WEEKLY SUMMARY

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CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4
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November 23, 1973
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SUMMARY
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Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Iq Navy review completed. Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied State Dept. review completed Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Secret Weekly Summary Navy review completed. State Dept. review completed Secret 23 November 1973 No. 0397/73 Copy N? 60 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 CONTENTS (23 November 1973) WEEKLY SUMMARY, issued every Friday rnorrinq by ttae Office of Current Intelligence, reports and analyzes signif- icant deve:opments of the week through noon on Thursday. It frequen"ly includes material coordinated with or prepared he Office of Economic Research, the Office of Strategic Research, and the Directorate of Science and Techrofogy. Topics requiring more comprehensive treatment and there. ;rjre published separately as Special Reports are Isted in the :on tents. ing the national security of the United States, avithin WEEKLY SUMMARY contains classified nforrnation eanirq of Title 18, sections 793 and 794, of the US as am ended, Its transmission or revelation-of it, con- :o or = eceiot by an unauthorized person is pr3hibi?:ed by EAST ASIA PACIFIC MIDDLE EAST AFRICA 1 The Middle East 7 Europe:-Preparing for Less Oil 8 Greece: Government Challenge 10 Yugoslavia: The Kiev Document 11 France: Looking East 12 Finland: An EC Agreement 13 Spain: Church-State Troubles 13 Brezhnev to India 14 Burma: Countering the Insurgents 15 Cambodia: Another Near Miss 16 South Vietnam: Palace Squabbling 16 Thailand: Off to a Good Start 17 Indonesia: Remembrance of Things Past 18 South Korea: Quieting the Students 19 South Asia: Repatriation 19 Oman: The Sultan's War 21 Sudan: Trying the Terrorists WESTERN HEMISPHERE 21 Foreign Ministers Meet 22 Cuba: The Revolution Regroups 23 Trinidad-Tobago: Searching 24 Venezuela: An Uneventful Campaign 25 The Dollar Stays Strong 26 Law of the Sea Conference Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET Middle East I Egyptians and Israelis were cooperating on some issues this week. The exchange of prisoners of war was carried out with only minor snags, and Egyptian soldiers and civilians surrounded by Is- raeli forces got a steady flow of essential supplies ?Egypt has now turned its attention to Arab sum- mitry, and Israel continues to prepare for next month's elections, but in spite of these distrac- tions and problems, the interest of the two parties Israeli POWs go home ... in addressing the basic issues of a settlement re- mains alive' I rrhe Syrians are most unhappy about being left out of Egyptian arrangements, but so far have confined themselves to just grumbling about it. Moscow, also feeling a little left out, has been emphasizing its support of the Arab cause and is examining the Palestinian potential in talks with fedayeen leader Arafat in Moscow -1 SECRET Page 1 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET Military Situation I Occasional small arms, artillery, and mortar fire broke the cease-fire this week on both fronts. Most of the firing was along the Suez Canal, where at least one Israeli aircraft was downed by Egyptian surface-to-air missiles. Firing on the Syrian front was primarily in the nortiern sector; little damage and few casualties were eported on either front- The disposition of Egyptian, Syrian, and Israeli forces changed little in the past week. Each continues to reinforce its positions, how ever, and to outfit their forces with substantial quantities of new weapons obtained at:road. I [Egypt, meanwhile, has protested to the UN about Israel's efforts to construct a causeway across the Suez Canal, charging that such activity constitutes a serious violation of the cep-fire and a major engineering change of the -anal 1 There was no significant change in Soviet naval forces in the Mediterranean during the week. Most of the Soviet ships remained at an- chorage or in port with only eight war ships trailing the US Sixth Fleet. The squadron now includes submarines, 26 warships, and 31 sup- port ships Diplomacy 112 fYhis week, the Egyptian-Israeli prisoner ex- 'change proceeded with only minor complications, and all captives were scheduled to be home by 22 November. Non-military supplies for the Egyptian Third Army and for Suez city moved unimpeded through the UN and Israeli checkpoints. All but a handful of wounded civilians have beer evacuated from the city 1,$ TTalks on the more troublesome questions of a return to the 22 October cease-fire lines and the disengagement of forces got off to an inauspicious start. On 18 November, Egypt cancelec! a meeting at Kilometer 101, apparently in reaction to Israeli calls for a return of Egyptian and Israeli forces to their own sides of the Suez Canal and for the establishment of a ten-kilometer buffer zone on each bank. Later, the Egyptians publicly rejected the proposal. Little information has been released about subsequent meetings, but statements from each side attest there is considerable disagreement between them. The meetings are continuing, but it is unlikely that these questions will be resolved quickly? 1 g The UN Emergency Force for the Egyptian iron grew to nearly half its prescribed strength of 7,000. No progress was made toward securing funds for its maintenance, however, as efforts to gain approval of a financing resolution were stalled. An Arab proposal to exempt Egypt, Syria, and Jordan from assessments on the grounds that they are the victims of aggression threatened not only to delay the necessary funds, but also to raise the explosive issue of accountability for the war. An effort to fix responsibility for the hostili- ties also seemed to underlie a Soviet proposal for an entirely new scale of assessments that would increase the contributions of the developed states, including Israel, while reducing those of the East European states.? New Reality in Israel ),VfPrime Minister Meir has again affirmed Is- rael's desire to talk peace with the Arabs, but is suggesting that it would not be desirable to hold formal peace talks prior to the Israeli election set for 31 December. This position reflects the dilemma in which Mrs. Meir finds herself. On the one hand, she heads a government that is under fire at home for its allegedly negligent conduct of the war; on the other, she is under strong inter- national pressure make meaningful concessions to Israel's enemies l Fin an effort to put to rest the apprehensions of most Israelis about the government's perform- ance and to turn their attentions to thoughts of peace, Mrs. Meir has proposed that a commission be established to inquire into the armed forces' SECRET Page 2 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET preparedness for and conduct of the war. Israel's political parties differ greatly over what would constitute a viable peace settlement, and Mrs. Meir will need a new mandate before her govern- ment can confidently move forward in negotia- tions 3 (The Israeli public may be ready to accept a f' peace settlement with Egypt. The US Embassy describes the signs pointing in this direction as "fragile," but a clear change from the widespread attitude that Israel should not surrender one inch of the territory taken in 1967. Anxieties about tj US intentions and deep suspicions about Soviet and Arab objectives remain, but a number of commentators are exhorting the government to abandon its post-1967 "immobilism.'7 t TDefense Minister Dayan, in a number of pub- lic appearances, has stressed the "new reality" theme: that Israel's international political posi- tion has changed dramatically as a result of the late war; that the pace of events is beyond Tel Aviv's control; and that Israel must, therefore, reconsider all its positions' I The Israeli press is hinting that government team are busy formulating an Israeli position for the negotiations. A well-placed journalist has echoed what is probably an official worry. It would be difficult, he wrote, for Israel to discuss "secure borders" without the prior resolution of several other issues: ? an end to the Arab oil embargo; ? a US-USSR agreement to limit arms shipments to the area; ? Big Power guarantees of Israel's security and navigation rights; ? a way to prevent the inundation of Israel by Palestinians.7 Israeli General Yariv (hatless) and Egyptian General Gamazy SECRET Pace -~ WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 I Veneral Aharon Yariv, who has headed the Israeli team in the cease-fire talks with the Egyp- tians, apparently will be replaced soon. Yariv is a candidate for the Knesset and, according to Israeli law, must end his army service if he wants to campaign. There has been some speculation that Mrs. Meir, displeased with Foreign Minister Eban, is considering making Yariv the top nE!gotiator at any future peace conference [General "Arik" Sharon, one of Israel's new military heroes, is also seeking politicai office and is on the list of Likud, a right-wing group severely critical of the Meir government. Sharon, unlike Yariv, has said that he will stay in the army if the election law cannot be changed to let him be a candidatel The Egyptians 1,$ (Cairo is having almost as much difficulty with its Arab allies as it is with Israel. As negotia- tions with Tel Aviv turned to controversial ques- tions, Cairo appeared as concerned about trying to convince its Arab neighbors of the merits of dealing with Israel as it was about furthering the negotiations themselves. 