SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7
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RIPPUB
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K
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13
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December 16, 2016
Document Release Date: 
September 7, 2000
Sequence Number: 
35
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Publication Date: 
August 24, 1951
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BULL
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Approved Fordlease 2005/01/10: CIA-RDP84-0002203001 C E N T R A L I -4; T T E L L I C E N C njJ .A G L N C Y OFFICE UiP' SCIE1 TIFIC I TELLIGE CE SCIENTIFIC INTELLICPNCE BULLETIN Cosnonts presented herein do not necessarily represent the mature or final appreciation of CIA and, in general, have not been coordinated with other intelligence agencies, This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States, within the meaning of Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, of the U. S, Code, as amended. Its transmission or revelation of its contents to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. SECRET }'La C--hApproved For Release - - 0228 SIB 51-2 24 August 1951 Copy No..,/ J, 25X1 25X1 25X1 T ABLE OF COT-171, NTS 25X6 25X6 Approved Fo lge?R CIA--RDP84-0002 BIOLOGY Page . Soviet Development of BW Defense Methods . . m . . 1 Plant Breeding Research in USSR 8 Purchase of Large Plasma-Producing Plant by Soviet Satellites . ? . ? ? . . . . . . . . e . . 4-5 Supply of Antimalarial Drugs to China . , ? . . a ? ? . . . 5 11 Increased Production of Rubber Medical Equipment in Eastern Germany . . . . . 12 Transfer of Hospitals from Chinese Coastal Cities . . . . 6 13 Overburdened Chinese Communist Medical Facilities . . . . 7 14 Diversion of U. S. Antibiotics through Belgium to Soviet ry Orbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ? . . . ? . . . , ? . 16 Assignment of Medical Units to Battle Stations in North 15 Control of Typhus in the USSR . . . . . . . . . . . .. ? . ? ? 8 Korea . . T ? . . . . . . . . Approved ror Rele?stJ Hydrogen Peroxide Development in the USSR . ? . . . . . 1-'2 East German Export of Paraldehyde Mixture to USSR . . . 3 MEDICINE Concentration of Physicians in Rumanian Resettlement ,'area . 3-4 Rumanian Acquisition of "Gift" Drugs . . 25X1 25X1 Approved Felease 2 05/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R0003 0160035-7 SECRET 'TABLE OF CONTENTS (contd) NUCLEAR ENERGY 25,X6 Item Atomic Energy Activities in Sinkiang, China ELECTRONICS 25X6 20 Production of Transformer Paper in Eastern German, 21 Swiss Television 22 New Broadcast Transmitter in East Germany . . . . . 1 Q . . ? Page . 8-9 23 New Short-wave Transmitter in East Germany .'. . . ? . . a . . . 11 24 Attempt by Poland to Obtain Electronic Equipment in Switzerland,. 12 WdEP ONS 25 Preliminary Analysis of MIG-15 Recently Recovered in Korea , , 12-13 26 Sighting of Type-15 Aircraft over Korea . . . . . . . . . *? 13-14 27 Reported Quantity Production of Pulse Jet Engines in the USSR 14 MIS CELLANEOUS 28 Meteorological Conference in Czechoslovakia ... . . . . $ . 14-15 29 German Development of Stratosphere Balloons a . . ? ? 15 30 International Activities of Soviet Scientists . . . . . . . . . . 15-16 Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 25X1 25X1 Approved For ease 2 nAr, 9A4 94 A elA RE)P84 00022RONf 00160035-7 SECPO BIOLOGY I.. Soviets Development of BW Defense Methods : 25X1 A Canton newspaper, NAN-fang JIH-PAO, 19 Jun :51 dated 29 March 1951, quoted a Tass CONFIDENTIAL report that Soviet scientists condemned General MacArthur for large-scale preparations for BW and stated that the USSR is developing methods to combat such warfare. COMMENT: Although there has been considerable Soviet propaganda on the general subject of BW, this is the first public mention of Soviet development of what presumably are methods for Bid defense. 