DEVELOPMENTS IN COUNTRIES ON THE COUNTERINSURGENCY LIST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00429A001200060001-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 15, 2005
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 3, 1963
• Content Type: IM

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OCI No. 3224/63
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Office of Current Intelligence
3 December 1963.
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Developments in Countries on the Counter-
insurgency List
1. South Vietnam
The Viet Cong.continue to maintain.mili-
tary pressure on the new government through intensi-
fied harassing, terrorist, and sabotage operations.
While the level of Viet Cong activity declined still
further during the period 2.0-27 November from that
of the week following the 1 November coup, it re-
mained at approximately twice the level maintained
during the first ten months of the year. In addi-
tion, the Viet Cong gained sufficient weapons in
combat during November to equip nearly three regular
battalions. We note that the Communist-sponsored
National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam
has called for sustained attacks on government forces.
Improved Communist antiaircraft weapons employment
and technique were again demonstrated on 24 November
when 20 friendly aircraft were hit.
continuing to exert pressure on enemy forces ins
northern and central Laos. Neutralist troops have
cleared Pathet Lao forces from the Vang Vieng area
and are pushing to the north along Route 23. Regular
right-wing units, aided by Meo guerrillas, are per-
sisting in their efforts to isolate Xieng Khouang
Ville and regain recently lost positions to the
north of the town. Farther south along Route 8,
Phoumi forces have captured Kam Keut and are re-
portedly moving against Lak Sao, a village to the
east.
Right-wing and neutralist forces
St6te Department review completed
i
DIA review(s) completed.
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3. Bolivia
The Committee of Anti-imperialist Struggle
(CLA), a small pro-Castro terrorist group which ap-
parently intends to model itself after the Venezuelan
terrorist organization is in an early state of de-
velopment in Bolivia.
On 17 November, the Bolivian security service
caught several members of the CLA as they were plac-
ing bombs near the homes of the US ambassador and
the commanding general of the Bolivian Air Force.
President Paz appears determined to move swiftly
a ainst the CLA
4. Colombia
A series of bombings and attempted bombings
shook Bogota and other major cities during the last
week of November. A large number of the bombs were
aimed at US-gowned installations, including a dud
planted outside the home of the US naval mission
chief. The bombings are in protest against Colombia's
participation in Operation America, a joint naval
exercise with the US, and reportedly are directed
by Cuban-trained terrorists from Venezuela.
5. Dominican Republic
The government says its troops have isolated
two bands of extreme leftist guerrillas in the moun-
tains near the northern coast.
According to a 1 December communique, the
government also claims to have captured some, of the
guerrillas, together with a stock of arms, supplies,
and Communist literature. The communique names Manuel
Tavares Justo, president of the pro-Castro 14th June
Political Group (APCJ), and one of his lieutenants
as commanders of the two groups, which total about
70 men.
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US Embassy officials in Santo
m ngo a eve the guerrillas have been planning ac-
tion for several months.
The incident has prompted the government
to outlaw the APCJ, until now the only legal extreme
leftist party in the country.
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6. Guatemala
Guerrillas who have manaige:d to survive in
small pockets in the mountains of Guatemala for the
past three years are becoming active again and are
reported to be planning attacks on US properties.
The US army attache reports clashes during the last
week of November in which the army may have killed
as many as 40 guerrillas,
7. Venezuela
Between 19 and 22 November terrorist activi-
ties reached a new peak of intensity.
The bulk of the attacks were on police and
military installations and, personnel; on political
parties and their headquarters, candidates, and
rallies; and on public communications and transporta-
tion facilities. Attacks on US-owned property have
also been numerous. Among the targets of recent
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terrorist acts were Pan American Airways, UPI News
Agency, Pepsi Cola, Coca Cola, DuPont Corporation,
Firestone Tire Company, IBM Corporation, Colgate-
Palmolive Company, General Electric Company, US-
owned oil companies, gas stations, and supermarkets.
Since this intense outbreak of terrorism,
the tempo of terrorist activity has subsided. How-
ever, the most spectacular terrorist acts have oc-
curred since 22 November--the sending of packaged
bombs to the chief presidential candidates and to
a US Embassy officer, the hijacking of an Avensa
airliner, and the kidnaping of Lt. Col. James K.
Chenault, deputy chief of the US army mission.
Terrorism increased somewhat from 26 Novem-
ber through 28 November, but diminished unexpectedly
on 29 November and on election day, 1 December.
Although the terrorists were unable to
thwart the choosing of a new president, no great
letup in terrorist activities can be expected between
now and the inauguration on 2 March.
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