4 President Sadat is under publi-- fire from ibya and Iraq and private censure from a variety of other Arabs for accepting the cease-fire, agree- ing to the truce arrangement, and sitting down in talks with the Israelis. Concerned that these criti- cisms might broaden Arab disunity zit the forth- coming summit conference and hopeful that negotiations with Israel can begin with some degree of Arab solidarity, Sadat has dispatched emissaries throughout the Arab world to mobilize support l 18 [Where quiet persuasion has not worked, as with Libya, Sadat appears to be trying carefully tuned public criticism. Last weekend, a leading SECRET Page 4 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET Cairo columnist mounted an indirect but pointed attack on "the country" that talked most about war and contributed least when war came, an unmistakable allusion to Libya. At the same time, the writer emphasized that Sadat cares more for building effective Arab unity than for asserting his own authority or Egypt's hegemony over the Arab world-a clear attempt to ease Arab fears, including those of President Qadhafi, that Sadat will ride roughshod over his neighbors to achieve Egypt's ends? S jsome off Egypt's maneuvers in talks with Israel this week may have been designed in part to demonstrate to other Arab states that Cairo will not bend to Tel Aviv's demands. Cairo's cancella- tion of the Egyptian-Israeli meeting on 18 No- vember, for example, may have been intended to emphasize to Israeli and Arab alike that Egypt will reject any pl ~nrs that call for the cession of Egyptian territory.! 9 Similarly, War Minister Ismail's long exposi- tion, in an interview, of Egypt's planning and preparation for the war was probably intended out other Arab leaders about a proposal to resolve the sticky Palestinian question. The King is sug- gesting that Jordan first negotiate the return of the West Bank and East Jerusalem at a peace conference, then-following an Israeli with- drawal-allow the UN to hold a plebiscite to de- termine whether Palestinians want union or fed- eration with Jordan, or complete independence"t ) Q Lebanon's President Franjiyah and Syria's President Asad have reportedly responded favora- bly to the idea. Saudi Arabia's King Faysal and the Emir of Kuwait, who were consulted last Sunday, are unlikely to raise serious objections. Amman has not been able to obtain the all-im- portant reaction of President Sadat, who has been holding Husayn at arm's length since the cease- fire. Husayn, who hopes to appear flexible on the issue, reportedly intends to make his proposal public, but probably not until after the Arab summit in Algiers., Libyans and Others for Arab as well as Israeli consumption. This was rp Libya's President Qadhafi is on a nine-day the first public acknowledgement that Egypt and visi to Belgrade and Paris-his first trip outside Syria initiated the fighting and, although it con- the Arab world since his military junta took tained no obvious threats of renewed action, re- power in 1969. Qadhafi apparently is shopping minded the Arabs of Egypt's fighting ability at a for military equipment and assistance in exchange time when many are criticizing Cairo for talking for oil, but his hard line on the cease-fire agree- ment has dominated discussions in both European The Syrians capitals. The Libyan leader considers Yugoslavia and France to be Europe's most independent Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam visited states and may believe they will be rece tile to p Cairo last weekend, reportedly to air Syria's com- his arguments against Great Power imposition of a plaints and to work out a coordinated strategy for settlement. Qadhafi reportedly will wind up his next week's Arab summit. Privately, the Syrians stay in France with a press conference this week- are still bitter about not being informed of end, just prior to the Arab summit in Algiers. He Egypt's intentions, but a serious falling out be- may hope to divert attention from the meeting, tween Cairo and Damascus does not seem likely'r which he recently denounced as a facade for rubber-stamping what has already been decided in The Jordanians Cairo. Qadhafi has said that he will not attend the summit, but a last minute change in his travel rKing Husayn, with the occupied West Bank plans suggests that he wants to keep his options still uppermost in his mind, has been sounding open SECRET Page 5 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET 1)$ JArai foreign mini3ters are scheduled to meet in Algiers on 24 November to prepare for the Arab League summit that is to begin on Monday. A majority of member states have agreed to par- ticipate, although at least two important leaders have said that they will not-Qadhafi of Libya and Bakr of Iraq. Their expected absence will make it considerably easier for the mcderate Arab leaders to dominate the session.1 1)2 rWith the cease-fire holding, Moscow has turned its attention to the "pull-back" elements of the agreement and preparations for a peace conference. An article in Pravda on 15 November insisted that Israel must withdraw to the lines of 22 October, but took the rather optimistic view that "new political factors" have crE!ated "more favorable conditions than ever" for the resolution of Arab-Israeli problems. Soviet conci:rn that it is being left out of political developrrents in the area still comes through clearly. Moscow has also mobilized communist parties in the Middle East and responsive newspapers there to play up the Soviet role in Arab successes and to stimulate distrust of the US and those Arab leaders willing to work with Washington's )prAs one step to get back on center stage, the Soviets finally got Yasir Arafat and the leaders of most of the major fedayeen organizations to Mos- cow on 19 November. The delegation's visit had been postponed several times while both Arafat and the Soviets worked hard to convince the heads of the more radical organizations to attend. George Habbash, chief of the militant Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine held out, although his or anization is represented by one of his key advisers )t The trip is designed to hammer out a com- fnon position on Palestinian participation in a peace conference. Moscow has been urging crea- tion of a Palestinian state centered on the West Bank, but fedayeen leaders have been reluctant to abandon their long-standing objective of a return of displaced Palestinians to Israel. The Soviets apparently hope that support of the Palestinians 25X1 will strengthen what Moscow would see as a "pro- gressive" force at a peace conference and, more generally,jn the area. SECRET Page 6 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SI/~ Europe: Preparing for Less Ofl (N & r SOM Q0bb The Arabs' scheduled 5 percent reduction in December oil production will not be applied to EC members. The Arabs were reacting to the EC resolution supporting their position. Of the nine EC members, only six will be directly affected: the UK and France are on the Arabs' favored countries list and already exempt from cutbacks, while the Netherlands remains embargoed. The six remaining members were expecting to lose 180,000 barrels per day of Arab oil in December. The French have made their point that "helpful" declarations for the Arabs bring results. The selective restoration of the cutback compounds the dilemma of EC members who give lip service to European solidarity