CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1958/02/15

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03169407
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: January 27, 2020
• Document Release Date: January 30, 2020
• Publication Date: February 15, 1958

Approved for Release: 201,9/08/20 C0316:07
3.5(c)
3.3(h)(2)
15 February 1958
fc;'r Release:201 6/C18/5 -0C0316a-0V
vior'
Copy No.
CENTRAL
IYTELLIGENCE
BULLETIN
pc) :
[
cLASS. Ci.:;',Nuta) TO: TS
0
NEXT REVEW DATE.
AUThi: hi 70-
DATE,
TO SECRET
EVIEWER:
004pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
- pima
TA Es C Ea% esr�vo
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
�
15 FEBRUARY 1958
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
East Germany - Struggle between
Ulbricht and his party opponents
continues.
II. ASIA-AFRICA
Tunisia - Tension continues; French
take strong line on provisioning of
garrisons.
"Arab Palestine" government may
be created in Gaza strip to join
Egyptian-Syrian union.
Indonesia - Dissidents persist in
efforts to force change in gov-
ernment.
Syria fearful of Western-su or
attack by Arab neighbors.
Nue,
- - - - - � --
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
III. THE WEST
France may be considering with-
drawing from all Tunisia bases ex-
cept Bizerte.
Tension over Cyprus could spread
any violence from island to Greece
and Turkey.
'TVID UV"' ri rr
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
vow
a
,...,�.
7.
s: �\
,
Ik \
AN,
.4,',�
N
-.4
p
N.
-...\
$:'::
-\;
'.k
.,:\
.z,,,.,
,..k:
',--?:.:-\�
VI
N
w
z
N:
.3.-z�,:,
-..-7.%.
-..
t,...,
,.',,,�-� \
IN.
IN
,.--N
,,,\ .
:1.:.;..
s,ak,
ii,:fA
I)
-,\ TOP SECRET �--:.--,,,.
...
\ A-'
Ak. \ Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 CO3Tg4&L N
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
15 February 1958
DAILY BRIEF
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
0-p East German party rivalry: The struggle between
I ;r Ulbricht and Ms opponents in the East German party is
continuing. Many party functionaries are shocked and
indignant at last week's purge and expect that as a re-
sult of Ulbricht's harder course, open opposition to Mm
0 will increase. Convinced that his dismissal was due
to Ulbriches misrepresentations to the Russians, deposed
Party Secretary Schirdewan is hoping to appeal to Mos-
cow. (Page 1)
IL ASIA-AFRICA
The Tunisian situation: Tension inside Tunisia con-
tinues. The French are determined to resupply their
garrisons, an action which may provoke clashes with
Tunisian security forces. Low-level observation
flights by the French Air Force are in contravention
of the Tunisian Government's order of 8 February,
and Tunisian forces have fired at these flights at least
once. French military opinion in Paris appears deeply
aroused, and there is wide political support for the gov-
ernment's firm attitude.
(Page 2)
\\\s�.,
II
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
sims
A
\
orc
Palestinian refugees! An "Arab Palestine" govern-
ment may be revived soon in the Egyptian-occupied Gaza
strip so that the Palestinian refugees there can go through
the motions of adhering to the Egyptian-Syrian union. This
move, which is reported to be scheduled for mid-March,
might make further difficulty for Jordan, since it would
probably have some impact on the Palestine Arab refugees
there. The notorious ex-Grand Mufti of Jerusalem is prob-
ably connected with the move. (Page 3)
'(Map)
Indonesia: The Indonesian dissidents are persisting
in their efforts to force a change in the Djakarta govern-
ment and are threatening to proceed with the establish-
ment of a rival regime after their ultimatum expires on
0 15 February. The government's latest retaliatory moves
have been the cutting of communications and financial sup-
port to Central Sumatra. Prime Minister Djuanda, how-
ever, may attempt to avoid a showdown by submitting his
resignation to President Sukarno when he returns to Dja-
karta on 16 February. Djuanda would recommend that
Hatta be his successor. (Page 4)
*Syrian military
� A partial. call-up ot reserve personnel was ooservea
in Damascus on 14 February, and additional troops were
deployed in the vicinity of the city, suggesting that develop-
ment of opposition in Syria, possibly within the army itself.,
may be the actual cause of apprehension.
