WEEKLY SUMMARY

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CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1
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S
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32
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May 1, 2008
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1
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Publication Date: 
October 16, 1970
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SUMMARY
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Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Secret DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY OSD review completed Secret 48 16 October 1970 No. 0392/70 State Dept. review completed Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 ~r,urcr 1 (Information as of noon EDT, 15 October 1970) Page MIDDLE EAST - AFRICA Egypt: Post-Nasir Maneuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Middle East: Moscow Retaliates to Charges of Cease-fire Violations . . . 2 Jordan: Another Agreement with the Fedayeen . . . . . . . . ... . 3 Rhodesia: Sanctions Not Working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sierra Leone: Prime Minister Opts for Force . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Central African Republic: The President Lives Dangerously . . . . . . 7 Indian Aircraft Industry Plods Along . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 FAR EAST Vietnam: Yeas and Nays for Peace Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cambodia: Harassing Probes Greet New Republic . . . . . . . . . 12 Laos: What Price Peace? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Communist China: Joining the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Communist China: Provincial Permutations . . . . . . . . . . . 15 OSD review completed SECRET Page i WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 *AW ~r l~lCr 1 Iftv NATO Probes Uncertain Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Italy: Social Reforms Inch Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Europe Calm About Oil. Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yugoslavia - Communist China: Economic Relations Expand . . . . 19 Soviet Economy: A Moscow Economist's Glum View . . . . . . . 19 USSR-Iran: New Economic Pact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 WESTERN HEMISPHERE Chilean Leftists Having Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bolivia: Torres' First Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Brazil: Church-State Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cuba: "Motivating" the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 NOTES: Africa; Turkey; Nigeria; Romania; Cuba - Warsaw Pact SECRET Page ii WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 ~)rA Js r- t %sof MIDDLE EAST - AFRICA Egypt: Post Nasir Maneuvering The election of Anwar Sadat to the presi- dency in the national plebiscite on 15 October marks the end of what is probably only the first round in a protracted struggle for power within the Egyptian hierarchy. Behind-the-scenes jockeying continues apace, with no single individual strong enough to take complete control. The three identifiable leaders who now share the reins of power have apparently agreed--if only tacitly-to continue their collegial leadership for the moment. Sadat has the presidency, but he and the other two members of the triumvirate-Minister of Interior Sharawi Jumah and former prime minister All Sabri-are still attempting to decide how to allot the three sensitive posts of prime minister, minis- ter of interior, and secretary general of the Arab Socialist Union, the only legal political party. An inherently unstable hierarchical structure thus seems to be taking form. No member of the ruling triumvirate has Nasir's hold on the Egyp- tian people nor is especially popular among such influential groups as students, intellectuals, the middle class, or the army. Perhaps reflecting a growing preoccupation with internal security, there have already been reports of the arrest of students and the dispatch of troops to quell pos- sible disturbances. There are some indications that the Egyptian leadership is especially con- cerned about the attitude of the armed services, but for the moment the military is staying on the sidelines. The triumvirate is also attempting to squelch any possible challenge by three other former asso- ciates of Nasir: Minister of Guidance Haykal; Kamal ad-Din Husayn, a member of Nasir's origi- nal revolutionary group; and ex-premier Zakariya Muhyeddin, who is reputed to be popular among military officers, students, and the managerial class. Press reports from apparently authoritative diplomatic sources state that all three have been placed under house arrest. Unsure of its own popular standing, the regime is particularly con- cerned that Muhyeddin's supporters might pose a threat to its rule, particularly if Cairo suffers a setback in any aspect of the confrontation with Israel. The Egyptian leadership's weakness at home severely restricts its ability to make any meaning- ful concessions in negotiations for a comprehen- sive peace settlement. Nevertheless, the Egyptians have seized the diplomatic initiative in an attempt to put Washington and Tel Aviv on the defensive. Foreign Minister Riad, who arrived in New York this week, apparently intends to remain for an extended stay at the UN. He is expected to place before the General Assembly a resolution calling for-at a minimum-an extension of the cease-fire beyond 5 November, but on the condition that there is an early resumption of the Jarring talks. The Egyptians apparently believe that such an offer saddles Israel with the onus for letting the cease-fire expire and for continuing the stalemate of the Jarring mission. For its part, Israel is standing pat on its position that it will extend the cease-fire along the canal but would resume talks under Ambassa- dor Jarring only if the "Egyptians and Soviets take action for the return of the situation in the military standstill zone to what it was before." The Israelis were, of course, heartened last week SECRET Page 1 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 vow 1 *0 when the US took a similar position in withdraw- ing from the deputy-level four-power meetings (the ambassadorial meetings are to continue). Egyptian Foreign Minister Riad's remark on 10 October that Egypt could not extend the cease-fire unless Israel returned to the peace talks has created some uncertainty in Tel Aviv. The Israeli press generally treated Riad's remarks as propaganda preliminary to the UN meetings and wagered that the deciding vote would be cast by the Soviet Union-which the Israelis believe wants an extension. Officials in the Foreign Ministry, however, think Egypt will not formally renew the arrangement, but will instead permit a de facto cease-fire to continue. They believe that Cairo sees this as a way to relieve itself from any legal obligation regarding the standstill zone, although they do not expect the Egyptains to renew the war now. The officials hedge this prediction, how- ever, with a reminder that hostilities could break out if Egypt were carried away by its own rheto- ric, or got too involved in an internal power struggle. Mid d I e East: Moscow Retaliates to Charges of Cease-fire Violations Moscow has recently mounted a vituperative propaganda campaign intended to counter US charges of Soviet complicity in Middle East cease-fire violations and to shift blame to the US and Israel for the failure so far of the Jarring mission. The campaign was spearheaded by a rare official Foreign Ministry statement, publicized on 8 October, which reflects Moscow's sensitivity to charges that it bears a heavy share of the responsi- bility for violations of the cease-fire/standstill along the Su z Canal. The statement makes an outright re' ction of charges by "officials in the US" of Soviet violations and emphasizes that the cease-fire was arranged solely by the US without any participation by the USSR in drafting its terms. The statement also rejects as a "deliberate fraud" assertions that Soviet-manned SAM mis- siles have appeared in the Canal zone. This is the Page 2 first time Moscow has discussed in any detail the charges against it. Seeking to place responsibility for continued tension in the Middle East on the US and Israel, the statement accused the US of taking actions leading to an "exacerbation" of the situation, including "the demonstration of strength by the Sixth Fleet, whose ostentatious nature is empha- sized by the fact that the US President took part." It also denounced additional US arms and economic aid to Israel. Finally, making a public issue of the matter for the first time, the state- ment attacked US reconnaissance flights in the cease-fire zone as a "gross violation" of Egyptian sovereignty. The Soviet media have subsequently taken their cue from the Foreign Ministry statement. One of the toughest commentaries, issued by SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 vi vim ? i = TASS on 9 October, accused the US press of waging a "slanderous anti-Soviet campaign claim- ing that the Soviet Union has allegedly broken certain obligations connected with the cease-fire." The commentary went beyond the Foreign Minis- try statement by claiming that the USSR "is not a party to any agreement" and that "the USSR is not able to break obligations which it has not assumed." The TASS commentary also took a swing at Tel Aviv, detailing alleged Israeli violations of the cease-fire, including the construction of a "mighty belt" of fortifications along the Suez Canal. Moreover, TASS and the other Soviet news media have charged that the "press campaign" against the USSR is a US attempt to "divest itself and its wards" of responsibility for the stalling of the Jarring mission. The unyielding and sometimes belligerent statements from Moscow in recent days are no doubt an outgrowth of a considered decision to undertake a political offensive aimed at squelch- ing US charges of Soviet responsibility for "al- leged" cease-fire violations. At the same time, the Soviets are trying to attribute the failure of diplo- matic efforts in the Middle East to US actions, which they claim have encouraged Israel to stay away from the talks. The tough Soviet line is probably also intended to serve as an earnest of continued support for Nasir's successors. 