LETTER TO THE HONORABLE JOHN C. STENNIS FROM W. E. COLBY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01495R000100170014-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 16, 2006
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: June 13, 1975
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2006/10/16: CIA-RDP80BO1495R000100170014-1
SECR , /SENSITIVE
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
veStrY
[
13 JUN 1975
--Moscow's probable long-range strategic objectives
in this area are to gain influence at the expense of
the West and to limit the future role of China.
--Toward these goals, the Soviets use their naval
presence as one element in a combined approach
that utilizes political, economic, military aid and
subversive activity.
- -The naval force is a tangible reminder that the Soviet
Union is a global power with interests in the area.
--The Soviets recognize the importance to the West of
Persian Gulf oil, but the normal composition of their
Indian Ocean force suggests that interdiction of
Western commerce has not been a major objective.
--The level of Soviet naval activity in the area has grown
slowly but steadily since 1968, and this pattern is
expected to continue. The regular force usually
consists of six surface combat units, a diesel-powered
submarine, and about seven support ships. This
routine presence is occasionally augmented by other
units--for example, ships being transferred from the
1F1?'iC7F
western fleets to the Pacific.
e a
U 1 m
d~
SECRET/SENSITIVE
The Honorable John C. Stennis
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
. This is in response to your request for my views on the
Soviet naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
ED
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NOV: SECRET/SENSITIVE
--I would emphasize, however, that I expect further
growth in the level of Soviet activity even if there
is no change in the US presence.
The most significant change in the situation over the past
year has been the identification of a cruise missile facilit at
Berbera, Somalia.
Irh
range Styx is used on the Osa and Komar guided missil
eepaErolile-
boats. While we have not yet detected these boats in Berbera,
they may soon be delivered. The Soviets also are building an
airfield at Berbera, and the availability of these facilities will
enhance the capabilities of the forces deployed to the Indian
Ocean.
--The investment the Soviets are making in Somalia
clearly suggests that they intend to maintain a
significant naval presence in the region.
The impact of Diego Garcia on Soviet naval activity would
depend on the extent of our use of facilities there rather than simply
on their existence. The Soviets probably would not be particularly
bothered by the mere fact of a modest US base on- Diego Garcia,
for example, but would be inclined to accelerate the development
of their Indian Ocean contingent if we maintained sizeable forces
in the area.
Sincerely,
1, w. ;, GoI=.ryt
W. E. Colby
Director
Approved For ReleasJifbTI1Wg9B01495R000100170014-1
 Approved For Release 2006/10/16: C.IA-RDP80B01495R000100170014-1.
LETTER TO: The Honorable John 'C. Stennis
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services
United States Senate -
Washington, D.C. 20510'
SUBJECT . Summary of Views on,,the Soviet Naval Presence
in the Indian Ocean
1 3 ~{~ 1975
Deputy Director for Intelligence
Distribution:
Orig & 1 - Addressee
1 - DCI'
1 DDCI
1 - ER
1 - OLC
DDI
1 - D/OS R
rile DDI/CSO : : nag,,I1 (13 June 19 75 )
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 Approved For T aae 6{ 16 : CIA-RDP80BO
MEMORANDUM FOR: Jars R. Schlesinger
The Secretary of Defense
Senator Stennis asked for the
attached letter on the Soviet presence
in the Indian Ocean.
13 June 1975
(DATE)
FOR14 REPLACES FORM 10-101
54 WHICHMAYBE
I AUG USED.
95R000100170014-1
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Approved For Release 2006/10/16: CIA-RDP80BO1495R000100170014-1