while refusing help to the embargoed Dutch. The new Arab statement presumably will still permit "informal" oil sharing by the international companies and may even marginally increase what is available for such shifting of supplies to the Dutch and others damaged by the embargo. Nevertheless, the dis- tinction between the Netherlands and the other EC members is heightened, and the Dutch-while themselves hoping to convince the Arabs of the Hague's "even-handed" policy on the Middle East-are talking increasingly of abandoning the pretense of community solidarity. The com- munity has called off a council session on energy policy scheduled for 26 November. The Nine will address the Middle East and energy questions at their summit in Copenhagen on 14-15 December. Even with the Arab exception, Western Europe will face serious problems. The area is dependent on Arab sources for over 70 percent of its crude oil requirements; the proportion is closer to 80 percent for France and Italy, and is over 80 percent for Spain. Despite stocks of between two and three months, West European countries are taking steps to conserve energy. All consuming countries have urged voluntary energy conserva- tion, but have been reluctant thus far to impose rationing. If the Arab oil cutbacks continue, how- ever, rationing may be necessary in a number of countries early in 1974. The piecemeal restric- tions differ from country to country. West Germany On 9 November, the Bundestag gave Brandt sweeping powers to restrict consump- tion. The law empowers the government to im- pose specific measures concerning production, transport, storage, and distribution of energy sources. Earlier this week, Bonn announced a ban on Sunday driving. France The government has urged Frenchmen to curtail automobile use and lower household ther- mostats. The sale of gasoline in containers has been prohibited. Italy Rome has placed controls on the export of petroleum products. United Kingdom The government has ordered an immediate 10 percent reduction in all petroleum product deliveries. It has urged the public to stop driving on Sundays and to reduce speeds to 50 miles per hour. The sale of gasoline in containers has been banned. Several weeks ago, London placed controls on oil exports outside the EC. Netherlands The Dutch have introduced an ex- port licensing system on most petroleum prod- ucts. Oil companies have agreed to reduce deliv- eries of most petroleum products (excluding gaso- line) by 15 percent. Sunday driving has been banned. The government has urged voluntary ob- servation of a 60-mile-per-hour speed limit and lower household temperatures. Authorities esti- mate that these steps could yield a 10 percent saving in petroleum products. Belgium An export licensing system has been set up for most petroleum products. The government has placed the country's petroleum business under its control. Austria On 14 November, the government raised the price of motor fuel and heating oil by 22 to 35 percent to discourage hoarding and compen- sate for higher crude prices. The Austrian parlia- ment has given the government authority to ra- tion petroleum products. The sale of gasoline in containers has been prohibited. SECRET Page 7 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SFUHF-I Spain Export of petroleum products has been curtailed. Portugal The price of gasoline has been raised and service stations ordered to close on Saturdays and Sundays. Denmark The government has taken steps to re- duce oil and gasoline consumption by 25 percent. Price controls have been waived, and sulfur con- tent regulations have been eased. The sale of high-octane gas is prohibited, and speed limits are reduced to 50 miles per hour. Greece Gasoline and electric power consumption have been restricted. Speed limits have been re- duced and the sale of gasoline in containers pro- hibited. GREECE: Government Challenged l ( ~reece's experiment in more open democ- racy received a setback last weekend when the government had to call in the army to put down large-scale rioting in Athens. Prime Minister Markezinis subsequently promised to go ahead with his plan to return Greece to political nor- malcy, but the task will be m ch more difficult following the weekend's events cq fhe concessions that the government had made-the lifting of martial law, the meeting of some student demands, the talk of elections- emboldene both the students and the political opposition Earlier this month police clashed with t nment demonstrators following a n over 25X1 25X1 i g a memorial service on the fifth anniversary of the death of former prime minister Geo'ge Papan- 1(? Another outbreak began on 14 November when students barricaded themselves in the Athens Polytechnic Institute and issued demands for more academic freedom, "Americans out," and immediate democracy. Violence came two days later. The demonstrators attempted to take government buildings by force and were beaten back by police. As a result, 12 were dead, 350 injured, and over ' ,000 arrested. A large number of workers were among those arrested, indicating that a student call for worker support had met some successl I q Martial law was declared on 17 November, and army tanks knocked down the gate of the Athens Polytechnic Institute; the students left peacefully. By 19 November order had been re- stored[ 14 (The government has claimed that the trouble had been caused by anarchist elements who were trying to prevent the government from announc- ing its plan for elections. Security forces claim that supporters of Andreas Papandreou's Panhel- lenic Liberation Movement started the trouble and that Communist and other labor elements later took over the leadership of the demonstra- tors. The government has closed the universities for three weeks and arrested many known or suspected regime opponent? 15'CPresident Papadopoulos, disturbed by the situation, tried to salvage his efforts to restore SECRET Page 8 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET political normalcy. At first, he gave orders that no non-Communist politicians be arrested; he later placed three prominent politicians under house arrest, including ex-prime minister Kanellopoulos. All three have been outspoken opponents of the regime. Kanellopoulos had issued a statement in support of the demonstrators, and on 19 Novem- ber he called for the government to resign and make way for a government of national unity. Papadopoulos has ordered Prime Minister Marke- zinis not to make any public statements about future elections, which he says will not be held until order has been fully restored. "I 2.0 (The US Embassy says that the government may have to try a new approach to get its "politi- calization" program back on track. Given the visibility of the army in putting down the dis- orders and the strong criticism of politicians by the government, it is even more unlikely that politicians such as Kanellopoulos would agree-or perhaps even be allowed-to participate in elec- tions. Most army officers are strongly opposed to these old-line politicians, and Markezinis has the army looking over his shoulder to make sure that any initiative he may take does not lead to new SECRET Page 9 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET YUGOSLAVIA: THE KIEV DOCUMENT 7_3 Pito's very friendly talks with Brezhnev in Y Kiev last week will heighten concern at home and N ' abroad about Belgrade s rapprochement with %AMoscow. Such concern will not deflect Tito, who is determined to pursue both improved ties with the Kremlin and a strongly pro-Arab policyl ?y~ The exceptionally warm language of the communique exceeds anything Tito has signed with the Soviets since the great schism of 1948. The Kiev document twice refers to "trust" and l specifically describes the talks as taking place in a spirit of "mutual understanding." Although Tito has privately stated that he trusts Brezhnev, he has never before used the word in a formal docu- men _! 