25X1 Jordan: Another Agreement With the Fedayeen Government-fedayeen negotiations have pro- duced an agreement that does not represent a clear victory for either side. Many of the govern- ment's chief aims have been realized but were somewhat weakened by vaguely worded excep- tions whose full extent still remains to be seen. One article, for example, seems to bring the feda- yeen under the rule of law-long an aim of the government-but promptly waters down the point by mentioning unspecified exceptions. The feda- yeen are barred from carrying weapons in town, but again, provision is made for "certain excep- tional cases." Commandos are apparently answer- able to the civil courts for ordinary crimes, al- though the fedayeen command seems to be re- sponsible for general discipline. Nevertheless, the government has made some clear gains. The provision specifying the location of fedayeen bases has not been made public, but the government has been promised that they will Page 3 not be near cities and villages-a major point of contention. Moreover, the Palestine Liberation Organization's central committee has been made fully responsible for enforcing its obligations on all fedayeen groups. The fedayeen, however, were given conces- sions that the government earlier seemed deter- mined not to grant. The Amman headquarters of the central committee, for example, will be pro- tected by fedayeen guards and is apparently free to conduct a wide range of activities, including military. The government has also agreed that no one is to be detained or suspended because of the recent incidents. In addition, the commandos have been promised that the government will not establish or operate organizations "contrary to the interests of the Palestine revolution," but there is no indication that the fedayeen have any clear-cut veto power over government depart- ments or personnel. SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 I low The crucial issue of implementation has been left to a joint committee composed of one mem- ber from the government, one from the fedayeen, and of either Tunisian Premier Bahi Ladgham or his representative. Because the written agreement is so ambiguous, the stand taken by the joint committee will probably be decisive in determin- ing which side eventually comes out on top. A continuing pan-Arab presence in Jordan is also guaranteed by the creation of a military subcom- mittee, made up of the observers from various Arab countries already in Jordan, which is pre- sumably intended to prevent a new outbreak of fighting. Meanwhile, the cease-fire continues to hold without serious incident, although there have been occasional minor clashes. A number of viola- tions of the agreement by both sides have been investigated by the Arab supervisory committee, AFRICA: President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia is currently leading a prestigious delegation of black African officials on a week-long tour of Western Europe and the US to lobby for black African positions on issues dealing with white southern Africa. The delegation is visiting Bonn, Paris, and London in the name of the Organiza- tion of African Unity to protest past and pro- posed arms sales to South Africa. In addition, the recent Nonaligned Conference held in Zambia broadened the mission's "mandate" by commis- sioning it to press for the elimination of all West- ern economic and military ties with South Africa, Portugal, and Rhodesia. Kaunda also will report to the UN General Assembly next Monday on the accomplishments of the Nonaligned Conference. His speech is expected to be an earnest presenta- Page 4 which has successfully prevented them from esca- lating. The fedayeen are dragging their heels in moving out of Irbid and Ramtha; press corre- spondents returning from northern towns state that fedayeen influence is predominant in some areas, almost to the complete exclusion of the government. to deal firmly with the commandos. government will live up to its oft-stated intention Amman is peaceful and under effective gov- ernment control. Yasir Arafat apparently made a triumphant return to the Wahdat refugee camp on 10 October, however. His entry was marked by a general firing of weapons that appeared "out of nowhere," after which Arafat and an armed feda- yeen escort toured the camp. Large numbers of fedayeen have unquestionably gone underground 25X1 in Amman, and it remains to be seen whether the tion of the standard Third World platitudes adopted by the gathering. Kaunda realizes that his mission will ac- complish little in the way of persuading Western governments and business interests actually to cut their ties with white southern Africa. He hopes, however, to generate enough favorable public sympathy to induce the UK to reverse its an- nounced intention to sell maritime defense equip- ment to South Africa, but it is doubtful that he will succeed. The mission's other specific goal- convincing Western interests to withdraw from a large hydroelectric project in Portuguese Mozam- bique-also will almost certainly fail. f I 25X1 SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 SECRET Rhodesia: Sanctions Not Working Rhodesia's economic performance this year, despite some agricultural setbacks due to drought, has been the best since sanctions were imposed five years ago and, in some sectors, the most notable in the history of the former British col- ony. UK and UN sanctions have not caused severe economic difficulties and they did not bring the Ian Smith government to terms. Indeed, the over- all impact of the sanctions probably has lessened each year, despite measures taken to strengthen them. Rhodesia's economic gains have been wide- ranging. In June the index of manufacturing pro- duction was some 61 percent higher than in 1966, reflecting primarily an increase in local produc- tion of goods to replace former imports. Both industrial and residential building also have in- creased substantially. During the first half of 1970, the value of new industrial building was about 65 percent above the same period last year. The mining industry increased its output in 1969 by $28 million to reach a record level of $122 million, and thus far in 1970 production is up more than 20 percent over last year's output. Most of the mineral production, moreover, has been sold abroad despite sanctions. Demand for imports stemming from last year's extraordinary economic growth placed heavy pressure on Rhodesia's already low for- eign-exchange reserves. The government last week introduced selective curbs on foreign exchange to favor import needs of Rhodesia's vital industries. Because foreign-exchange earnings from agricul- tural exports this year probably will be reduced, the pinch is expected to continue. Nonetheless, Rhodesia's economic outlook is brighter than it has been since 1966. The coun- try's economy is more diversified than before sanctions and therefore is better equipped to weather economic crises than in the past. If Brit- ish sanctions are relaxed, as some conservatives in Prime Minister Heath's party indicate might be the case in another year, Rhodesia's economy TURKEY: Although Prime Minister Demirel has been under considerable fire since last spring, he should be able to maintain his leadership of the ruling Justice Party (JP) at its national convention next week. He may face a serious challenge when parliament reconvenes on 1 November, however. The government's slim majority of eight votes is by no means firm and could easily fall apart. The 26 dissident members who were ousted from the JP last summer are still determined to dump Page 5 Demirel somehow, and are trying to form a new party that might draw away other deputies-pos- sibly even the speaker of the lower house. Parlia- ment will almost immediately be faced with sev- eral controversial items, including the proposed opium control bill and the question of corruption charges still hanging over the Demirel family. Either of these could be exploited further to undermine the prime minister's control of both the party and the government. SECRET 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 lftool~ SECRET Sierra Leone: Prime Minister Opts for Force Prime Minister Stevens resorted last week to illegal force to silence