SINO-SOVIET BLOC CAMPAIGN IN LATIN AMERICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 17, 2002
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: November 30, 1959
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 2002/08/12: CIA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
NSC BRIEFING 30 November 1959
SINO-SOVIET BLOC CAMPAIGN IN LATIN AMERICA
The bloc is attempting to exploit the "relaxation of tensions"
since Ichrushchev's visit to the US in an effort to expand commer-
cial, diplomatic and cultural relations with Latin America and
accomplish its long-run objective of decreasing US influence in
this strategic area.
A. Mexican visit of Mikoyan--highest ranking Soviet official
ever to visit Latin America-rand large Soviet delegation for
opening of Soviet exhibit was significant move in this direc-
tion and emphasizes increased importance USSR attaches to
its propaganda and penetration efforts in area.
1. Mexican reaction to Mikoyan and the exhibit has been cool.
B. Recent article in Pravda,,which pointed up impact on Latin
America of Khrushchev's visit to US, claimed "re-establishment
and development of friendly relations with USSR is a real
and great cause associated with hopes for guaranteed
national independence and a better life for Latin American
peoples."
1. Moscow recently doubled broadcasts to Central America and
increased by a third those to Brazil..
C. In several Latin. American countries, businessmen, some labor
leaders and certain government and congressional.leaders
are pressing for.trade and diplomatic relations with bloc.
DOCUMENT NO.
UQ CHANGE IN CIA:,';;. C7
CLASS. CHANGED T0: TS, S C
r,EXT;1E~rlEW DAlE'. _ _
A?JTH*H 2
Approved For Release 2002/08/12: CIA-RDP79R0QA99,9 9 4~ r
4 li+R:
25X1
'SrCRE7"~
 SECR
Approved For Release 2002/08/12 : CIA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
1. Important Brazilian trade delegation now in Moscow;
Brazilian Foreign Minister spoke of possible review
of Brazilian relations with USSR at time Khrushchev
visit to US announced; other Brazilian politicians have
subsequently called for diplomatic relations or more
trade with bloc.
2. Venezuela is considering renewal of relations with bloc,
and recently granted permission to Czechs to establish
commercial agency in Caracas.
3. Bolivian congress passed resolution in Sept.'calling for
relations with USSR and voted funds for Bolivian mission
in Moscow; reported informal Soviet offer of $60,000,000
credit to Bolivian national oil company reinforced
domestic pressure.
25X1
.II?. Latin American Communists are implementing some of the strategy
which they planned in Moscow early this year
25X1
B. They are now effectively exploiting leftist-nationalist
elements in developing a coordinated anti-US propaganda
campaign on the themes of: US support of dictators, the
"liberation movements" in Cuba and Venezuela, and Panama
Canal issue.
-2-
Approved For Release 2002/08/12 IA-RDP90A001100110009-4
S
 SE
? Approved For Release 2002/08/
42' IA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
25X1
C. Latin American Communists are developing a series of
regional front movements
1. For example, a Communist-dominated women's congress met
in mid-November in Santiago, Chile. Among the speakers
was the pro-Communist Mrs. Raul Castro. It voted
resolutions supporting Castro'.s revolution and the
nationalization of natural resources, and denouncing
ties with the US.
III. At a meeting of Latin American Communists in Peiping--following
the Moscow meeting--Chinese leaders demonstrated considerable
interest in an expanded role in the guidance of Latin American
Communism.
A. Peiping particularly active in augmenting exchange of visits,
developing propaganda network in the area, and in training
Latin American Communists in China. Three weeks ago Peiping
increased broadcasts to Latin America by one-third.
IV. Communists have registered important gains this year in pene-
trating Cuban revolution and other aspects of Cuban life.
A. The Cuban government continues its rapid trend to the left,
emphasized by 26 November shakeup.
1. Pro-Communist "Che" Guevara, new head of National Bank,
now in position to implement his precept that, to become
truly independent,, Cuba must shift pattern of trade away
from dependence on US.
Guevara's minimal economic knowledge colored by his
concept of Cuban revolution as a class struggle that
will change economic structure and social system.
Approved For Release 2002/08/12: CIA-AbP79R00890A001100110009-4
 Approved For Release 2002/08/'2 : CIA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
New minister of public works, Osmani Cienfuegos, is
probably a Communist.-
Officials replaced are relative moderates; others likely
soon to be replaced.
25X1X6
B. Communist-influenced National Agrarian Reform Institute
(INRA) becoming all-powerful.
3. INRA expropriations and other activities to date do
indeed suggest plans to control production and sale
of all agricultural commodities, cattle, minerals,
petroleum, and other raw materials.
4. Lands taken are organized as state-owned cooperatives,
not given to peasants as promised by Castro.
5. Wearing other hat as head of INRA's industrial section,
pro-Communist Che Guevara has almost unlimited powers in
formulating foreign and domestic economic policy.
C. On the surface Castro seems: to have received a setback
in Cuban Labor Federation elections for executive council
last week, but Communists remain strong in labor.
Approved For Release 2002/08/12 : CIA-RDP79R00890A001100110009-4
 Approved For Release 2002/08/12 : CIA-RDP79R0089OA001100110009-4
l? David Salvador, who has record of cooperation with
Communists, remains Fidel Castro's hand-picked
secretary-general of the labor federation.
2. The resolutions passed by the congress were strongly
anti-US and in genera] parallel international
Communist propaganda.
Approved For Release 2002/08/12 : CIAP79R0089OA001100110009-4