23 The document lacked any of the familiar ,Yugoslav references to the right of socialist states to differ on domestic and foreign policy. Simi- y4larly, Belgrade's standard list of basic principles guiding good bilateral relations-respeci. for inde- pendence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity along with non-interference in domestic affairs- such rumors by blaming them on psychological was also omitted. Tito did tick off these princi- warfare against Yugoslavia conducted by the US pies at a welcoming reception, but he signally and its friends''( failed to insist on their inclusion in the communi- que7 %h rThe visit to Kiev will increase public appre- ension over Tito's eager cooperation with Mos- cow during the Middle East war. Tito's militant support of the Arabs placed Yugoslavia, for the first time since the Tito-Stalin break, squarely on the Soviet side in a major international crisis. Moreover, Belgrade's strident pro-Arab stand simultaneously underscored Yugoslavia's estrange- ment from Washington. It also put Tito on the outs with his Balkan colleague, Ceausescu.1 3 `An official campaign to counter the jitters rAlthough the Soviets almost certainly paid a over this unfamiliar and unpalatable role is al- 3, price for Tito's concessions in the Kiev document, ready under way. It has not had much effect yet; the quid pro quo has not yet emerged. There has "indeed, public uncertainty has reached the stateZ?ibeen little Yugoslav press commentary on the that rumors alleging a US-Soviet agreement to visit since Tito's return, suggesting that Yugoslav partition Yugoslavia are fairly widespread. This leaders are waiting for a briefing by Tito before week, Todo Kurtovic, the party executive bureau taking a stand on the real meaning of the Kiev member in charge of the press, tried to discourage visit. SECRET Page 10 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET Looking East 2.5 he French have been busily making contact with Eastern Europe this fall. French officials visited Warsaw, Prague, and Bucharest in October, and more exchanges are in the offing. Paris' im- ,L(mediate aims are largely economic, but it hopes to reap political benefits that will improve its position throughout Europe 2$" cParis regards Economics and Finance Min- ister Giscard's talks in Warsaw with Polish party leader Gierek as the major event, believing that the visit underscored France's key place in Poland's relations with the West. The French also sent a high-ranking Quai official to Prague to breathe new life into that relationship, strained since the Soviet invasion in 1968. Both sides hope that the visit of a French minister to Prague later this month will be a large step in that direction. Paris has sent a high official to Bucharest to help prepare for the visit to Paris next year of Romanian Foreign Minister Macovescu.7 ZL %.S he French now plan to dispatch an ambas- sador to East Germany, almost a full year after negotiations opened. The next item on the agenda is the arrival in Paris next week of the Bulgarian foreign minister. Last September, France pro- posed that Bulgaria be included in the EC scheme of generalized preferences for developing nations, and Sofia apparently is anxious to pursue the matterl chafe over what it regards as the US-Soviet effort to monopolize detente % 2 rThe French are, of course, attracted by the market potential of Eastern Europe, and they also hope their involvement there will to some extent 2c rThis activity does not point a new directionlb take the play away from West Germany's Ostpol- in French policy, but it does underline Paris' itik. Moreover, the French regard ties with East continued interest in developing a political European countries as an important element in Europe that extends at least to the Soviet border, maintaining their "special relationship" with if not-as deGaulle had it-to the Urals. While Moscow. At the same time France feels it is French attention is currently centered on building competing with the Soviets for influence in the the unity of the EC, in the long run Paris still region, and the current strains in Franco-Soviet hopes that the EC will act as a magnet, drawing relations over the management of detente may Eastern Europe toward it. With detente essential encourage Paris to be more active in that re- to these ambitions, Paris has another reason to gard. SECRET Page 11 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET FINLAND: AN EC AGREEMENT 34 rThe most significant event in Finnish foreign policy over the past decade occurred last week when parliament ratified the free-trade agreement ,with the EC. It came after nearly 17 months of on-again, off-again deliberations, and despite a last-minute flurry of Soviet criticism. President Kekkonen was expected to countersign the ac- cord this week, just days before the deadline ending Finland's special trade arrangements with its former European Free Trade A ociation partners that have already joined the EC. ttff With a nod in Moscow's direction, the Finns a lt%c ed a rider stating that if the EC accord with Brussels disrupts Finnish-Soviet cooperation, Helsinki could terminate the agreement. The ambiguous language of the clause could cause Finland trouble if the Soviets decide their neigh- bor is drifting tco far toward the West. The Finns will probably try to placate Moscow on other issues in order 1o redress the balance in its rela- tions with East and West. SECRET Page 12 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET SPAIN: CHURCH-STATE TROUBLES I7VThe government is moving to reduce ten- sions with the Catholic Church over the practice of putting priests convicted of political crimes in special prisons. With the Roman Catholic Church trying to dissociate itself from the Franco regime and a new concordat between the Vatican and Madrid being discussed, the prison issue has taken on a special significance '%>% (This week, the seven priests who began a hunger strike two weeks ago at a special prison were transferred to the hospital of a regular prison outside Madrid. The priests-of whom six are Basques serving 10 to 50 years-had pre- viously set fire to their special jail to dramatize their demands to be placed in a regular one. They argue that the special prison, which is permitted under the Concordat, shows that the church has surrendered its independence to the state. The hunger strike occurred shortly after the visit to Spain by Monsignor Casaroli-the Vatican equiva- lent of foreign minister. He was in Madrid to discuss the possibility of negotiating a new con- cordaf 39 [several other clerical demonstrations fol- lowed Casaroli's visit. Some 50 Basque priests last weekend began a sympathy sit-in at the bishop's palace in Bilbao. At least 150 clergy staged a similar sit-in at a seminary in San Sebastian, an- other Basque city. In Madrid about 150 priests and laymen held a 20-hour sit-in at the Vatican Nunciature7 41'b TThe tension aroused among the priests re- flects the three-way differences over church-state relations among the bishops conference, the Vati- can, and the Spanish Government. Cardinal Tarancon, who heads the bishops conference, takes a tougher attitude than the Vatican on the need to separate the church from the Franco regime and on the right of the church to speak out on political and social problems. The Vatican is interested in a nearly complete separation of church and state and is willing to renounce most or all of its special privileges. The Spanish Govern- SECRET 25X1 ment reportedly does not want to abandon its veto power over the appointment of bishops in Spain and wants to exclude the church from political and social matters that the regime re- gards as its exclusive preserve. Negotiations are like) to be r)rotracted. BREZHNEV TO INDI yrJ Soviet party lead Brezhnev arrives in New Del i on 26 November, hoping to burnish the USSR's credentials as a moving force behind Asian detente. He also hopes to demonstrate that Moscow's pursuit of better relations with the West has not been at the expense of Soviet ties with clients like India. Brezhnev doubtless would like to restore some of the warmth that Soviet- Indian relations had during the Indo-Pakistani war in 1971. The Indians, who have been preoccupied with domestic problems and relations with Wash- ington, are grateful for Brezhnev's visit, which demonstrates the continuing Soviet interest in India. Basically, they are really interested in what they can get out of him in the way of new economic and military aid. Talks between the two sides will range over a number of international and bilateral issues. As always, China looms large. Brezhnev will probably solicit Indian support for as many anti-Peking schemes as he can, particularly his own Asian collective security idea. He will also encourage Indian detente efforts in South Asia, and press for closer Soviet-Indian military cooperation. The Indians probably are prepared to en- dorse Soviet detente efforts in Europe and vari- ous Soviet disarmament schemes. The Indians seem anxious to avoid the question of exclusive Page 13 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET agreement on military and economic aid ques- tions. India is interested in more advanced fighter aircraft and has ambitious plans to expand and modernize its navy. Moscow probably will be willing to provide some of what the Indians want eventually. At least some progress will be made on economic problems, particularly if Moscow offers to help India meet its energy needs and The two countries are expected to sign a ease credit terms on outstanding debts. consular convention. There probably also will be 25X1 BURMA: COUNTERING THE INSURGENTS rRangoon has been moving with unusual vigor in recent weeks against the well-established Communist insurgency in the northeast, but it is doubtful that the Burmese military can long sus- tain the momentum of its offensive, now two months oldi It ? Ttung by the Communist seizure on 1 November of Mong Yang, the last major garrison between Kengtung and the border, the Burmese Army moved quickly to take diversionary action farther north. With insurgent attention focused on the Mong Yang area, the government suc- ceeded in capturing a town only five miles from the border. The army is now moving against other long-time Communist depots and strongpoints in this area. The insurgents, supplied and directed in part by the Chinese, had enjoyed relatively undis- turbed sanctuary along this stretch of the border? 