a strong political challenge, increasing the possibility that his opponents will turn to large-scale violence. Moreover, his strong- arm tactics probably will alienate moderate politi- cians who presently support the government, add- ing to the factionalism within his already-divided All People's Congress (APC) Party. Stevens apparently acted in response to the insistent demands of hard liners within his party when on 8 October he outlawed the newly formed United Democratic Party (UDP). Over 20 UDP leaders have now been arrested, including the party's three most important spokesmen. The new opposition group had been part of the dis- parate ruling coalition until last month, when it broke with Stevens over his plans to introduce a new constitution, which they saw as the first step toward one-man rule. Stevens and his supporters view the new party as a particularly serious threat because its leaders command a large following in the north, traditionally a stronghold of the ruling party. Stevens claims to be acting under a state of emergency that he declared last month when op- position efforts to organize in the north first sparked violent clashes with armed APC support- ers. The declaration is without legal basis, how- ever, as the constitution reserves that power to parliament. So far, UDP followers are trying legal measures to free their leaders, but they say that if this fails, they will use "other methods," pre- sumably including violence. Thus far, the security forces, which mirror the country's general political fragmentation, have gone along with the prime minister. The police and army chiefs, as well as some other security officers, are clearly unhappy over Stev- ens' resort to illegal suppression of his opponents, however. Stevens mistrusts both security heads, but so far has not moved to replace them.F At the same time, the prime minister conjured up a for- eign scapegoat by linking a US Embassy official- who was ordered out of the country- with one of the plotters. Sierra Leone's official press also has mounted a no-holds-barred attack on the US,pre- cipitating an anti-American demonstration at the US Embassy on Thursday. Although Stevens' crackdown has tem- porarily silenced his most vocal opponents, it probably has accelerated the erosion of his over- all political position. His capitulation to extremist advisers will alienate APC moderates, requiring an even greater reliance on force if he is to maintain his position. Moreover, the new opposition has split Stevens' following among the northern Temnes-Sierra Leone's second largest tribe- while at the same time his traditional southern- based opposition remains intact. Support for Stevens' policies will be tested next week, when parliament is expected to consider his emergency declaration and other measures he has Central African Republic: The President Lives Dangerously President Bokassa has recently appeared to be going out of his way to irritate France, his country's patron, while continuing to move closer to Communist and other anti-Western countries. Page 7 In 1966, to justify the coup that put him in power, Bokassa made much of the need to fore- stall alleged Communist subversion and to restore bonds with Paris that had eroded under the SECRET WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 W SJ CKJ l previous regime. Immediately after his take-over, the Chinese Communists were expelled and West- ern influence rebounded. Bokassa soon proved himself to be one of Paris' more erratic and diffi- cult African clients, however. Bokassa signaled the beginning of his more friendly attitude toward Communist and radical Arab and African countries with the announce- ment in mid-1969 that the CAR's diplomacy would no longer be bound by "ideology." As his foreign minister he soon installed an avowed left- ist who has arranged relations with Cairo and with every Communist state save China and Cuba, and has even recognized Sihanouk's Cambodian exile government. In support of this swing to the left, Bokassa traveled during the past year to Egypt, Sudan, Congo (Brazzaville), the Soviet Union, and Rumania, and announced his support for some of these countries' policies. Bokassa's prime motivation seems to be his dissatisfaction with the low level of aid his fi- nancially pressed country has obtained from the West. He apparently hoped his new path would jolt France and other Western countries into in- creasing their aid, or would possibly encourage the Communist countries to give supplemental assistance. Instead, the shift has failed to generate significant additional aid from any quarter and has jeopardized relations with France. Bokassa's latest and most serious tiff with Paris began in July with the French ambassador's public censure of the CAR's leftward drift. Bokassa replied with spirited defenses of his poli- cies and with blunt attacks on "neocolonialists" and their institutions, such as the French-inspired Afro-Malagasy Common Organization. Last month, Bokassa suddenly expelled most French agricultural advisers and then stripped the French ambassador of his deanship of the diplomatic corps. Paris, which has usually adopted a de- tached approach toward Bokassa, is now search- ing for discreet ways to indicate its irritation. One approved proposal calls for continuing existing aid projects without making any new commit- ments until Bokassa reverses his course. Any lasting aid shutoff would have a calamitous effect on the CAR's economy. More- over, Bokassa's refusal to come to terms could become a factor inspiring domestic elements- already disgruntled with growing repression and lack of progress-to coalesce in opposition. Bangui has been beset for weeks with coup rumors, but there probably is no immediate threat of an overthrow as Bokassa apparently is still backed by the army, which remains the key to any successful attempt. Indian Aircraft Industry Plods Along The first MIG-21FL Fishbed fighter-in- terceptor to be manufactured primarily in India has been successfully test flown and, according to press reports, will be delivered to the Indian Air Force later this month. The MIG-21FL is produced at three widely separated plants of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., India's state-owned aircraft manufacturing firm, under a 1962 license arrangement with the Soviet Union. The program has developed in phases. At first India merely assembled the aircraft from imported subassemblies, then began manufactur- ing some of the components, and finally has un- dertaken "indigenous" production. In this last phase, India manufactures most of the engine and airframe and assembles the complete aircraft. New Delhi will, however, continue to rely on the Soviet Union for major accessories such as elec- tronics. SECRET Page 8 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 During the first two major phases of the production program. India turned out as many as 120 aircraft India is also producing two other fighter aircraft, the Gnat and the HF-24. The Gnat is a subsonic day fighter produced under license with the UK. The Indian Air Force ordered about 215 Gnats for delivery by 1969. Again, production delays have prevented the accomplishment of this objective and it probably will be mid-1971 before the production program for the Gnat can be com- pleted. The HF-24, a supersonic twin-engine jet fighter of Indian - West German design, was in- tended to replace the British Hawker Hunters and the French Mysteres now in the Indian inventory. NIGERIA: The military government's announce- ment on 1 October that it intends to retain power for six more years has sparked little overt opposi- tion, but discontent beneath the surface is grow- ing. The press has generally approved the nine- point program for a return to civilian rule an- nounced by General Gowon. Public reaction has been slow and diffuse, except among politicians who have a personal interest in a quicker turnover of power. Northern politicians are reportedly rest- less and annoyed at the delay. The always tur- bulent Yorubas of the Western State, although not entirely happy with the prospects of con- tinued rule by a particularly corrupt military gov- ernor, appear to have adopted at least a momen- tary wait-and-see attitude. Difficulties in designing a sufficiently powerful engine for the HF-24 have caused the program to fall far behind schedule. India has turned to the Soviet Union for SU-7 fighter-bombers to fill the role intended for the HF-24s. Of the 139 SU-7s India ordered, about 100 have been delivered. India will continue to attempt to improve its aircraft production capabilities to reduce depend- ence on foreign suppliers. If past performance is any guide, however, it is unlikely that India will attain an independent production capability for the foreseeable future. General Gowon conceded that the army might be able to finish its program sooner, and pressures to shorten the timetable can be ex- pected. It is unlikely that 61-year-old Yoruba Chief Awolowo, the highest ranking civilian in the government, will be willing to check his ambitions for such a long period. SECRET Page 9 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 taw bhUKEI' 140Y FAR EAST Vietnam: Yeas and Nays for Peace Plan Hanoi's "categorical rejection" of the Nixon initiative on 14 October contains few if any open- ings. Hanoi did seem to