1 4bie 12 MARCH 1959 L THE COMMUNIST BLOC Gomulka's speech to Polish party congress backs Moscow on Germany and Berlin; indicates no change in internal policies. Chinese Nationalists delaying re- duction of offshore garrisons. IL ASIA-AFRICA UAR - Nasir's renewed attack on Communists may bring sharp re- action from Moscow. Kurdish tribal le tiers in Iran see arms from Iran. UAR-Iraq rivalry may focus on Kuwait. Sudan - Danger of clash between army and tribesmen recedes; fur- ther government changes likely. \ 0 i - II. THE WEST 0 Cyprus - Communists decide to co- operate with Makarios in return for assured seats in new legislature. 0 Portugal - Salazar's position may be weakened. 0 Bolivia - More anti-American riot- ing may break out. LATE ITEMS Khrushchev tells 011enhauer he pre- fers "what we have now" to a reun- ified Germany. Khrushchev invites East Germans to send delegation to Moscow in May. Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 I ' 'Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 *we CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 12 March 1959 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC Watch Committee conclusion: No Sino-Soviet bloc country intends deliberately to initiate direct military action against US forces abroad, US allies, or areas peripheral to the Orbit in the immediate future. Khrushchev continues to reiterate his intention to conclude a peace treaty with East Germany and to turn over Berlin access controls to the East Germans. Although the Soviets are making preparations necessary to the turnover, which could be done with little or no warning, available evidence does not indicate that they intend to do so in the immediate future. The eventual possibility of armed conflict between Western forces and Soviet-East Ger- man forces is inherent in the Berlin problem because of miscal- culations which could arise....IXOP-SECref) Poland: In his seven-hour speech opening the Third Polish party congress Gomulka backed Soviet policy on Germany and Ber- lin and accused the Western powers of endangering the peace by their refusal to agree to Soviet proposals. He expressed the hope implicitly that the Yugoslav party might return "to our movement." His remarks on internal affairs indicated his intention to continue his relatively moderate policies on such matters as the church, in- tellectual freedom, and agricultural collectivization TIAL) (Page 1) Taiwan Strait: EI:he Chinese Nationalists appear reluctant to reduce the size of their armed forces on the Chinmen Islands in accord with an agreement reached between Chinese and America military officials last November and, despite prodding, have failed to produce any plan for the reduction. The agreement calls for the removal of 15,000 men from a total of approximately 86,000 by the end of June, but official figures disclose a reduction to date of only 530 men. Some American military officials believe that this figure is suspect and that the size of the garrison has actually increased) j.SgeltrT (Page 2) _TOP-SEZC--?ET' ' fr/ 14 7 / Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 �4-4eir�SELICL I CI ULF" Nisie gerri z II. ASIA-AFRICA Watch Committee conclusion�Middle East: Situations susceptible of direct exploitation by Sino-Soviet bloc hostile action which would jeopardize US interests exist in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Iraq. The situations in the area remain precarious, but a deliberate initiation of large-scale hostilities is unlikely in the immediate future. Iraq: The apparent failure of the revolt in Mosul further removes checks to the drift of Iraq toward Communist control. Jordan: The absence of King Husa,yn from Jordan and the scheduled departure of Prime Minister Rifai on 17 March pro- vide opportunity for political competition among members of the government remaining in Amman and for coups by opposi- tion elements. (--8P-SECIZEI) UAR-USSR: Nasir's Damascus speech on 11 March, in re- action to events in Iraq, contained the strongest charges to date against Arab Communists. He termed them "agents" who "work for the foreigners" and expressed determination to continue his anti-Communist posture "regardless of the harm which may be- fall us." His renewal of attacks on the Communists may bring a sharp reaction from Moscow. (CLINSIDETWRA-LIIPage 3) Iran -Iraq: Kurdish tribal leaders in Iraq, claiming to rep- resent more than 4,000 families, requested arms and ammunition from Iran for a rebellion against the Qasim government. This approach was apparently unrelated to the coup effort by Iraqi Colonel Shawwaf. The Kurds also requested assurance of Iranian asy- lum if their venture failed. Such an attempt, by itself, offers no real threat to Qasim and would be suppressed. Some ele- ments in the Iranian Government might be tempted to support the proposal, but Iran has not acted favorably on such requests in the past. (Page 4) Kuwait: [Rivalry between the UAR and Iraq may focus in- creasingly r on Xuwait, largest oil producer in the Middle East 12 Mar 59 DAILY BRIEF _TOP-SEeftEr II Fl p. Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 � . Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 e revolt has been especially concerned with its effect on Kuwait and the relative influences of Nasir and Iraq there. Recent UAR interest in Kuwait has been shown by a visit of high-rank- ing UAR officers in mid-January (Page 5) Sudan: he immediate danger of a clash between Ansar tribesmen and Sudanese Army units has been reduced. On the morning of 10 March, the leader of the Ansar sect told the 1,000 tribesmen who nad gathered in Khartoum to go home. The new Abboud govern- ment remains divided on several scores. Pressures from army, political, and religious factions make further changes almost inevitable. These changes might include the retire- ment of Abboud himsele (�E.CRE-T-Ne (Page 6) III. THE WEST Cyprus: Communist spokesmen on Cyprus, representing a small but well-organized party with proved vote-getting ability and controlling the island's largest labor organization, have decided to cooperate with Archbishop Makarios for the present. In return, Makarios reportedly has agreed to the election of a given number of Communist-backed candidates in Cyprus' first legislature, possibly as many as a quarter of the Greek seats. Communist leaders, however, have recently fol- lowed Mosco line by denouncing the Cyprus settlement. (C NTIAL) (Page 7) Portugal: kremier Salazar's close associates have stated that he has recovered from his attack of pneumonia six weeks ago and is carrying a normal work load. However, he has n left his home, made any public statement, or seen any for for nearly two months. Many observers believe tha he will not regain the public confidence he formerly enjoyed and that, in view of the continuing discontent, his prolonged absence from official functions could encourage a move to oust him.] (..9_91g.EIDENTIAL (Page 8) 12 Mar 59 DAILY BRIEF TOPSfCT 111 Fl A Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 111/Z0 4Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023197 1 A � , efl/ f�V' \ ii Bolivia: (Rew tension is being created in La Paz by the Bolivian (.4 overnment's efforts to impose wage terms on strik- ing tin miners and gradually unfreeze commissary prices in order to satisfy a requirement of the International Monetary Fund for granting further aid. This tension could erupt in re newed anti-American rioting stimulated by an article in the 16 March issue of Time which states that a US official "in rueful jest" suggested Eolivia's partition3 (SF,GRE'r (Page 9) LATE ITEMS USSR: & his talk on 9 March with West German Social Democratic Chairman 011enhauer, Khrushchev stated that if there is no progress in a foreign ministers' or summit confer- ence, the USSR will conclude a separate peace treaty and then transfer Berlin access controls to the East Germans. He as- serted that the United States, Britain France, and "most West Germans" do not want reunification and said the USSR also pre- fers to keep "what we have now" because the future actions of a reunified Germany would be uncertain. Khrushchev endorsed 011enhauer's suggestion that a military relaxation in Europe must precede any progress toward German reunification:7 (SE5..26 USSR - East Germany: Khrushchev has invited the as Germans to send a government and party delegation to Moscow in May, according to the communique issued at the end of his visit to East Berlin. The announcement now of this visit, which carries with it the implication that a separate peace treaty will then be signed2 may be intended to exert further pressure on the West to accept Soviet tex.ms for a meeting on a German treaty and Berlin. (CO IAL) 12 Mar 59 DAILY BRIEF iv TOP Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 ere, Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 vwoor I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC Gomulka Covers Full Range of Polish Problems in Congress Speech Speaking at the opening session of the third Polish party congress, First Secretary Gomulka covered the full range of Polish foreign and domestic affairs. He charged the West with rejecting peaceful means of settling differences, break- ing the Potsdam agreement, and dividing Germany. Backing Soviet policy on Germany and Berlin, Gomulka stressed that a separate peace treaty will be signed with the East German regime if the Federal Republic and the Western powers per- sist in their refusal to participate in an all-German agree- ment. Poland will insist on participating in all conferences on the German problem. Poland's western border was settled at Potsdam, Gomulka declared, and the inclusion of the border question in a peace treaty would be only a formality. He characterized all efforts to woo Poland away from the USSR as attempts to undermine this settlement. Gomulka stressed the equality and independence of all Communist parties, claiming that each party adapts its ac- tivity to the specific conditions in its country and is fully responsible for setting its own policies. He said that while the Soviet Union is the mainstay of all socialist countries and the nerve center of the world socialist system, it guides rather than directs; it does not impose its will on other parties. The Yugoslav party was accused of adopting a revision- ist program, which if followed by other parties would disrupt the unity of the socialist camp and aid the imperialists. Gomulka said the Yugoslays will soon have to choose between returning to the Communist fold and all ing themselves with the Western Socialists. (C IA L) 12 Mar 59 _CONFIDENITAI CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 