14L in spite of the government gains in the north, the situation around Kengtung is worri- some. The Communists have followed up their seizure of Mong Yang by moving reinforced units to within 20 miles of Kengtung. Anticipating this, the government has sent reinforcements into the Kengtung area to defend the town and Route 4; the army is making plans for a counterattack? 44 r supply problems, plus the heavy casualties sustained by Burmese forces since the offensive began, raise questions about Rangoon's ability to sustain operations on two fronts. Moreover, the rout at Mong Yang took its toll on troop morale, and some unit commanders are new and inexperi- enced. Rangoon has assigned its deputy defense minister as regional commander, reflecting the seriousness with which it views the situa- tion. SECRET Page 14 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET ANOTHE~~NEAR MLS,S1 CAMBODIA: Many of Lon p Nol's s i rstitiouss countrymen must by now be convinced that the President leads a charmed life. For the second time this year, Lon Nol escaped unharmed when a dis- affected Cambodian Air Force pilot bombed his residence in Phnom Penh on 19 November. The wayward pilot's motives for staging the raid are unknown, but he apparently acted alone and pre- sumably has sought refuge in a Khmer Commu- nist - controlled area of Cambodia. The capital quickly returned to normal after the incident. The government reacted in familiar fashion by temporarily grounding the air force's fighter aircraft and by arresting the pilot's family. It is possible that the attack may also result in the removal of the chief of the air force. For his part, Lon Nol appeared to be taking the incident in stride. At midweek, there were no signs that the President was preparing another widespread crackdown against anti-government elements in the capital similar to the one con- ducted in March-when the first attack occurred. The repressive actions at that time were largely the work of Lon Nol's impetuous younger brother, Lon Non, who has been in the US since July.T Military Mire Typhoon rains struck the Phnom Penh re- gion this week, bringing military activity to a temporary standstill. South of the capital, the flooding of the Prek Thnaot River has disrupted government resupply operations and has forced elements of two government divisions to halt their advance along Routes 2 and 201. Flooding in the marshy area ten miles northeast of the capital has slowed the government effort to re- lieve the market town of Vihear Suor. In other areas, the Khmer Communists kept up the military pressure. There are signs that a major Communist push is developing against the provincial capital of Takeo, 40 miles south of Phnom Penh. The city has been subjected to a series of ground attacks since late last week, and the government commander there estimates that his 2,000-man garrison faces as many as seven Communist battalions. Elsewhere, sporadic fighting continues along the Communist-controlled four-mile section of Route 4 west of Kompong Speu City SECRET Paqe 15 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 JCI..NC I 25X1 25X1 SOUTH VIETNAM: PALACE SQUABBLING 714CPresident Thieu may be fcrced to curb or j-dismiss two of his most important aides-presi- ~jdential assistant Nguyen Van Ngan and Infor- mation Commissioner Hoang Duc Nha-who have Ir been vying for influence for some time. Earlier 510 this month at a meeting attended by Thieu and the cabinet, Ngan and a large group of pro-gov- ernment legislators recommenced that Nha's Information Commission be abolished because it was ineffective, corrupt, and incompetent. Ngan has since persuaded the Lower House to vote down a large supplementary budget request for Nha's commission. Ngan and his followers are also calling for a reduction in the political powers of the country's military region commanders, 5"4 The country's senior military commanders r Sw surtace, and they hope Thieu will fir nave little use for either n. mos of-the semor lcers are pleased that the dispute be- tween the two civilian aides has bubbled to +t,- 25X1 25X1 J (There is no indication what Thieu will do, u LI M r I CSIUVr1 L S GOSest c~'?civilian adviser; Ngan has achieved a lesser, but JJ still important, role. Thieu depends heavily on the backing of the military establishment; if it came to a showdown between his civilian advisers and the senior commanders, the President would be unlikely to go against the military. Although there are few signs that the rivalries have impaired government effectiveness, they could become a threat to stability, particularly if combined with Communists. SECRET THAILAND: OFF TO A GOOD START 57 rPrime Minister Sanya's government, despite its caretaker status, has turned in a creditable performance during its first month in office. It has handled the immediate problems of restoring order and establishing confidence by: ? getting the army to promise publicly to stay out of politics; ? giving the students an indirect voice in government affairs; ? shaking up the police department, best known for is venality; ? sacking several notoriously corrupt of- ficials; ? seizing the assets of exiled leaders Thanom, Praphat, and Narong, and bringing criminal charges against them', Page 16 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET 5-1 P ost important from the students' point of view, the Sanya government has moved expeditiously to draft a new constitution. There is also evidence that Sanya has plans to turn the military-domi- nated National Assembly into a civilian body ,O fThe degree to which real civilian rule will be allowed to develop remains an open question. In a country that has known little but military rule for the past 40 years and a strong monarchy before that, it is not surprising that the new set of actors, lately thrust upon the political stage, are unsure of themselves and their future. The student move- ment, for example, has split into factions over c$ what part, if any, students should play in politics. Although the military has agreed to stay in the background, Prime Minister Sanya is troubled by continued student criticism of the police and mili- tary. Fearing that such complaints could trigger a move by the army to restore the status quo ante, Sanya has publicly cautioned the students to avoid further provocative acts'] 51 rif the students and military are unsure of what part they should play, the bureaucrats are not. Long-frustrated civil servants are now being given the decision-making power previously re- served for the military-dominated cabinet. The general public will probably judge the civilians on their performance on bread and butter is ues, f such as the cost of rice and other necessitieThe IM"' military will doubtless be watching closely to see if the bureaucracy can provide the same stability that military rule imposed. While all the returns are not yet in Prime Minister San a is off to a good start. Indonesia s\ REMEMBRANCE OF THIN PAST The recent success of ai students has re- kindled the political ambitions of Indonesian stu- dents. The students have played an important role in Indonesian politics in the past, and the govern- ment is keeping a close eye on the situation, wary that the students may be able to exploit latent discontent among segments of the population. Thus