invite further elaboration of Washington's position on withdrawals and the shape of the postwar government in Saigon by charging that the Nixon address was "vague" on these two key issues. The statement makes it plain, however, that the Communists are sticking for now to the Viet Cong eight points as the "correct" basis for a settlement in Vietnam. Hanoi's rejection, along with a similar state- ment by the president of the Provisional Revo- lutionary Government also issued on the 14th, caps a week of decidedly negative reactions by Vietnamese Communist spokesmen and by Mos- cow and Peking. The Communists have attacked the US proposal as "old wine in new bottles," a frivolous piece of electioneering, and an appeal for Viet Cong surrender. They have tried to rebut Washington by calling attention to their own demands, most of which are embodied in the eight points. The Communists' public stance suggests that any exploration of the various "points" now lying on the table in Paris will be slow going indeed. The Communists could hew to their line for a long time, especially if they are satisfied that their position on the ground will see them through Washington's next major troop withdrawal an- nouncement, scheduled for late next spring. Mixed Reaction in Saigon Many South Vietnamese have publicly wel- comed the Nixon proposals, but there are indica- Page 10 tions that some of them have misgivings over the possibility of a cease-fire. High government of- ficials have expressed approval of the plan and are pleased by the favorable reception it has been getting in South Vietnam. Some have noted in private that it puts the Communists on the de- fensive in the eyes of the world and also helps to defuse South Vietnamese peace advocates. For their part, proponents of an early peace have received the proposal very well, and a few reportedly have begun to consider new initiatives of their own. The An Quang Buddhists and militant antigovernment students have com- mented favorably, and an outspoken Saigon daily described the initiative as "quite a big step for- ward compared with those announced with fan- fare in the past." Some opposition leaders have suggested that President Thieu should have of- fered similar proposals on his own long ago. A few hard-line elements, on the other hand, have voiced considerable displeasure over the pro- posals. That there have been few expressions of concern stems in part from the fact that most politically conscious South Vietnamese believed that Hanoi would not accept the offer. Saigon will undoubtedly be relieved by Hanoi's "cate- gorical" rejection of the proposals. Remarks by some senior South Vietnamese military officers indicate that any improvement in the prospects for a settlement would substantially increase fears and uncertainty in Saigon. They believe that a standstill cease-fire would be very difficult to supervise and that the Communists would be able to take advantage of such a situation in the SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 SECRET countryside. They also fear that it might lower morale and sharply increase desertion in the armed forces. The new proposal has taklen some of the play away from the partial devaluation of the piaster and other economic reform measures an- nounced by the government last week. Reaction in Saigon political circles to these measures has been mixed, with many observers reserving final judgment until the long-term effect of the pro- gram becomes clearer. Partly because the govern- ment made an extensive effort to explain its actions, there has been no sharp increase in prices or any expressions of shock and anger of the kind that followed the imposition of austerity taxes and led to the political crisis last October. Casualty Trends The enemy's losses may be easier to make up this year than last. The Communists' casualties have dropped sharply during the past summer and their losses for the whole year in South Vietnam have been reduced by about one third compared with 1969. they still are suffering an average of over 2,000 killed a week, however. On an average, the Communists sustained some 3,000 combat deaths each week in South Vietnam last year, 3,500 in 1968, and about 1,700 a week in 1967. The war also remains costly for South Viet- namese Government forces. This year, an average of 360 have been killed each week, the same rate as last year. In 1968, the year of the most intense fighting, their weekly losses were 465. Weekly casualties on the government side have declined this summer to about 230 dead, according to preliminary estimates. US losses have averaged some 95 killed each week this year, approxi- mately half the 1969 toll, and in recent months they have been lower than that. These casualty trends have resulted in part from continued Com- munist emphasis on guerrilla-type fighting and the emergence of a new enemy military front in Cam- bodia. Also, significant enemy attacks have normally declined during the summer, when much of Vietnam is flooded by monsoon rains. If the Communists follow past patterns, higher allied casualties can be expected from increased guerrilla activity and some main-force action during the coming winter-spring dry sea- SECRET Page 11 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 %oli SECRET Cambodia: Harassing Probes Greet New Republic There were no major military engagements during the week, but the Communists continued to keep the large government task force on Route 6 on the defensive. Government spokesmen in Phnom Penh greatly exaggerated the number of enemy troops involved in ground attacks against the column, enemy troops and supplies were being moved into positions that could support fresh attacks on the column, now numbering 11,000 men. Thus far, Phnom Penh has suffered approximately 73 killed and at least 500 wounded in its stymied operation to reach Kompong Thom city since the offensive began in early September. Undaunted by its diffi- culties with this operation, the government this week sent 13 battalions on a three-day road- clearing maneuver south of Phnom Penh. A few enemy probing attacks along Route 7, between Skoun and Kompong Cham city, also were reported, but they did not appear to add up to any new Communist move to isolate the city and sever its supply line to the column on Route 6. In the northwest, the Communists made more harassing attacks in the Siem Reap area. Government positions near Siem Reap city con- tinued to be subjected to light enemy shelling, and Communist troops also attacked and dam- aged three bridges on Route 6 between Siem Reap and the crossroads town of Kralanh, which was occupied briefly by the enemy in mid-Au- gust. A few small enemy actions were reported near Phnom Penh, but they did not dampen the enthusiastic celebrations in the capital over the declaration of a republic. The declaration may serve in part to improve army morale, in that it will give Cambodian soldiers a fresh and seem- ingly more democratic symbol to fight for SECRET Page 12 WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 SEUKL'f iiiilw Laos: What Price Peace? The reaction in Vientiane to President Nixon's recent Indochina peace proposals has been favorable, but it is apparent that many lead- ing political and military figures there are appre- hensive about its implications for Laos. With Communist forces controlling as much if not more territory than ever before, the prospect of a cease-fire along present battle lines is not wel- come. Moreover, a number of officials fear that the US peace plan could undercut their own ef- forts to start substantive negotiations with the Laotian Communists. Although some hard-line rightists feel that the President's statement was not tough enough, much of the uneasiness is traceable to questions about what it implied for Laos' political position, particularly with respect to the 1962 Geneva Ac- cords, which the Lao regard as the cornerstone of their foreign policy. The statement raised nagging fears that Laotian interests could be sacrificed in the US search for a settlement in Indochina. Souvanna may express this concern to US officials during his visit to New York from 14 to 24 October to attend the 25th anniversary meet- ings of the UN. The prime minister also intends to confer here with Soviet Foreign Minister Gro- myko. In speaking with US diplomats in Paris this week, Souvanna said he had asked President Pompidou during his visit to Moscow to request that the USSR press Hanoi to respect the 1962 Accords. There have been rumors that Souvanna him- self would return to Laos via Moscow, but noth- ing definite has emerged so far. The prime minis- ter is scheduled to return to Vientiane by 29 October, the anniversary of the death of the for- mer king. SECRET Page 13 WEEKLY SUMMARY Government units succeeded this week in occupying Muong Soui west of the Plaine des Jarres. The former neutralist headquarters has lit- tle military value. The government made little progress, however, south of the Plaine. General Vang Pao's failure to push back enemy forces from within striking distance of the Long Tieng complex this summer means that he will face the Communists' anticipated fall campaign at some- thing of a disadvantage. In south Laos, three government querrilla battalions were pulled out of the Toumlane Val- ley area after successfully completing an op- eration along Route 23. No major fichting de- veloped on the Bolovens Plateau. 