(Page 5)
15 Feb 58 DAILY BRIEF
II
TOP SECRET
�AP-13�TO;seCili3714ere�a-s-e-Tiiii 9/08/20 C031-66216
'4100
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
'4i401
IlL THE WEST
*French plan to hold Bizerte: The French Government
may be seriously considering a plan calling for the "im-
mediate" withdrawal of its troops from all Tunisian bases
except Bizerte, which would then be given a status "like
Gibraltar for the British." Evidently in anticipation of ob-
jections from Bourguiba, who would thus obtain no more
than he had hoped to get through negotiation, before the
Sakiet bombing, the plan inrint-laq a rtarmAqt:fnr-thchTTnii-Pri
States to pave the way.
Tension over Cyprus issue: Greek-Turkish tension
over Cyprus, both on the island and the mainland, has
reached such intensity that any miscalculation by Greek,
Turkish, or British authorities could spark widespread
disorders. If EOICA turns its attack against Turkish
Cypriot villages-- as its leader apparently intends in the
event of further Turkish Cypriot attacks on Greeks--
disorders would spread rapidly and probably include
violent reactions in both Greece and Turkey. Two Turk-
ish generals warn of possible armed volunteers from
the mainland, (Page 6)
15 Feb 58
DAILY BRIEF iii
"Approved for Release: 2019/08)20 C03169407L
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
East German Factional Struggle Intensifies
The bitter struggle between Ulbricht and his reformist
opponents continues, and opposition to the East German
party boss is apparently becoming more intense� but Ul-
bricht apparently still enjoys the Kremlin's support.
Many high- and medium-level Communist function-
aries have been shocked by last week's purge and feel that
Ulbricht has gained little more than a pyrrhic victory since
his harder course will lead increasing numbers of party of-
ficials into opposition. Deposed Party Secretary Schirdewan,
hopes to be able to appeal
his case to Moscow, in the conviction that Ulbricht misrep-
resented the nature of the opposition in East Germany in
order to win Kremlin approval for the purge.
Meanwhile, Ulbricht may be moving against other op-
ponents, such as Premier Grotewohl, whose departure on
12 February for a "rest cure of several weeks" appears sig-
nificant after the outspoken attacks he is said to have made
�on the first secretary during the past few weeks. Defense
Minister Stoph who, was
sharply criticized at last week's party plenum for his inade-
quate leadership of the armed forces, may also be purged.
Though an Ulbricht protege, Stoph is now believed to have
turned against the first secretary and thrown his support
to Schirdewan.
SECRET
15 Feb 58
rarn Al a Prra a tin na I 1.1'1 h. I
'Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407 Page 1
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
IL ASIA-AFRICA
The Tunisian Situation
Although there have been no disorders, tension inside Tunisia
continues and new incidents which might get out of control seem
likely. The French have already violated the Tunisian "blockade"
in isolated instances of helicopter and parachute contacts, and now
seem determined to undertake a general resupply of their garrisons
before withdrawal talks begin. The Bourguiba government is dis-
turbed over French low-level observation flights, which defy a
Tunisian order of 8 February forbidding all military flights. An
American official said French military flights he saw in the Bi-
zerte and Tunis area on 13 February "appeared deliberately pro-
vocative." Tunisian security forces fired at these flights in at
least one instance, without damage to the aircraft.
The strongly nationalistic tone of the French Government's
public position on the Tunisian issue, abetted by Premier Bour-
guiba's demands and the "blockade" of French troops in Tunisia,
is rallying broad political support in France. The press and
political leaders are particularly incensed over the demand for
withdrawal from Bizerte.
TOP SECRET
15 Feb 58
CFkITD A I IMTPI I ir:.Pkirr RI III PTIKI
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407 Page 2
04pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
APRA
.41E- GAZA
STRIP
ISR AE
�-(
15 FEBRUARY 1958
80215
0 25
STATUTE MILES
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
%or
Gaza Palestinians May Join Egyptian-Syrian Union
The more than one-quarter million inhabitants of
the Gaza strip, including about 200,000 Palestinian
refugees, may be formally united with the new Egyp-
tian-Syrian United Arab Republic,
A plan appears to be under way to
create a Palestinian legislative assembly in Gaza in
mid-March, to be followed immediately by a request
for union with the UAR. The move would support
Nasiris campaign against King Husayn by its strong
propaganda appeal to the more than 400,000 refugees
now in western Jordan who are overwhelmingly op-
posed to the King. Creation of a Palestinian Arab
state would also confirm Israeli apprehensions that
the UAR is directed against Israel.
The Gaza sector is now governed by executive and
legislative councils under the supervision of an Egyp-
tian-appointed governor general. The self-appointed
champion of the Palestinians has been the ex-Grand
Mufti of Jerusalem, Hajj Amin al-Husayni, who has
bitterly opposed the Hashemite kings of Jordan and
Iraq and may hope to fulfill his ambition to become
head of a Palestinian Arab state. He has also been
named repeatedly as a prominent figure in clandestine
plans for the overthrow of the Jordanian Government
by pro-Egyptian elements.