far, however, the students are still groping for a slogan or issue that can crystallize feeling against the government. Student leaders are thinking in terms of mass demonstrations focused on government economic shortcomings or on Suharto's plans to enact a secular marriage code. The latter is particularly offensive to Islamic students. By themselves, the students probably cannot seriously threaten the government. Ambitious men within the regime or among those who have been pushed out in recent years, however, could try to capitalize on the unrest. One such possi- bility is General Sumitro, who heads the state security apparatus. He has been unusually promi- nent of late, politicking in the countryside and talking with students. Sumitro says he is just pouring oil on troubled waters, but it is clear that he would like to be in position to pick up the ball if President Suharto fumbles. A potentially serious complication for the government is the involvement of an army-spon- sored youth group in the antigovernment plan- ning. Located in Bandung, with its history of student radicalism, this group is the youth arm of the army's Siliwangi Division-a former elite corps long involved in politics at the highest levels. Under Suharto, ambitious officers of the Sili- wangi have been quickly retired or exiled to un- important positions, and the division's former autonomy has been severely curtailed. Although troublesome ingredients are present, the mixture has not yet reached a critical stage. Moreover, there are no signs of serious cracks in the solid front that the military leader- ship presents to the public. The army high com- mand is not without its opportunists, such as Sumitro, but the students will have to prove that 25X1 they can get a real anti-regime movement going before any important military man will make common cause with them against Suhart. SECRET \AI RVI V cl IMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET SOUTH KOREA: QUIETING THE STUDENTS (pq('Although the South Korean Government is capable of dealing with domestic opposition in uncompromising terms, it has shown a certain moderation in handling campus unrest over the past few weeks. The persistence of the unrest, together with growing support for the students among Christian organization.; and intellectual groups, has prompted the government into a stronger response? rOn 19 November,universitiss were advised to discontinue classes and hold final exams by the end of November-in effect, closing the schools several weeks before the customary three-month winter vacation. At the same time, the regime is intensifying pressure on schcol faculties and individual students to conform. The Ministry of Education, for example, has tightened control over government scholarships, making political rectitude a requirement for financial ~issistancel ~q he early closing of most colleges will ease .he immediate problems on the campuses, but the students' activities have stirred up other segments of society, and this disgruntlement seems likely to persist on a small scale for the next several months. There are some indications that Seoul is considering measures-such as lowering the profile c)f the hated Korean CIA-which it hoes will help defuse the situation. SECRET Page 18 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET SOUTH ASIA: REPATRIATION 7) f the three-way repatriation on the sub- 7 r"ndia has deliberately kept the repatriation continent continues, despite charges of bad faith of the Pakistani prisoners of war at a relatively by Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. So far, about 'y slow pace. It has told Islamabad that it will speed 35,000 Bengalees have arrived in Bangladesh from 26p the release of prisoners only when the repatria- Pakistan, about 15,000 non-Bengalees have tion of non-Bengalees is accelerated. Recent moved in the opposite direction, and India has Pakistani explanations of the difficulties and mis- released over 2Q,000 of the 95,000 Pakistani understandings involved appear to have satisfied prisoners of war. r the Indians, however, and the prisoners may soon begin returning home in greater number ?0 Pakistan appears to be sending home Ben- ?0 IT he issue of Kashmir has also cropped up galees as quickly as it can, despite accusations by again. Although public reaction in India has been Dacca and New Delhi that it is holding back. k' restrained, New Delhi is clearly annoyed by some India claimed, for example, that Islamabad was?)Zof Prime Minister Bhutto's recent statements. '7Zrefusing to repatriate 203 senior Bengalee civil These included a call to be prepared for an servants and was holding them hostage for 195 eventual general strike in Kashmir, and also im- Pakistanis whom Bangladesh still threatens to try plied support for guerrilla warfare to free the as war criminals. The International Red Cross, disputed state from Indian ru however, said that almost all of these senior Ben- galees had already been repatriated. Dacca may have greater cause for suspicion in the future, '1 b INone of the parties seems willing to press because some 175,000 Bengalees had been ex- their grievances to the point of endangering the pected to leave Pakistan, but Islamabad claims repatriation process. The movement of all three that only about 126,000 have applied for re- groups appears likely to continue, but at a slow patriation( .) 2 pace and with continuing charges of bad ')0 (India and Bangladesh also suspect that Pak- istan does not intend to honor the promise it made last August to take a "substantial" number of the quarter million non-Bengalees in Bangla- 72desh. Islamabad's original low estimates on the number of Pakistanis in Bangladesh was seen as an attempt to set an arbitrary ceiling. Pakistan has OMAN: THE SULTAN'S WAR since denied such an intention, but it has turned down many applicants for entrance on the grounds that they do not qualify as Pakistanis. , 3 (Fighting between the 7,000-man Omani Some in Bangladesh see this as another arbitrary armed forces and the rebels in Dhofar Province move to limit the number of non-Bengalees to bea, has taken its normal seasonal upsurge. Since the admitted. For its part, Islamabad claims that one end of the monsoon in late September, small reason for the low number admitted so far is7$fgroups of the Popular Front for the Liberation of inefficiency in Dacca. Bangladesh has, for Oman and the Arab Gulf have stepped up mine- example, been unable to locate some non- laying operations as well as ambushing govern- Bengalees whose a plications for repatriation ment forces and shelling strongpoints. The have been approved Omanis have countered with air strikes against SECRET Page 19 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET (Aden) __ Muscat the Popular Front continues to get arms and provisions through to its scattered units. In recent months, a variety of Soviet weapons have been delivered, including the Katyusha 122-mm. rocket that has been fired against targets near the coastal town of Salalah and against the nearby air base that supports the air war against the insurgents- both times without damage or casualties. The rebels have managed to bring in a number of anti-aircraft machine guns, in an attempt to dis- courage government helicopter operations 3 he Sultan is hoping for outside assistance to shift the military balance in his favor. Thus far, 411ran has been the most receptive to his appeals. Next month a fully equipped airborne brigade with subordinate medical and engineering units will join an Iranian special forces unit already on the scene. The first mission of the 1,300-man unit will be to clear an important truck route from the interior to Salalah. The UK has contributed about 150 officers, who lead the Sultan's army and run his air force. A limited number of Jordanians and Pakistanis hold middle-level positions in training, logistic, and technical-support units 7 3 TFor their part, the rebels can count on con- tinued support from the Marxist-oriented Adenis, who view the Omani sultanate as an obstacle to Zoo the revoluti'nary goals of the Popular Front. 