25X6 3. Plant Breeding Research in USSR: A vast program to develop new crop varieties adapted to the steppe and semi-desert area of the USSSR is being conducted by the All-Union Institute of Plant Growing. The primary objective is the development of crop varieties resistant to the extreme heat and drought of the Turkmen SSR, the Prikaspiskaya depression (northwest of the Caspian Sea) and the southern Ukraine. The World Collection of crops, located at the All-Union Institute "Socialist Agriculture" (USSR Newspaper) 15 Jul 51 Reed: 1 Aug 51 UN CLASSIFIED SECRET Approved For Release 2 05/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R0 300160035-7 25X1 25X1 25X1 1, Sovie Develo ment of BW Defense Methods: General. MacArthur for large-scale preparations',for BW and stated that the USSR is developing methods to combat sucl warfare . 25X6 COMMENT: Although` there has been considerable Soviet propaganda on the general subject of BW, this is the first Public mention of Soviet development of what presumably are methods for BN defense. 3. Approved FoIease - - 00300160035-7 SECRET BIOLOGY A Canton newspaper, NAnT-fangf'JIH-PAO, 19 Jun 51 dated 29 March 1951, quoted a Tass CONFID?INTI. L report that Soviet scientists condemned "Soeialift Agriculture' (USSR N wspaper) 15 Jul., l Reed: .Aug 51 UN CL43SIFIED A vast program tf"p develop new crop varieties adaptee\ to the steppe and semi-desert area Af the USSR is being conducted by the 41-Union Institute of Plant Growing. Th primary objective is the development of r op varieties resistant to the extreme heat and drought of the Turkmen SR, the Prikaspiskaya d9pression (northwest of the Caspian Sea) and then southern Ukraine. The iWorld Collection of crops., located at the All~Union Institute SECRET Approved For Release 2 300160035-7 25X1 25X1 Approved Fii elease 200-5/01/10. - - 00300160035-7 SECRET of Plant-Growing, serves as a basic source of material for the program. Local experiment stations in these areas have received 12,000 samples of cotton, wheat, potatoes', vegetables, forages, oil crops, and citrus crops. CORNY This report, supported by information from other sources, indicates that Soviet plant breeders are continuing to give major attention to heat and drought resistance in their crop plants and that disease resistance still occupies a secondary position in their over-all program. The implication is clear that plant life in the USSR continues to be vulnerable to biological warfare agents. The World Collection of plants teas originally established under the regime of N. I. Vavilov who, as Lysenko's strongest opponent, was purged in 1940. It is extremely doubtful, however, whether the Soviets will benefit materially from this remarkable collection of germ plasift so long as they continue to exclude all methods of plant improvement based upon modern genetics. CHEMISTRY 4. Hydrogen Peroxide Development in the USSR: CIA/HICOG RITE 01258 TFI-00328/3 15 Jun 51 SECRET The delivery known. A new Soviet purchase order for considerable amounts of manufacturing equipment, including ceramic vacuum columns, for hydrogen peroxide was placed in the Spring of 1951 with SAG Reecho, Soviet Zone of Germany. date and final destination of the equipment are un- COMMENT: Ceramic vacuum columns are now used in Germany as part of the equipment employed in the manu- facture of 35% hydrogen peroxide, but are probably suitable for making 90% hydrogen peroxide as well. This is the latest in a series of orders which indicate a continuing and fairly large-scale effort to construct plants within the USSR for producing hydrogen peroxide. These orders imply that the Soviets are in the plant-building rather than the production stage, and that facilities for making high-test- peroxide (HTP) production equipment in adequate amounts are not available within the USSR. The only conceivable use for large quantities of HTP is in Walther-type submarine propulsion units. 2 - Approved For Re 05/01/10: CIA-RDP84-00022R000 00160035-7 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved FAY4Welease 2 300160035-7' The Walther submarine was a German World War II development, and used concentrated (55% - 90%) hydrogen peroxide, a 90-ton supply of which permitted these craft to travel submerged for six hours at a speed of 26 knots. 25X1 ;Bona-Schkopa.