1,111-1 W -a Camm~~no un1 62~',ralist con~rai June iy62 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 %Wv SECRET Communist China: Joining the World Tuesday's announcement that the long- drawn-out negotiations on diplomatic recognition between Peking and Ottawa had been successfully concluded is likely to reinforce and perhaps ac- celerate trends toward Communist China's as- sumption of its "rightful place in the world." Two intertwined issues are involved: recognition of Peking per se and the question of China's seat in the United Nations. Sentiment favoring Peking seems to be slowly rising on both issues. There has been a gradual movement in this direction for some years-movement that was only temporarily ar- rested by the events surrounding China's Cultural Revolution. In 1964 France recognized Peking, and in 1965 the UN Assembly vote on the tradi- tional "Albanian" resolution, which calls for the seating of Peking and the corollary expulsion of the Taipei government, produced a tie vote-the high-water mark, from Peking's point of view, on the issue. China's subsequent absorption in dom- estic matters and the self-imposed isolation that followed, coupled with the chaos and confusion that accompanied the excesses of the Cultural Revolution, somewhat undermined the tendency to consider Peking a full-fledged member of the international community. In the past year, however, the appearance of renewed stability on the mainland, coupled with Peking's general campaign to improve relations with a wide variety of states and, more recently, with specific assurances that it is again "inter- ested" in taking the Chinese seat at the UN, have mollified many who doubt that Communist China actually intends to become a "responsible mem- ber" of the international community. The leaders of several states have recently remarked that the present situation, which tends to "freeze out" a government that controls upwards of 800 million people, is anomalous. In other cases, Peking's more "reasonable" posture has reinforced do- mestic pressures for a change in attitude toward the mainland. In these circumstances, the successful con- clusion of the Sino-Canadian recognition talks will certainly add additional incentive to states, particularly Italy, Belgium, and Ethiopia, that are currently considering similar moves. Rome has already indicated that it may feel impelled to follow rapidly in Ottawa's footsteps, and the lengthy Italian negotiations on recognition may soon be concluded. Belgium will probably also follow, although at a slower pace. For its part, Addis Ababa is awaiting the outcome of the UN voting before considering renewing efforts to for- malize its 1964 agreement in principle to recog- nize Peking. Despite mutual interest in expanded contracts, however, it is not likely that the con- clusion of negotiations with these states would presage a wholesale granting of recognition by Peking to all comers. Each nation will almost certainly have to move at its own pace toward resolution of specific bilateral differences. The well-publicized interest of many states in expanding ties with the mainland has also eroded support for Taipei as the sole representa- tive of China in the UN. Canadian recognition, and that of Italy if it comes next month, may precipitate reconsideration of several undecided votes on the representation issue in the General Assembly in mid-November. Although the exact vote cannot yet be predicted with accuracy, the chances that Peking may receive for the first time a small majority on the "Albanian" resolution have grown. It remains unlikely, however, that even the largest probable realignment will result either in Peking's admission or the expulsion of Taipei from the world body this year, because Peking almost certainly lacks the votes to defeat the "important question" ruling that makes ad- mission dependent on a two-thirds majority. Nevertheless, even a tie vote on the "Albanian" resolution would reinforce other factors causing various states to improve relations with Peking and could also inspire more forceful challenges to Taipei's credentials in other UN organizations over the next year. SECRET Page 14 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Communist China: Provincial Permutations The nationwide rallies held earlier this month to celebrate China's National Day made it clear that the top provincial leadership endorsed by Peking at the ninth party congress in April 1969 remains largely intact but that the end of the regime's difficult consolidation process is not yet in sight. Interprovincial shifts of secondary military and civilian administrators are apparently still continuing and some political settlements that have been hanging fire for more than a year have yet to be worked out. The top leaders in five long-troubled provinces have been quietly re- moved, and the situation within the Peking city government itself is uncertain now that former municipal boss Hsieh Fu-chih has dropped into political limbo. The continued dominance of most provincial governments by military men and reinstated veteran civilian officials was strikingly reaffirmed, but their ability to work together remains open to question in a number of localities and the regime's efforts to get on with party and government reconstruction continues to be ham- pered by persistent local political combat. One regime spokesman recently admitted that the inability of some provincial leaders "to put their houses in order" is a primary reason for Peking's delay in convening the long-awaited Na- tional People's Congress. Although the spokesman failed to identify the provinces, Hunan, Kwei- chow, Inner Mongolia, Shantung, and Shansi have all been politically unstable since the ninth con- gress, and Peking has apparently been temporizing in appointing new provincial revolutionary com- In Shansi and Shantung provinces, two mili- tary officials who have been active in local affairs in recent months headed up the National Day rallies, suggesting that Peking may be moving to confirm them as replacements for two civilian administrators whose political problems had been the subject of intense debate at the highest levels long after the close of the ninth congress. The confirmation of army men in the top spots in Shansi and Shantung would bring to 20 the num- ber of provinces headed by military officials. Least progress toward a political settlement ap- pears to have been achieved in Inner Mongolia and Kweichow, with the affairs of both areas apparently being handled on an ad hoc basis by military trouble shooters recently transferred in from other areas. tier. It seems likely that there have been more transfers of military and civilian officials between provinces than have been publicly disclosed, and this process of political checkers is probably con- tinuing as Peking moves to deal with officials whose factional quarrels have been undermining the effectiveness of the various provincial govern- ments. Shifts have also been made to fill long- standing vacancies, and this seems to be the case in the most important interregional transfer re- vealed by the National Day turnouts-the ap- pointment of P'i Ting-chun, former deputy head of the Fukien provincial government and deputy commander of the Foochow Military Region, to military and civilian positions within the Lan- chow Military Region. A subsequent radio- broadcast suggested that P'i may be the new Lan- chow Military Region commander-a major com- mand post on the sensitive Sino-Soviet fron- SECRET Page 15 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 %w ~)EUKJ1 1 NEW ROMANIA: In conjunction with his attendance at the UN commemorative session, President Ceausescu is currently making an unofficial coast-to-coast tour of the US, meeting with bank- ers and businessmen and touring industrial plants and a nuclear power plant. He is interested in gaining an insight into how US capitalism works and into American industry's use of scientific and technological expertise. He also hopes that his exposure here will facilitate Romania's acquisi- tion of US credit and technology. When Ceau- Page 16 EUROPE sescu addresses the UN General Assembly on 19 October, he will probably make a strong plea for general acceptance of the principles of national independence and the participation of small states in major world decisions. At his meeting with President Nixon on 26 October, Ceausescu will undoubtedly stress the importance to Romania of its good political relations with the US and press for closer economic ties. He may also urge better relations between Washington and Peking. 