7Since Aden gained its independence in 1967, it ha served as a conduit for arms to the insurgents rebel bases in Dhofar and search-and-destroy operations. They have tried to cut rebel supply routes from Yemen (Aden). A modest civic action program has been established n the backward, h in Dhofar and has provided safe havens and bases for training. The Dhofari rebels could very well be receiving training from Cuban advisers assigned to the Adeni militia school. Earlier this year, Aden underscored its commitment to the rebellion by sending in 200 "volunteers."7 westernmost province in an effort to win t e r loyalty of the mountain tribesmen. Still, the rug ~~ IT he Omanis are not now capable of crushing ged terrain gives the guerrillas great advantages ` the Dhofar insurgency, and their financial re- and they get substantial support from across the d sources are strained to the limit by war-related border in Aden. No end is in sight in this decade_r expenditures that absorb about two thirds of gov- long guerrilla wart ernment revenues. Thus, the past pattern of the guerrilla warfare seems likely to continue, with 33 fThe Omani Army has tried in various ways to intercept supplies from Aden to the rebels, but t? 5 SECRET Pale 20 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 .bt UK I SUDAN: TRYING THE TERRORISTS '79 TPre-trial inquiry into the assassination last bility. The terrorists may be using this ploy to March of one Belgian and two US diplomats be- strengthen their argument that they were acting gan last week after a seven-week postponement. as agents of an "internationally recognized" .1 From the outset, the accused Palestinians dis- body, to give the operation an aura of respecta- 41, the proceedings by shouting pro- bility.. Palestinian and anti-US slogans. The magistrate's (( p d highly unusual decision to allow the terrorists to '7Y rAt the next session, on 24 November, the address the court directly will permit them to air defense is expected to argue that Sudan has no their political justification for the killings." jurisdiction because the crimes were committed in p the Saudi Arabian Embassy, a contention that the -7 rUnexpectedly, the Palestinians' spokesman court will probably rejec In spite of the ter- asserted that the murders were ordered by the ?.Prorists' outbursts, the US mbassy believes the Palestine Liberation Organization-a contradic-y inquiry is generally proceeding in accordance with ti f th ' on o e organization s own denial of responsi--7 accepted Sudanese legal procedure. FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET 00? Representatives of 23 Latin American and canal treaty that will satisty Panama's "just aspi- English-speaking Caribbean nations-including 16 rations," bu it was watered down from the origi- foreign ministers-met in Bogota from 14 to 16 nal proposal. November to discuss US - Latin American rela- tions. They endorsed a broad but generally Vo CAmong the topics agreed upon for discussion moderate agenda for an expected meeting with with the US are: Secretary Kissinger early next year in Mexico ? greater hemispheric cooperation for de- 87 rThe idea for a meeting of American foreign velopment; ministers dates from early October when Secre- tary Kissinger visited the UN and talked with ? the international monetary system; Latin American representatives about increasing high-level contacts. Foreign Ministers Rabasa of ? the role of multi-national corporations; Mexico and Vasquez of Colombia appear to have been behind the decision that the Latin foreign ? the transfer of technology; 97 ministers should meet first, without US participa- tion, and seek a consensus. Rabasa later explained ? the revitalization of the inter-American to the US ambassador in Mexico that the prepara- system.1 tory meeting would allow the Latins to "let off steam" and g'+ unreasonable proposals "out of f)elegates expressed confidence in the special their systems." OAS commission on reorganization currently meeting in Lima, but many apparently feel that 16 The Colombians, together with Brazilians, there should be more regular consultations out- Chileans, and several Central Americans, domi- side the OAS and without US involvement. In nated the proceedings at Bogota. Peru, Venezuela, their closing addresses, however, Rabasa and Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama unsuccessfully96Vasquez made it clear that they and many of g7 sought to inscribe several contentious proposals their colleagues desire direct and frequent com- th on e agenda. Panama did win support for a munications with Secret y Kissinger. resolution that calls on the US to conclude a SECRET 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Page 21 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET CUBA: THE REVOLUTION REGROUPS Cf I 'Fidel Castro's speech closing the National Labor Congress on 15 November reversed a num- ber of policies his regime had long defended. 3Pleading "revolutionary inexperience," Castro admitted having tried to go too far, too fast in his efforts to bring communism to Cuba. He ac- knowledge that that communism "cannot be applied by decree.' and the practice of retiring exemplary employees on full pay will be terminated. To soften the impact, Castro hinted at the possibility that luxury items such as cars and color television will become available. He also revealed that work is already under way on the drafting of Cuba's first five-year plant 41 '[The policy changes reached so deeply into 41 [-These admissions, which received an implicit stamp of approval from other key figures of the regime, recognize the validity of the criticisn'~j 3heaped upon him, not only by his Soviet and East""(( European benefactors, but also by adherents of the pre-Castro Communist Party who had been purged for opposing his political and economic theories. His pledge to terminate some measures that have enjoyed wide public approval indicates that he is serious about changing many of the utopian but impractical schemes that have hobbled his administration7 qZ? [The policy changes wer-~ not unexpected; the regime's "mass organizations" had been priming the population for many of them for almost a year. Some of the measures undoubtedly g1)drew considerable opposition, and the govern- ment was at some pains to demonstrate broad public support for the policy shifts. Of the 1.7 million workers eligible, 88 percent took part in "overwhelmingly"; those abstaining or signifying FAs if to underscore the latter point, an "old" disapproval allegedly constituted no more than communist, Lazaro Pena, was elected secretary one percent of the vote on any specific item. This general of the Central Organization of Cuban display of Cuban "democracy" may impress a few Workers, replacing "new" communist Hector of the more unsophisticated, but the majority ofq; Ramos Latour. The 62-year-old Pena had helped those who will suffer from the change will look form the federation of labor unions in 1939 and upon the statistics with skepticisnl7 had served eight years as its first secretary general, 93 CH Castro touched on a broad range of topics. He ade it clear that material incentives, for example, are no longer anathema and that some forms of overtime pay will be authorized. So- called voluntary work, often mismanaged and uneconomical, will be curtailed and organized in a more orderly fashion. On the other hand, utility rates, which were reduced si-arply after Castro came to power, will be increased; premium pay the regime's ideological underpinnings that Castro apparently felt it necessary to have his brother Raul and President Dorticos on hand with him for all sessions of the congress. Seven of the eight members of the Political Bureau-the party's high- est policy-making body-and the entire party CASTRO SAYS HE HAS TRIED TO GO TOO FAR, TOO FAST IN BRINGING COM- MUNISM, TO CUBA. Secretariat were present during his closing speech. By their presence, they signified their approval of the measures being adopted and their recognition of the rising influence, if not predominance, of Cuba's "old" communists'? but he played no significant role in aiding the Castro revolution. Ramos Latour, on the other hand, is about 12 years younger than Pena and is a brother of a dead hero of the Castro revolution. He himself served in Castro's underground and helped organize union support for the rebel movement. His replacement by Pena is symp- tomatic of the gradual shifts in Cuba that are drawing it ever more closely into the Soviet or- bit. 25X1 SECRET P?ae 22 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SLL:KI= I TRINIDAD-TOBAGO: SEARCHING FFormer W o ney general Karl Hudson- Phillips has emerged as the most probable succes- sor to Prime Minister Eric Williams as leader of the ruling People's National Movement. The party has set a national convention for 2 December and if Hudson-Phillips wins as expected, he will be- come prime minister shortly thereafter. Since Williams announced his intention to retire from public life, the battle for control has crystallized the party's racial