1 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Chinese Nationalists gow in Reducing eiffshore Islands Garrison [title Chinese Nationalists appear reluctant to reduce the size of their armed forces on the Chinmen Islands in accord with an agreement reached last November between General Wang Shu-ming, the chief of the Nationalist general staff, and the head of the US military advisory mission to Taiwan. According to the terms of the agreement, the Nationalist forces of at least 86,000 men are to be reduced by 15,000 by the end of June. In return the United States is to improve Nationalist capabilities on the islands by supplying additional equipment, including new 10-inch howitzers and more 155-mm. guns. Thus far, the Nationalists have reported that the gar- rison has been reduced by 530 men, and some American ob- servers believe that personnel strength has in fact been in- crease 414 Nationalist spokesmen have violated the spirit of the joint communique issued on 23 October by President Chiang Kai-shek and Secretary Dulles. This communique specified that political rather than military measures were the prime means of recovery of the China mainland. In a speech on 12 November, Vice President Chen Cheng resumed use of the phrase "counterattack" against the mainland, and the Nation- alists have continued to insist that military action would come when a "Hungarian-style" military revolt occurred. The Na- tionalists also have attempted to convince US officials of their alarm over the imminence of Communist attack on the islands; their own internal intelligence reports, as receiveitthronali� clandestine channels. reveal no siieh ennrarn 5Fx-RE'r 12 Mar 59 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 2 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 If 1eSforE*1 I Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Nlire II. ASIA-AFRICA Nasir Renews Attack on Communists Events in Iraq have led UAR President Nasir to attack the activities of Communists in the Arab world, thus again bring- ing into question the UAR's relations with the Communist bloc. In a speech delivered in Damascus on 11 March, Nasir accused Iraqi Premier Qasim of fostering division within Arab ranks and denounced Communist "agents" in the strongest terms he has yet used. He charged Communists with deriving their in- spiration from outside their native lands and acting on behalf of "the foreigner." He described his "mission" and that of the UAR as a continuing struggle on behalf of unity among Arab states to protect them from "those who covet us." He included imperialists, Zionists, and the "agents" in this category. The speech ended on a note of determination to continue on that course, "regardless of the harm which may befall us." The earlier threat of a split between Moscow and Cairo was temporarily averted by Khrushchev's letter to Nasir on 20 February, which Nasir accepted as assurance that the USSR considered his moves against UAR Communists an internal af- fair. Nasir's sharply renewed attack on Arab Communists, however, is likely to make it increasingly difficult for Moscow to avoid new disagreements with Cairo, a possibility which Nasir apparently noted in concluding his Damascus speech. The speech suggests that hereafter the danger of Communism may be used to an even greater extent as a major argument to justify Cairo's efforts t.tain or extend its influence in the Near East. ( TIAL) CONF NT1AL 12 Mar 59 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 3 �Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 musiv N.,./ L.0 %J../ 1 Iraqi Kurds Seek Arms From Iran Several Kurdish tribal leaders in Iraq recently requested arms and ammunition from Iran for an uprising against the vernment, They intend to invite Sheik Latif, a prominent Iraqi Kurdish nationalist leader, to cooperate, but if he refuses they will seize him and begin the action. This conspiracy seems to be unrelated to the revolt by Iraqi Colonel Shawwaf. The leaders include those of the Poshtdari, Jaf, and Oraman sub-tribes near the Iranian border, as well as those in the town of Sulaimaniya. The Kurdish leaders offered to compensate Iran at the end of the rebellion for the cost of any aid and suggested the use of Kurdish property in Iran as collateral. They requested that, if their uprising should fail, the more than 4,000 families involved be granted asylum in Iran. The total Kurdish population in Iraq is about 800,000. Lieutenant General Kerim Varahram� commander of the Third Army Corps in northwestern Iran who has long advocated a policy of sponsoring Kurdish subversion in Iraq, can be ex- pected to support this request. Nevertheless, Tehran probably will reject the plan, since Iran desires neither to encourage na- tionalism indirectly among its own 750,000 Kurds and 250,000 Arabs, nor to invite Iraqi-sponsored subversion in Iran. In ad- dition, both the Iranian Government and the Kurdish leaders probably feel that, with the suppression of the Shawwaf r7volt. the opportunity for action has passed for the time being. 