25X1 SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 ,nuts x i %NW NATO Probes Uncertain Future The Allied study of NATO defense in the 1970s-called AD-70-apparently will come out strongly for the maintenance of present Alliance force levels and strategies. The AD-70 report, now in draft form, also stresses that the European allies must carry a greater share of the NATO burden in the years ahead. It remains unclear, however, whether the Europeans will succeed in their current efforts to embody this principle in a multilateral burden-sharing offer to the US. The AD-70 study was proposed by Secretary General Brosio, acting on a suggestion made in President Nixon's foreign-policy report to Con- gress, as a thorough review of the military and strategic problems that NATO will face in the next ten years. The emerging draft report con- cludes that NATO's approach to security in the 1970s should continue to be based on the dual concepts of detente and defense. The report comments that the next decade could develop into an era of "successful negotia- tions," possibly including agreements on Berlin, strategic arms limitations, other arms control measures, and one or more conferences on "Euro- pean security and cooperation." Despite this optimism, the study observes that the Soviet Union still seems bent on extending and strength- ening its political power and, therefore, whether East-West relations can be improved will depend on Moscow. Because of the continuing nature of the Soviet threat as seen by the Alliance, the report goes on to reaffirm the Allied commitment to a deterent defense based on both nuclear and con- ventional capabilities as well as the strategy of flexible response and forward defense. The study maintains that there is no substitute for the presence of American troops in Europe to preserve a credible deterrent, but exhorts the Europeans to allocate to defense purposes a "stable and possibly larger proportion" of their national wealth. The defense ministers of the European NATO members-excluding France, Iceland, and Portugal-meeting as the "Eurogroup" on 1 October pledged in principle to contribute more to the common defense. They hope to make the US a specific offer before December, encom- passing both a monetary contribution-the ap- proach that West Germany had urged-and ways of improving their own defense efforts. But the prospects are not bright. The Europeans in gen- eral are reluctant to increase their national de- fense efforts given present public and par- liamentary sentiment, and are in any case uncer- tain as to whether any plan they could produce would actually ward off significant US troop re- Italy: Social Reforms Inch Ahead Prime Minister Emilio Colombo, one of It- aly's chief economic experts, is making some progress toward the enactment of social reforms, and at the same time is exerting pressure for equilibrium in the economy. The government's most pressing task now is to meet a deadline of 26 October in winning approval of the Chamber of Deputies for a key fiscal and economic package. The government and organized labor reached agreement early this month on the broad outlines SECRET Page 17 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 vow ar,vtcr, t i"w of health and housing reforms. The labor federa- tions had also demanded reforms in transporta- tion, schools, and old-age care during a series of expensive strikes last spring, but union leaders seem satisfied for the time being with the present rate of progress. The long-pending bill permitting divorce in Italy also moved this month markedly closer to the status of law and may receive final parliamen- tary approval next month. The issue in the past has disrupted Christian Democratic Socialist co- operation and threatened government stability, but tension now seems considerably reduced. Parliament is also reconsidering the govern- ment's designation of Catanzaro as the regional capital of Calabria. These second thoughts are in direct response to the continuing violent protest in the city of Reggio Calabria, which seeks the economic benefits of capital status. The crowded parliamentary calendar has de- layed debate on the fiscal and economic decrees that the Colombo government elaborated during its first weeks in office last August. The decrees took effect immediately but must have parliamen- tary approval by 26 October to remain in force. The Senate made a variety of minor amendments but retained the thrust of the original measures- including the substantial gasoline-tax increase-in the version it approved on 11 October. The Chamber of Deputies, which must also face the recommitted divorce bill, has thus been allotted only 15 days to approve the package, which is pivotal to Colombo's program of accomplishing social reform without seriously increasing govern- Europe Calm About Oil Situation As oil producers fell into line and concluded new tax and price agreements with Libya re- cently, one major threat to West European oil supplies abated. Production cuts in short-haul Libyan oil im- posed by the government during negotiations have been largely restored. European consumers, however, head into winter with a tight supply of tankers, which stems from the continued closure of the Suez Canal. This situation was com- pounded this year by the shutdown in May of Tapline, which delivers significant quantities of Saudi Arabian oil, and by the unanticipated growth in Western Europe's demand for oil. Nevertheless, West European countries seem chiefly concerned with the resultant price in- creases: short-term 'tanker charter rates, for ex- ample, have doubled since May. At last week's Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development meeting on the oil supply situation, participating delegates expressed the view that there would be little ground for concern unless further production cutbacks in the Mediterranean area occur or the winter proves abnormally harsh. If present conditions prevail, Western Europe expects to meet normal winter oil demands through moderate drawdowns of existing oil stocks, which at present probably amount to two to three months' needs. France faces particular problems. It soon will resume contentious negotiations with Algeria, from which it procures 30 percent of its oil. The fact that it provides a market for 60 percent of Algerian oil exports may, however, prevent any stoppage of exports as a negotiating technique. Oil supply problems will persist until the current tanker situation is alleviated. Scheduled completion next year of tankers under construc- tion is expected to ease the tight supply con- siderably. SECRET Page 18 WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 SECRET Yugoslavia - Communist China: Economic Relations Expand Since resuming diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level earlier this year, economic and governmental relations between Peking and Belgrade have expanded considerably. For the first time in ten years, an official Chinese delegation attended the fall trade fair in Zagreb. The group stayed in Yugoslavia two weeks touring industrial establishments and meet- ing with top government officials. During the visit, substantive talks touched on a possible Chi- nese purchase of freighters and tankers ranging in size from 15,000 to 70,000 tons. The Yugoslavs are already building six 12,000-hp. marine engines worth more than $1 million for the Chinese ship- ping industry for delivery next year. A Sino- Yugoslav shipping service was inaugurated earlier this year, and Belgrade is encouraging its East European neighbors to use Yugoslav ports for trade with Communist China. Spade work for the current upswing in Yugoslav-Chinese economic relations was done in March 1969 when an official Yugoslav trade dele- gation visited Peking and, for the first time in over a decade, signed a trade-and-payments agree- ment with the Communist Chinese. Although po- tentially beneficial to both countries, trade expansion faces problems. Because trade between the two, totaling $1.6 million last year, is settled in convertible currency, both will probably seek balanced exchanges so as to minimize drains on their limited hard-currency holdings. China will be particularly cautious in making new purchases because its charter of about ten Yugoslav flag ships already represents an existing drain on its hard-currency holdings. Nevertheless, there is likely to be a measured increase in trade ap- proaching and perhaps exceeding the postwar high in 1957 of about $11 million for total trade. In addition to economic advantages, the up- turn in economic relations provides political divi- dends for both Peking and Belgrade, although ideologically the two remain miles apart and party relations between them are nonexistent. Both, however, have a common cause in resisting Soviet hegemony. Yugoslavia's new ambassador to China, General Orescanin, was well received in Peking last May and within a matter of weeks met with top Chinese officials, including Premier Chou En-lai. Belgrade responded in kind, and Tseng Tao, the new Chinese envoy to Yugoslavia, was received by President Tito and Premier Ribi- cic a few weeks after his mid-August arrival in Yugoslavia. Relations probably will continue to improve. The Yugoslavs recently established a special sec- tion in the Federal Economic Chamber to moni- tor trade with China. Moreover, Ambassador Tseng Tao's recent meeting with the Yugoslav federal cultural relations chief, Dr. Dusan Veji- novic, could indicate that a cultural agreement is in the offing. Soviet Economy: A Moscow Economist's Glum View In a public lecture in Moscow on 25 Septem- ber a State Planning Committee economist gave an unusually frank exposition of the profound problems facing the Soviet economy. He made few promises about the future to his listeners, whose hostile questions reflected keen popular dissatisfaction and anxiety over the country's economic performance. SECRET Page 19 WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 iftol SECRET IWO The lecturer was especially explicit in