divisions. The former attorney general has the solid support of the party's black majority, while his chief rival, Minis- ter of Health and Local Government Kamaluddin Mohammed, commands the loyalty of its East Indian minority. SECRET Page 23 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 1950s. Under the present system, elections must be held by 1976, but Williams' successor probably will feel compelled to seek a popular mandate within a year. Before the election takes place, the new prime minister will have to convince the electorate of his ability to head an honest and effective government, promote racial harmony, and lessen unemployment. If he does not succeed in at least some of these objectives, the party could be ousted for the first time since the 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 VENEZUELA: AN UNE NTFUL CAMPAIGN (7 J q8/ IThe campaign for th ~na ional election on 9 Dece}~ber is moving into its final stage with a winner not yet in sight. Some strong political rhetoric has stirred up an occasional disturbance, but there are not enough substantive differences between the two major parties to enlist the real passions of the Venezuelans. Of the 14 presidential hopefuls, only Lor- enzo Fernandez, running for the governing Social Christians, and Carlos Andres Perez, the Demo- cratic Action candidate, hav,: a chance to win. The lead in public opinion polls has been see- sawing between them. With considerable fanfare, President Caldera has inaugurated a wide range of industrial and public works projects in the hopes of giving a boost to Fernandez. Thus far, the focus in the campaign has been on domestic issues. Anti-US themes and com- plaints about foreign investment by US oil com- panies have been generally avoided. Democratic Action is portraying its candidate as a man of law and order who will control the spiraling cost of living and deal with other bread-and-butter issues. Until recently, the governing party concentrated on presenting Venezuela as an international leader. The party tried to appeal to the left with a pacification program at home and a call for rela- tions with socialist countries abroad. After recent polls showed that the left was cool to this tactic, however, party leaders turned to basic domestic issues that appeal to the poor. Fernandez' present poor showing in the polls has spurred speculation that President Caldera may try some dramatic last-minute acts to strengthen the pro-government vote. Mcst mentioned are moves against the oil companies and efforts to stabilize the cost of living and end shortages of staple commodities. The election may be marred by a large-per- haps even a record-number of null presidential votes. The followers of the exiled ex-dictator, Perez Jimenez, who have no candidate of their own, may try this tactic. Abstention, although illegal in Venezuela and carrying stiff penalties, may be popular with others as a means of ex- pressing displeasure with the poor choice of can- didates. Either the Social Christian Party or Demo- cratic Action will win the presidency, but the composition of the next national congress re- mains uncertain. Venezuela's proportional repre- sentation system favors small-party representa- tion, which has encouraged a multitude of groups to offer congressional slates. The new congress could therefore represent a further fragmentation of political power with no party receiving more than 20 percent of the seats. The marxist Move- ment To Socialism is expected to do well, largely as a result of the popularity of its presidential candidate, Jose Vincente Rangel, a socialist inde- pendent, who is expected to come in third. Although there are occasional rumors of25X1 coup plotting, there appears to be little danger that extremists of either the far left or riaht wi1125X1 guarantee the results of the election, and both 25X1 major r i to abide by the out- come. 25X1 SECRET Pace 24 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 THE DOLLAR STAYS STRONG n, or sowia.CEE0 After makin~ strong gains in early Novem- ber, the dollar was steady on major foreign ex- change markets over the past week. Profit taking, a sharp rise in British lending rates, a flurry of speculation related to the revaluation of the Nor- wegian crown on 15 November, and the Arab announcement that December oil cuts would not be applied to "friendly" European nations all contributed to a slight easing after the high point on 12 November. An announcement the next day that major central bankers had agreed to permit free market sales of official gold had little impact, and the dollar showed its underlying strength by coming back later in the week. The dollar's upward surge in the early part of November was set off by fear that the econo- mies of Europe and Japan were vulnerable to the Arab oil boycott. The groundwork for the abrupt rise had been laid earlier by the improvement in the US balance of payments. Many who had spec- ulated against the dollar earlier in the year were encouraged to reverse their strategies. The oil price hikes and production cutbacks by the Arabs make money market predictions hazardous, but prospects for further dollar appre- ciation appear reasonably good. The US balance of payments will probably continue to improve, a delayed effect of the substantial dollar devalua- tion since 1971. This will add to commercial demand for dollars and will encourage firms and individuals to build up their dollar holdings. The exchange market demand, in turn, will require increased dollar sales by foreign central banks. Japan has sold over $2 billion in recent weeks and West Germany almost $400 million. PERCENT CHANGE SINCE 2 JANUARY 1973 IN THE VALUE OF THE US DOLLAR RELATIVE TO SELECTED FOREIGN CURRENCIES Change in the Trade Weighted Average Value of the Dollar* -30 19 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27AU3 G 10 17 24 31 (i 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 1621 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL SECRET Page 25 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 SECRET Tokyo has already taken steps to slow the drain on the dollar. Bonn is less concerned, at least for the moment, and reportedly will use dollar sales to prevent too abrupt a depreciation of the mark$ The other European capital! probably will be similarly inclined, although they welcome the im- provement in trade competition associated with the stronger dollar, World gold markets have been quiet since the end of the two-tier gold pact on 13 Novem- ber. Commercial users had already purchased suf- ficient stocks to last into early 1974, while specu- lators are awaiting a move by central bankers who apparently have not yet decided whether to trade in gold on the open market. Central banks will be tempted to realize profits on the increased value of their gold holdings, especially if faced with the need to borrow money for intervention pur- poses. LAW OF THE SEA CONFERENCE 1** 4* he UN General Assembly last week voted a-virtually unanimously to convEne a second Law of the Sea conference in Caracas from 20 June to 29 August 1974. A preparatory session will take 101 place in New York on 3-14 December of this yeaarr'1 ?-t 1The preparatory session will consider a num- er of procedural questions, and a few thorny issues such as seating the Provisional Government of South Vietnam and Sihanouk's Cambodian exile government at the 1974 conference could come up. Prior to the General Assembly vote last week, a group of communist and nonaligned states planned to press for an invitation for both he Provisional Government and Sihanouk's group, but these plans were scuttled at the last minute when the Chinese backed off and urged the nonaligned states to do likewise TOnce over the arrangements hurdle, the con- rice next summer will face the very tough substantive issues involved in drafting an interna- tional Law of the Sea treaty. Among the contro- versial questions are' ,CA clusive territorial waters; ? the area to be included in a wider area of more limited national control; ? the status of deep seabed resources; a the sharing of ocean resources between The lack of progress in the UN Seabeds Commit- tee, which earlier this year failed to develop an agenda for the conference, bodes ill for quick action. Nothing happened at the current General Assembly session to lessen speculation that a third Law of the Sea conference might be neces- sary in 1976. SECRET Page 26 WEEKLY SUMMARY 23 Nov 73 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4 Secret Secret Approved For Release 2008/03/19: CIA-RDP79-00927A010600020001-4