SECRET
15 Feb 58 CCk1TEI Al IkITCI I trIckirp 11111 I FTIM Page 3
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
NoOr'
Indonesian Situation
The dissidents in Central Sumatra are continuing
their campaign to unseat the Djakarta government. In
the face of Djakarta's rejection of their demand for the
resignation of the Djuanda cabinet and the central gov-
ernment's subsequent retaliatory measures, the dissi-
dents are threatening to proceed with the establishment
of a rival government after the 15 February deadline of
their ultimatum. In addition, the commander of South
Sumatra, Lt. Col. Barlian, who has opposed the forma-
tion of a rival government, is nevertheless said to be _de-
termined to resist any central government military move
through his territory.
The government's latest countermoves. have been to
sever communications between Djakarta and Padang,
Central Sumatra, and to suspend government financial
support to Padang. The financial measure is probably
the most effective move available to Djakarta short of
the use of force.
Prime Minister Djuanda appears to be continuing ef-
forts toward compromise. He reportedly plans to submit
his resignation to President Sukarno when the latter re-
turns to Indonesia on 16 February and to renew his efforts
toward the formation of a cabinet led by former Vice Pres-
ident Hatta. Although Hatta has stated that he does not
want to participate in the next government, non-Communist
leaders in Djkarta believe he might do so if personally
asked by Sukarno. Sukarno. however, is presently keep-
ing his own council.
SECRET
15 Feb 58
crk rrn Al IkITGI I iff-ekle^C DI 11 I CTIkl
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407 Page 4
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
*01,
Syria Fearful of Western-Supported Attack By.
Arab Neighbors
Syrian Army leaders appear to be increasingly ap-
prehensive over internal and external opposition to the
union with Egypt.
alleged recent troop movements by Turkey and
Israel, aerial reconnaissance of the Syrian coast, and
the uncovering of an opposition plot in southern Syria,
fear that "Western" powers-were pre-
paring to undertake military operations against Syria.
The Syrians believe this operation would include invasion
by forces from neighboring Arab countries on the pre-
text of rescuing the internal groups opposed to the union.
A partial call-up of army reserves and popular re-
sistance forces was observed in Damascus on 14 Feb-
ruary. Additional troops and artillery were deployed
southwest of Damascus. In the past such maneuvers
have occurred when there has been a factional dispute
within the army.
TOP SECRE71
15 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTFI I InENCE RIILLETIN Page 5
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
A
*4004
III. THE WEST
� Tension Over Cyprus Nears Breaking Point
Tension over the Cyprus issue is dangerously high
and could rapidly give way to widespread violence in
Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The Greek Cypriot un-
derground organization EOKA claims to be ready for
"all-out-war." The resumption of violence on Cyprus,
however, may be temporarily postponed pending re-
ceipt of a report from the acting ethnarch, Bishop Anthy-
mos of Kitium, who was due to return to Cyprus from
Athens on 14 February.
If EOKA should aim its attack at the Turkish Cypriots)
and destroy entire villages, as its leader has intimated
might happen.; Greek Turkish disorders5voulasw_ead coal,"
rapidly to bai Greece and Turkey. Special precautions
are being taken in both countries to prevent trouble. While
isolated attacks probably could not be prevented, any
widespread breakdown of public security on the mainland
would only result from deliberate negligence if not inspira-
tion. Retaliation would be a certainty.
While the Cyprus government could not depend on the
predominantly Turkish Cypriot police during intercom-
munal violence, British troops on the island�recently
augmented to a strength of approximately 24,000--could
control any major clashes there.
15 Feb 58
rCkITD AI IkITCI I le�ckir^e DI III Page 6
�Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407-"
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407
1.411-1/ 1121JLi _
Itar4 �11100
DISTRIBUTION
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 Mobilization
Special Assistant for Security Operations Coordination
Operations Coordinating Board
Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities
Special Assistant for Foreign Economic Policy
The Treasury Department
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Department of State
The Secretary of State
The Under Secretary of State
The Deputy Under Secretary for Political Affairs
The Deputy Under Secretary for Administration
The Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Affairs
The Counselor
Director, International Cooperation Administration
Director of Intelligence and Research
The Department of Defense
The Secretary of Defense
The Deputy Secretary of Defense
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
Deputy Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff
Assistant Chief of Staff, 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
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
Jr& 7& TW-WWW-1. TRIM?' A "Ir
Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03169407