dis- cussing the "social" problems besetting the coun- try. The housing shortage remains acute, he admitted, and has even grown worse in some areas since the current five-year plan began in 1966. He pointed to "serious lags" in public services and acknowledged that there are "low income" fam- ilies in the Soviet Union. At the same time he hinted at inflationary pressures by complaining that monetary income had grown faster than en- visaged by the plan. He cited production losses as evidence that the country had not been prepared for the transfer to the five-day work week, a program announced by party chief Brezhnev at the 23rd party congress in 1966. Enormous resources must be applied to solve these problems, the speaker said, but he also suggested that there are several obstacles to carry- ing this out. Agricultural difficulties are "problem number one," and the need to develop natural resources in the east and to expand the trans- portation network will raise costs in these sectors. With rare candor he told his audience that the USSR must bear a heavier defense burden than the US because it must match US defense spend- ing despite a smaller economy. The lecturer recited standard formulas for economic progress. These included faster tech- nological development, better production or- ganization and discipline, and more efficient use of capital investment and output. He refused, however, to comment on what measures will be taken under the new five-year plan (1971-75) and promised only that its much delayed directives would be published in two or three months. The economist said he found many of the queries by the audience too "unpleasant" to answer. One questioned his suitability as a lecturer inasmuch as his organization was the one most responsible for the economic slowdown. Another asked why the economic reform had failed to justify itself. While denying that this was the case, the speaker said that a joint committee had submitted a report to the party central committee outlining the reform's defects and suggesting corrections. He also answered many questions reflecting anxiety over price increases with assurances that the prices of "mass" consumer goods would not be raised. 25X1 USSR-Iran: New Economic Pact With the signing of a 15-year trade and eco- nomic cooperation protocol last week, the Soviets underscored their intent to assist Iran's economic development in a manner promising the greatest potential benefit to the USSR. In particular, Mos- cow focused on the expansion of the Iranian natural gas industry and in principle agreed to double its imports of this fuel. An Iranian official has commented, however, that projects under the protocol will be undertaken only if Tehran con- siders them economically feasible. Under the agreement, Soviet technicians will study two Iranian proposals to cover the cost of a second gas pipeline to the USSR. Under one pro- posal, the USSR would install the pipeline and amortize its cost by importing agreed amounts of Iranian gas. Under a second plan, Iran would bear the cost of the pipeline with the stipulation that the USSR would buy the gas at the prevailing West European market price. The first Soviet-Iranian pipeline went into operation last week. This system, extending from southern Iran to the USSR, is capable of deliv- ering six billion cubic meters of gas annually. With the scheduled addition of more compressor stations, annual deliveries are expected to increase SECRET Page 20 WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 rr/ ar,ut? 1 to 10 billion cubic meters in 1974. Iran is com- mitted under existing pacts to deliver about 140 billion cubic meters of gas valued at about $1 billion over the next 15 years. The two countries also agreed to explore jointly for gas in the northeast frontier region. Soviet technicians are expected to go to Iran shortly to study construction of plants to pro- duce petrochemicals of interest to the USSR. Soviet interest in Iranian oil was limited to pro- posed exploration in the Caspian Sea and central province areas. In the nonfuel area, the Soviets are planning to expand the 1.2-million - ton capacity of the Isfahan steel mill that they are now constructing to four million tons per year, if this proves eco- nomically sound. The Soviets will submit a report on the plant's expansion to Iranian officials within three months, and Tehran will make the final decision. Measures to expand trade between the two countries over the next 15 years were also dis- cussed. The USSR agreed to increase its purchases of some industrial products and to collaborate with Tehran on the import of agricultural goods during this period. Moscow has also extended two credits to Iran. The first-valued at $10 million-will be used to establish eight vocational training centers, and the second-amounting to $44 million-will be used to develop Iranian industries. It is unclear whether the two credits are indeed new, long- term extensions of aid. Iran has drawn less than $100 million under two lines of credit totaling more than $483 million extended by the USSR during 1966-68. WESTERN HEMISPHERE Chilean Leftists Having Problems Salvador Allende is rapidly consolidating his power, but there is increasing evidence of dis- sension among his backers. Some extremist lead- ers within his own Socialist Party distrust Al- lende, and they reportedly are vetoing cabinet choices and political decisions. They are sus- picious of the influence of the orthodox Commu- nist and "bourgeois" Radical parties, the two largest members of Allende's six-party Popular Unity (UP) coalition. Rivalry with the Commu- nists is deep, although the two Marxist parties have been political collaborators for years. In particular, many Socialists fear that the demon- strated organizational abilities of the Communist Party will be used to dominate Allende's govern- ment. They are frantically trying to improve the slipshod Socialist organization. The Communists are using their many assets to ensure a strong but unobtrusive role and to organize agitation in Chile and other Latin Ameri- can countries against any attempt to deny Al- lende the presidency. They opposed, however, the actions last week by the extremist Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) that provoked mili- tary and police reaction. The Communist daily attacked MIR slum leader Victor Toro as a "paid ally of the conspiratorial right," and the UP di- rectorate publicly condemned the action and dis- avowed any connection with the MIR. Allende did not comment, probably because of pressure from his radical Socialist colleagues who support the MIR. Even though the revolutionaries reluc- tantly agreed to lie low during the electoral period in order not to damage Allende's chances, the Communists were planning ways to destroy the MIR. MIR leaders call their UP critics "Stalin- ists" and compromisers and vow to maintain the MIR's "political-military structure until capital- ism has been eliminated in Chile." SECRET Page 21 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 iJLVitt' I INVO, Another problem for Allende is the con- tinuing strike at two large copper mines in which the Chilean Government has a majority interest. He has warned the well-paid copper workers that their refusal of a proffered wage increase is costly to the country and prejudicial to his future ad- ministration. The strike is costing Chile about $1.2 million in lost production and about $0.5 million daily in government revenues. The economic situation continues to deterio- rate and the inflation rate is rising. Industrial firms report widespread declines in orders, sales, and production. Many firms paid neither their suppliers nor taxes in September but did pay their wages. Although few firms have laid off workers because of Chile's strict labor legislation, bank- Bolivia: Torres'First Moves President Torres' first week in power pro- duced cabinet appointments and policy state- ments that appear to be responsive to military pressure, falling far short of demands of his radi- cal supporters in labor and student groups. Torres' appointment of a moderate leftist cabinet and his failure to espouse radical policies publicly appear to reflect military pressure and his realization that vocal support from urban- based groups could not overcome determined military opposition to his government. The first overt indication of military fears was the state- ment on 7 October by the commander of a major La Paz unit, concurred in by other La Paz army elements, that his unit was armed and ready to "defend institutional unity, threatened today by irresponsible extremism." Although this state- ruptcies could cause industrial unemployment to increase dramatically by the end of October. ment was later "clarified" and stripped of its anti-Torres threat, the President presumably realized that the major units in La Paz were willing to act to ensure the type of government they wanted. The same point may have been made in a meeting on 10 October between Torres and leading military commanders, including some who had o osed his on inal assumption of power. Although Torres appears to have muted im- mediate military opposition to his leadership, his actions have produced dismay among his civilian supporters. Leftist parties and the national stu- dent confederation already have condemned the SECRET Page 22 