MILITARY PREPARATIONS FOR ATOMIC WARFARE IN EAST GERMANY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000500820228-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Sequence Number: 228
• Content Type: REPORT

CENTRAL INTELLIGEN.!_ P.GENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY USSR
SUBJECT 1Kil1ta r7 Preparations for Atomic Warfare
in East Germany
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1. various informers in Berlin and East Germany have been collecting date for
source on Soviet atomic defense in their areas. Following are the main
facts described and ascertained in these reports:
lectures on atomic
2. In the Soviet Occupation Army stationed in East Germany,
Qefense only began at the end of 1953. Previously, occasional lectuizea on
this subject were given, but there were no regular courses. At present, the
weekly curriculum for the troops contains at least three lectures on atomic
warfare, dealing with:
a. Methods of protection against atomic weapons.
b. Recognition of the effects of radioactivity on personnel and material.
c. Means and methods of first aid.
d. Tactical atomic weapons (descriptic-, and use).
3. Since the March H-bomb tests in the US, the Soviet Armed Forces' daily
"Rod Star" has published four long articles with popular 4escriptions of
the A-b=32, the H-bomb, about the peaceful application of atomic energy,
and the need to disbelieve exaggerated Stories of the lethal effects of
the A-bomb, or of this weapon rendering regular mass land armies unnecessary.
This is a remarkable change. Since 1950, Soviet antiatomic defense has
Invariably and consistently minimized the effects of the atomic weapons.
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4. Soviet regimental libraries have bee: provided wih pamphlets on atomic
def nse, and on the A- and the H-bombs, but they are only available to
officers in special reading rooms for secret and confidential studies
and instruction. Hitherto no special antiatoauc protective clothing, or
other means have been issued, and Soviet readers are advised that anti-
gas clothes and gas masks are perfectly adequate for antiatosiic purposes.
5. Heat autumn special ezer rises in atomic tactics >' 11 be held. Judging by
the tactical advice given during l.cturee on cr use of tactical atomic
weapons, the in sucjecrs of these ezz^?~.is t will be:
a. The time needed ? r troops to :et ready aria mobile swat be shortened
to a minimum.
b. Rapidity, technique and organization of the dispersal of the units.
c. Methods to meintein operations col-iesion of the dispersed units.
d. Defense in a disperStd c, d.Ltion.
a. Reconcentration units, p::ogres,s,vo end o feenslve au ione under atomic
werfare cnndj.tlon .
Throughout the five phases, indivi fuel protec:,ion and defense as well as the
evacuation of casualties, and So on., a:-c to be practiced.
6. From information gathered on this -,uh )ens ; it seems that:
a., The Soviet Command in Eart fienrw-ir;..r only to take account of tactical
atomic weapons la>t eutuzan.
b. The Soviet idea i_ to minimize t i? tLfect:s of r, e atomic weapons in troop
instruction, so as to avoi!1 p?ni: ~ne criticism.
c. The Soviets intend to use atomic weapons right from the beginning of
military operations.
d. Expecting immediate retaliation, th-y intend to disperse their troops
in East Germany at, the very beginning.
e. They will be kept dispersed for to -:) th-wee days, until the major effect
of the atomic surprise attack br5? been achieved and carp be evaluated.
f. Dispersed Soviet troops must h- kept ready for defense.
g. Subsequently reconcentrated, the Soviet troops will begin their offensive
(on the third or fourth day), so as, to progress as rapidly as possible,
which is their major aim.
7. Dhtil last winte:L952 the Soviet. :r.ru,ianr hau been extremely nary in organizing
their maneuvers and exercises, so as :;o avoid detection and observation uy
the local population and enemy agent2.. This year LT95g7 they seem to have reached
the conclusion that the risk of being caught: unprepared was a greater evil
than of being detected and observed.