12 Mar 59 ---TOP SECRET CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 4 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 orAr:terr*, Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 NMI Nasir-Qasim Struggle May Focus on Kuwait 4' ahe growing hostility between the UAR and Iraq probably sharpen sharpen the struggle between them for influence in Kuwait, the Middle East's largest oil producer:3 Eiyaqi governments have long coveted the oil revenues of Kuwait, which in 1958 amounted to nearly $390,000,000. Since the July 1958 revolution the new Baghdad regime has taken an increased interest in the Persian Gulf states. The ruling Subah family in Kuwait fears Iraqi expansion above all else, particularly since the violent advent of the new re- gime, and has relied for protection on treaties of defense and friendship with Britain. Iraq has never agreed to de- marcation of its boundary with Kuwait, and the land-reform program of the Qasim government threatens extensive Subah holdings in southern Iraq. Enhancement of the Communist position in Iraq as a result of the failure of the Mosul revolt will further increase the long-term threat to the Subah re- gimej acuwait's population, about half of whom are non-Kuwaiti Arabs, has long hailed Nasir as its hero, and Nasir's brand of Arab nationalism has been spread by teachers, oil work- ers, and others who have found jobs in Kuwait. The Subahs have been uncertain how to handle the nationalists, having tried both appeasement and suppression�mostly the former. Kuwait's ambitious deputy ruler has made a point of cultivat- ing close relations with the UAR, and even the diffident Ruler has inclined increasingly toward associating Kuwait with the UAR-dominated Arab Leagu_O EVith another failure of pro-UAR plotters in Iraq, Nasir may increase efforts to expand his influence in Kuwait, ex- ploiting the Subah dread of Iraq. A visit to Kuwait by high- ranking UAR officers this winter constituted a warning against Iraqi designs on Kuwait. The focus of Cairo's in- terest in Kuwait seek- ing immediately all available information on the Kuwaiti Armn Source: GCHQ FIELD FAX 6690, 7 Mar 59 (Secret Pivot). 12 Mar 59 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 5 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Sudanese Situation C-The danger of a clash between the Ansar tribes and the Sudanese Army has been reduced. One thousand tribesmen had come to Khartoum to protest the ouster from the govern- ment of Brigadier General Wahab, the strongest remaining adherent of the Ansar sect and Umma party. On the morn- ing of 10 March, Ansar leader Sayyid Abd al-Rahman al-Mandi told these tribesmen to go home] [the new government is handipapped by dissension, how- ever, and additional changes appear almost inevitable. Pres- sure continues within the army for a still further reduction of Ansar and Umma party influence in the government. There is also strong friction in the Supreme Council between some of the senior members and the three commanders who forced their way into membership. A Cairo newspaper on 11 March carried a report from Khartoum that Prime Minister Abboud will soon resign,j Ethe attitude of the government will necessarily be influ- enced by the leaders of the junior officers who are the real foundation of its power. Pro-Nasir Arab nationalist senti- ment is strong in this group, and several of its leaders were involved in an Egyptian-supported abortive coup effort in May 1957D Eihe situation is further complicated by the maneuvering of both the Communist party and pro-Egyptian political elements to remove government restrictions on their activities and to prepare the way for their eventual inclusion in a new coalitio9 12 Mar Mar 59 5reit6 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 6 1-v-% CLIAlppeTTX1-- Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 lemur' 1110 THE WEST Cyprus Communists Make Deal With Makarios The Communists on Cyprus appear to have adopted a policy of temporary collaboration with the conservative, popular Archbishop Makarios but continue to be critical of the recent Cyprus agreements, as are Communist press organs in Greece and the USSR. Andreas Ziartides� able , Moscow-trained leader of the Communist-dominated Old Trade Unions and a spokesman for the far left on Cyprus, reportedly has assured Makarios that the Communists will not genuinely contest the first elections in the new republic. Ziartides claims that his action is based solely on his desire not to disturb the recently created Cypriot unity. Communist party leaders issued a paper highly critical of the Cyprus agreements but promising to work to implement them for "the good of all the people." Makarios agreed to grant Communist-backed candidates a certain number of seats in the new legislature, possibly as many as 25 percent, but will not give them a ministerial post, The Communist Reform Party of the Working People (AKEL) was proscribed in 1955 but is expected to be legal- ized before the first Cypriot elections. In the most recent municipal elections, held in 1953, the Communists received about 42 percent of the vote in the towns and cities of Cyprus. Mayors of three of the six largest towns on the island are Communists or fellow travelers. The Communists, aware that the first government of Cyprus will probably be criticized for its failure to resolve the many problems it will face, may have concluded that they have more to gain at this time through a policy of watchful waiting. They can be expected to concentrate on building up their strength in preparation for the eventual conflict with Makarios and other conservative