SOVIETS IN AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000400250007-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 30, 1998
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: January 17, 1956
• Content Type: BRIEF

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17 JANUARY 1956
SOVIETS IN AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA--
1. Soviet advances into vulnerable underdeveloped areas increas-
ing in momentum and scope.,
A. Although greatest progress has been in south Asia,
Middle East, Soviets see same opportunities in Africa,
Latin America., and are now actively laying groundwork
for exploitation.
II. Soviet salesmen now moving deeper into Africa., where a,nti-
colonia.l pitch pays big dividends.
A. First wheel was Pravda. chief editor Shepilov--to Egypt
in July '55: since then, professional glad-hander
Volkov (whose position is roughly equivalent to "speaker
of the house") has visited the Tubma.n inaugural in
Liberia., and Ambassador to Belgium, Avilov, has wangled
reluctant invitation totour Belgian Congo.
In addition, New Soviet overtures have been made to
Libya., Ethiopia. and the Sudan.
III. Libya. - On 25 Sep '55, USSR recognized new Libyan state:
Soviet ambassador and sizeable diplomatic delegation
arrived 6 January.
A. Worth remembering that USSR bid for trusteeship over
Tripolitania. in '45.
B. Recognition brings Moscow closer to scene of turmoil in
North Africa..
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C. USSR has already made opening bids for Libyan oil con-
cession, use of abandoned airstrip for courier flights.
IV. Liberia. - Volkov, chief delegate to Tubma,n inauguration, ex-
tremely anxious go home with solid evidence Soviet-Liberian
relations.
A. proposed to Tubman that they immediately draft treaty
of friendship, invited Liberian parliamentary delegation
to Moscow, proposed interim third-party arrangement
until formal relations established, stated USSR ready
to offer economic aid.
B. Volkov, rebuffed by Tubma.n, returned to Moscow without
concluding agreement.
V. Congo - Ambassador to Belgium, Avilov touring all major
centers in Congo 11-28 January.
A. Belgian Foreign minister Spa,a.k had invited Latin American
ambassadors to visit Congo, in hopes softening their anti-
colonial attitudes in UN: Avilov asked to go along, and
Spaak found it impossible to refuse,
Czechs, Hungarians have also requested permission to send
trade missions to Congo but these turned down by Spa.ak,
who deemed requests phony cover for other operations.
VI. Ethiopia, - Bloc's economic interest in Ethiopia continues,
A. Latest, although unconfirmed, report claims Czechs
have concluded agreement for sale Soviet petroleum pro-
ducts in Ethiopia,
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B. USSR has maintained diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa
since '44 and Russians have had hospital there since 1900.
C. Soviet personnel relatively few, however (some 35, in-
cluding dependents, compared with US community of over 100).
VII. Sudan - Within week of Sudanese declaration independence
(1 Jan), Bloc recognized Sudan, expressed hope for establish-
ment diplomatic, trade relations.
A. Bloc trade personnel have already made trips into Sudan,
B. USSR hailed Sudanese decision to remain outside military
pacts, beamed glowing account of trade possibilities to
Sudan. Pravda, editorial (6 Jan) welcomed arrival of
Sudan on "road of independent development."
VIII.La,tin America.- Soviets have just made special press release
out of Bulganin replies to questions from US-published
Latin Ameaican magazine, Vision. Bulga.nin took occasion to
boost "trade and aid" program for area.
A. Increased effort in Latin America. further foreshadowed
by:
1. Expansion existing Soviet, Satellite diplomatic
missions.
2. Stepped-up propaganda broadcasting directed at a.rea.
in '55 (50% more than 154, 200%Q more than '50).
3. Increased cultural exchanges.
Jump in Soviet bloc-Latin America. trade levels
during '54 and 155.
D. Soviet trade drive in Latin America has been underway since
Moscow Economic Conference in t52, but current activity
reflects new decision to shoot works.
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IX. Most recent Activity:
A. Soviet ambassador to mexico sent on trip to Ecuador (dec '55)
where he reportedly offered Soviet munitions and $80-100 million
long-term credit. Ecuador reportedly rejected both.
B. Same ambassador tried to establish diplomatic post in Peru,
but Peruvians refused to grant him more than transit visa.
C. Rumors in Columbia gov't circles that Colubmia and USSR will
reestablish relations.
D. Soviet offer (late '55) to sell assembly equipment for Mexican
tractor plant.
X. Soviet"Trade & aid" offers tailroed to local LA situations where
critical economic problems and export surpluses make for easy sales.
A. Stepped Soviet Bloc deliversies, expecially to Argentina in return
for agricultural suppluses, as well as competitive pricing,
appear to be stimulating greater LA interest in Bloc markets--
new Argentine ambassador has proposed strengthening relations
with USSR.
B. Cuba has negotiated new $12 million sale of sugar to USSR--last
year's Soviet purchases helped boost sugar prices in glutted
world market.
C. Uruguay recently designated commercial representatives in
Communist China, Poland, East germany to promote sales of
agricultural surpluses, which would provide credits for essential
imports,
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Xi. Total picture of Soviet trade and aid activity in Asia, Africa
and Latin America represents long-term program of considerable
magnitude.
A. Soviets have made no bones about political connotations
this effort in Asia and Africa.
B. Moscow looks for dividend of political support fot its
policies on issues such as Formosa and Western-sponsored
military alliances, expects to gain allies in UN.
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