CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1957/08/23

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03188695
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2019
• Document Release Date: December 20, 2019
• Publication Date: August 23, 1957

Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
i�/01.A Tar SEGRAT
CURRENT
INTELLIGENCE
BULLETIN
, DATE
3.3(h)(2)
23 August 1957 3.5(c)
Copy No.
136
rl-IVEVVER:
OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This document contains classified information affecting
the national security of the United States within the
meaning of the espionage laws, US Code Title 18, Sections
793, 794, and 798. The law prohibits its transmission
or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an un-
authorized person, as well as its use in any manner
prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States
or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detri-
ment of the United States.
0*"/3
TOP SECRET V
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
/
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
ON&
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
1/11Y 1111/
CONTENTS
ci 5T1-?;;V
1. BRITISH VIEWS ON SYRIA
&le, 2. SITUATION IN THAILAND
(page a).
(page 4).
3. USSR RESUMES NUCLEAR TESTING
(page 5).
4. INDONESIAN ARMY DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF RESIGNS
(page 6).
ANNEX--Conclusions a the Watch Report of the Intelligence
Advisory Committee (Top Secret)
(page 7).
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 2
'MP CPCDP71
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
its4 oc., %A-NG 1
1. BRITISH VIEWS ON SYRIA
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 3
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
116.41-t
%Me NNW
2. SITUATION IN THAILAND
Comment on:
The possibility that violence may follow
the recent resignations from the Thai cabinet
appears to be waning. Marshal Sarit, the
most influential of the four resigning min-
isters, has reiterated his "loyalty" to Premier Phibun and
promised that there will be no "reaction" to his resignation
as defense minister "so long as I remain commander in chief
of the army." Phibun also assured the press that there would
be no coup d'etat and announced that the cabinet would soon
meet to consider replacements for the outgoing ministers.
Although prospects of a coup d'etat seem
to be subsiding, there have been reports that Sarit is being en-
couraged by his supporters and by opposition elements to bolt
the government party and attempt to bring down Phibun by par-
liamentary means. Many officers presumably loyal to Sarit
are appointive members of parliament. Earlier efforts this
summer by the Sarit camp to develop a strong parliamentary
coalition, however, failed to make much headway against Phi-
bun's majority. (SECRET)
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin
Page 4
Cr' PT
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Lift4 FU ank-rtr, IAft
3. USSR RESUMES NUCLEAR TESTING
Comment
This is the 36th Soviet nuclear test de-
tected and the eighth known
to have occurred this year. Evidence of preparations for this
experiment has been noted since early July. The last nuclear
test in the USSR occurred on 16 April.
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 5
Th 1-q .e't r".
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
T X JIA514.1. � L A.ZAAA
*eV
4. INDONESIAN ARMY DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF RESIGNS
The Indonesian army announced on 21
August that the third deputy chief of staff,
Colonel Dahlan Djambek, had resigned
from the army. Although no reason was
given for his action, Djambek is reported
to have been an agent in Djakarta for the disaffected Central
Sumatran governing council and an opponent of the policies of
the army chief of staff, General Nasution. He was arrested
on 11 July for meeting with a group of Sumatrans, but was re-
leased the following day.
Comment President Sukarno reportedly has been con-
templating major command changes which
would affect General Nasution and some of his deputies. Army
headquarters officers are generally anti-Communist and several
of them have appeared sympathetic to the views of the disaffected
commanders.
Djambek's resignation may well be the be-
ginning of significant command changes which could result in
increased Communist influence in the army. It may also jeop-
ardize Premier Djuanda's plans to hold a round-table confer-
ence with dissident leaders early next month. (NOFORN)
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 6
ion 717 LITT El WiarriT A T
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695
Jik I 111- 1411_41111!. 1
ANNEX
Watch Report 368, 22 August 1957
of the
Intelligence Advisory Committee
Conclusions on Indications of Hostilities
On the basis of findings by its Watch Committee, the Intel-
ligence Advisory Committee concludes that:
A. No Sino-Soviet bloc country intends to initiate hostilities
against the continental US or its possessions in the imme-
diate future.
B. No Sino-Soviet bloc country intends to initiate hostilities
against US forces abroad, US allies,or areas peripheral
to the orbit in the immediate future.
C. Although the deliberate initiation of hostilities in the Middle
East in the immediate future is unlikely, tensions stemming
from recent developments in Syria and unstable conditions,
particularly in Jordan, have increased the possibilities for con-
flict in the area.
23 Aug 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 7
Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03188695