leaders. (GONFIDENTIAT) 12 Mar 59 CONEI9E1177-AL CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 7 urinnazaw-A-r-- Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 \me Salazar Regime Seen in Weakened Position [Ugh government officials and personal ilienub eunei Salazar have assured the American Embassy that the premier has recovered from pneumonia contracted on 27 January and is working with his ministers. They made no mention, however, of heart disease, which had been reported to have developed. The embassy notes that Salazar has not left his house or made any public statement or received foreigners in two months] [The premier's supporters insist that once he is restored to full health, he will reassume the leadership which has been tem- porarily lacking. Most observers, however, believe that he will never regain public confidence, and some think that prolonged ab- sence from official functions could enable those groups desiring a change of regime to combine and take action. The conviction that Salazar has outlived his usefulness is widespread among large sectors of the population and is held even among formerly fervent supporters of the regime_.] (he American Embassy has reported a growing current of thought by responsible persons that Salazar should retire and make possible an orderly transfer of power within the regime. Otherwise, these persons fear conditions will so deteriorate as to generate a popular movement, spearheaded by opposition groups, which will force him out and jennarilize the accomplishments of the regime.] (CO 12 Mar 59 C9tIE&fNT1A L CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 8 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 blidAGTVI-d New Tension in Bolivia 11-New tension is being created inLa paz ay tne Bolivian Gov- ernment's effort to impose wage terms on striking tin miners and gradually unfreeze commissary prices. This action must be taken to obtain further financial backing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The tension could erupt in renewed anti- American rioting, particularly since the 16 March issue of Time states that a US official "in rueful jest" suggested Boliv- Erg�partition. The foreign minister believes that a new US dis- avowal of the statement might moderate popular reaction. C*ewed inflation and a deterioration of the economic situa- tion despite a sharp rise in the tin price apparently have caused both the pro- and anti-government miners' factions to unite in wage demands. Keeping to a minimum the cost of operating the nationalized mines is important to the US- and IMF-backed eco- nomic stabilization program; the mines--which are the backbone of Bolivia's economy--operated at a loss in 1958. The govern- ment probably does not have the military strength to impose a decision on the armed minerg the past several days the government has gone out of its way to publicize the danger of a revolutionary conspiracy by the perennially plotting rightist opposition party. This tactic, prob- ably designed to rally dissident government party members be- hind President Siles, haheenusedJrouent1v andma have lost its efficacy3 LSEeftrf 12 Mar 59 .Orefiri CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 Page 9 Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 0:21SEEIDgISCI-TiAt-- 'VW THE PRESIDENT The Vice President Executive Offices of the White House Special Assistant for National Security Affairs Scientific Adviser to the President Director of the Budget Office of Defense and Civilian Mobilization Special Assistant for Security Operations Coordination Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities Special Assistant for Foreign Economic Policy Executive Secretary, National Security Council The Treasury Department The Secretary of the Treasury The Department of State The Secretary of State The Under Secretary of State The Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs The Deputy Under Secretary for Political Affairs The Deputy Under Secretary for Administration The Counselor Director, International Cooperation Administration The Director of Intelligence and Research The Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense The Deputy Secretary of Defense Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs The Secretary of the Army The Secretary of the Navy The Secretary of the Air Force The Chairman, The Joint Chiefs of Staff Commandant, United States Marine Corps The Director, The Joint Staff Chief of Staff, United States Army Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy Chief of Staff, United States Air Force Assistant to Secretary of Defense for Special Operations Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of the Army Director of Naval Intelligence, Department of the Navy Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Air Force Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Commander in Chief, Pacific The Department of the Interior The Secretary of the Interior The Department of Commerce The Secretary of Commerce Federal Bureau of Investigation The Director Atomic Energy Commission The Chairman National Security Agency The Director National Indications Center The Director United States Information Agency The Director giNFIDErsrnar., Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195 411% Approved for Release: 2020/02/21 C03023195