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 ; , b l__JKL1 naming of "gorilla imperialists" to the new cab- inet, which includes seven military officers and four holdovers from Ovando's cabinet. Additional opposition from the left is almost inevitable in reaction to Torres' statements to the press. He has refused to revoke the announced compensation to the Gulf Oil Company for its nationalized Bolivian holdings and did not announce plans for the immediate nationalization of foreign-owned industrial and commercial installations. Torres said, however, that he favored commercial and diplomatic relations with all countries and would consider the re-establishment of relations with Cuba. He also affirmed the state's right to control basic industry, specifically mineral resources, and called for the "progressive nationalization" of for- eign capital. Torres' refusal to bring prominent extremists into the government or to espouse decidedly left- ist policies appears to be the surest way to retain the support of leading military commanders. He also must maintain the unity of the armed forces as the strongest element for stability within the country. One way to achieve this would be by minimizing moves against officers who originally opposed his claim to the presidency. Because of his early and enthusiastic ac- ceptance of leftist support in his bid for the presidency, Torres probably will be forced at least to consider some of the demands made by these groups. On 13 October, the government acted on two of the lesser demands by repealing a law permitting the deportation of five leftist clergy- men and another that prohibited hunger strikes, a tactic commonly used by the opposition. As was the case with Ovando, Torres' tenure will depend on his ability to handle leftist demands without alienating his crucial military backing. Depending on the latitude granted him by the military and on his own political skill, Torres' early policy statements leave him room to accommodate himself to important changes. Among the options open to him are nationaliza- tion of the US-owned Matilde tin mine or other industries, probably with some form of com- pensation; the extension of wage increases to miners and other groups; a degree of worker par- ticipation in some industries; and the estab- lishment of some form of relations with Cuba. Brazil: Church-State Problems Arrests and alleged police mistreatment of persons connected with the Roman Catholic Church are causing tension between the govern- ment and the religious hierarchy in the world's largest Catholic country. The recent allegations are a revival of a long- standing issue. Moderate church leaders, such as the primate of Brazil, Cardinal Sales, have at- tempted to persuade government and security of- ficials of the moral wrongness of torture, while at the same time keeping their campaign in low key to avoid antagonizing the military and police. They fear that by open criticism they would lose any chance of acting as a moderating influence. This policy of restraint was evident at the 11th annual assembly of the Conference of Brazil- ian Bishops (CNBB) last May. Liberal prelates wanted a declaration condemning the government for torturing prisoners, but the government used pressure to prevent any mention of torture. A compromise statement was issued condemning violence in any form. Another result of the CNBB meeting was a tacit understanding that the church would refrain from public criticism of the govern- ment on the torture issue in return for an admin- istration agreement not to arrest clerics until it had consulted with the CNBB. There was a nota- ble decline in the number of allegations of torture following the conference, probably in part a SECRET Page 23 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 bt(JKt 1 VW result of the understanding reached as well as of the decline in the level of terrorism and conse- quently of arrests of fewer suspects. Late in Au- gust, however, 15 bishops in the northeast claimed that security officials had tortured two priests accused of subversion. Despite avowals from President Medici that a is eliminating from the security services persons who have records of mistreating prisoners, and official denials that the priests had been tortured, the CNBB has called upon the President to investigate the charges thoroughly. It has set up its own committee to examine the case. In late September, police arrested four priests and several youths connected with the Young Catholic Workers' movement (JOC) and with a church-sponsored leadership training in- stitute (IBRADES). Both organizations have a somewhat leftist orientation. Cardinal Barros Camara of Rio de Janeiro protested the arrests to the President and other government officials. Ad- ditional friction was caused by new arrests of IBRADES employees on 7 October, bringing to 11 the number of church-associated persons being held by Rio de Janeiro police, according to the CNBB. When CNBB secretary general Bishop Lorscheider went to the IBRADES headquarters to look into the arrests, he was detained by police for more than four hours. An emergency meeting of the directorate of the CNBB reportedly has been called to examine the arrests and charges that the government is engaging in a campaign to discredit controversial Archbishop Helder Camara. Dom Helder recently accused the government of carrying on a mud- slinging campaign to try to ruin his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Several high pre- lates who often have attempted to curb Dom Helder's outspokenness now have come to his defense on the grounds that the attack on him is an attack on the church. These incidents appear to have brought rela- tions between the church and state to their lowest point in recent years. Cardinal Sales has stated that the policy of trying privately to influence the government would be maintained only as long as it showed some promise of producing results. If such hope fades, the church is prepared to take a public and more militant stand, even at the risk of further antagonizing the government. Cuba: "Motivating" the People Implementation of the rehabilitative meas- ures introduced by Fidel Castro following this year's disappointing sugar harvest is in full swing. The militarization of all senior high schools, formally announced on 29 September, is perhaps the most far-reaching of the measures. Students will receive military instruction in addition to their regular academic study. They will be under "strict military discipline" and will be credited with having served time toward completing their military service obligation. All technological in- stitutes already have been incorporated into this system. In addition, junior high school students will be exempted from the draft as long as they remain in school. The regime plans eventually to make education up to the university level manda- tory for both males and females. This program would in effect establish universal compulsory military service. Meetings to combat absenteeism and pro- mote worker efficiency are being held at all work centers to explain a complex system of merits and demerits that will be applied against each laborer's work record. Later, additional meetings will be held so that the "working masses" can SECRET Page 24 WEEKLY SUMMARY 16 Oct 70 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 %me. SEUKJ"1' "consider and discuss" a proposed law on va- grancy. Still more meetings will take place in November for union elections. The positive re- sults to be gained from these repetitious discus- sion periods are questionable; it is more likely that the assemblies will only serve to irritate further a population fed up with what is already considered excessive regimentation. Castro's latest ministerial shift elevated a relative unknown, Nora Frometa Silva, to the post of minister of light industry. The appoint- ment is a departure from Castro's practice of naming trusted military officers or competent technicians to high-level administrative positions. Frometa has occupied key leadership posts in the Cuba Women's Federation since 1965, but her background shows little evidence that she is technically qualified for her new position. Her appointment may indicate that Castro is sensitive Senior High School Students Prepare 240-mm. Rocket Launcher for Firing to the charge that no women occupy top-level posts in his administration. CUBA-WARSAW PACT: A high-level Cuban military delegation headed by Armed Forces Min- ister Raul Castro arrived in East Germany on 12 October to observe the Warsaw Pact "Comrades in Arms" exercise. According to a TASS an- nouncement, Castro met with Soviet Defense Minister Andrei Grechko during a stopover in Page 25 Moscow on 11 October. Also attending the meet- ing were representatives from Mongolia and North Vietnam. Raul Castro also headed the last Cuban delegation to observe Warsaw Pact maneuvers in late 1965. At that time he held lengthy conversa- tions with top Soviet officials and paid a visit to Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. SECRET Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927A008300010001-1 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Secret Secret Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1 Next 32 Page(s) In Document Denied Approved For Release 2008/05/01: CIA-RDP79-00927AO0830001 0001 -1