> chemical plant produces a paraldehyde-alcohol(45% - 55%) mixture for export tc. USSR ostensibly for the production of butadiene, the basic raw. \material for the manufacture of -ynthetic rubber. In addition, this mixture can be readily converted to a rocket fuel by diluting with alcohol to a 30% paraldehyde- 70% alcohol ratio, On 21 June 50 the planned production goal for this chemical plant. during 1951 was established as 30,000 tons of paraldehyde mixture. On 14 Nov 50 the planning depart- ment issued the first Quarter forecast for 1951 indicating that annual. production was to be increased 36%. On 30 Jan 51 DA}IA Chemie issued "Export Allotments of the G.D.R. for 1951", call- East German Export of Paraldehyde Mixture to USSR: ing for Schkop'x to' export to USSR 45,000 tons of the paraldehyde- alcohol mixture, a 50% increase over the original plan. Oc 4MENT: The large increase in planned export of this mixture may imply'either an acute shortage of rubber, a large expansion of the synthetic rubber program, or a stockpiling of a potential rocket fuel in a very logical and convenient method. MEDDICINE 6. Concentration of P h sicians in Rumanian Reset;tl me t Area: State, Bucharest Estimates indicate that 50--75,0b0 persons Weeka 26 have been evacuated from the Rumanian side 29 Jun 51 of the Rumania-Yugoslavia border. The SECRET exacuated area reportedly extends along the full length of the border and is 30-40 miles wide. In order to care for the requirements of evacuees and to prevent epidemics, 120 physicians have been ordered to the resettlement' areas. - 3 Approved For ReISR@ 25X1 b300160035-7 25X1 Approved Felease 200-5/01110 - - - 0300160035-7 SECRET COUNT: Regardless of the reported shortage of physicians and medical supplies elsewhere in Rumania,medical doctors are being concentrated in the re-settlement area. This is probably indicative of norm-immunized civil population lacking adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities in that area. 7. Rumanian Acc uisition of "Gift" Drugs : Early in 1951 it was reported that Rumanian authorities have been retaining ten per cent of the medicines sent in gift packages from private citizens in the United States. Authorities use a syringe to withdraw part of the contents of penicillin bottles containing more than a million units. Experiments to produce penicillin at'Sinaia have failed. COUNT : Numerous reports have been received of the serious shortages of medicines, particularly antibiotics, in other Soviet Satellites. This item indicates that the Rumanians also are very anxious to procure additional penicillin. The Rumanian pharmaceutical industry has been extremely under-developed but with the help of the USSR more and more products, including sulfa drugs, are being manufactured. A July broadcast from Bucharest reported that some of the factories producing medicines had completed this year's program ahead of schedule. Nevertheless, other reports indi- cate that during the past year and a half Rumania has received "medicines" from Czechoslovakia and Western Germany, and penicillin from-Holland, Sweden, and Eastern Germany. A center in Bucharest receives penicillin and distributes it only to the Army and hospitals. It is believed that, while apparently there is little or no peni- cillin available to civilians, it is quite probable that the military has adequate supplies and, in fact, may be stockpiling the drug. Additional evidence confirms the fact that confiscation of a certain portion of the drugs contained in gift packages is a standard procedure of most of the Satellite govern- ments. Other reports have indicated that the Satellite governments ,encourage private citizens to request drugs from the "West" as one 1 means of obtaining medicines in short supply. .G- 8. Purchase of Lame Plasma-Producing Plant by Soviet Satellites: 25X6 Army, R-1200-51 9 May 51 SECRET 25X6 a large freeze-drying plasma. 25X1 25X6 Approved For ReIQ - - RDTYEuuuzzKuUUIOO160035-7 25X1 5XURET Approved Forlease 2 plant (capacity 1,100 bottles of plasma per week). Since then, facilities have been extended for large-scale production and storage. Although these are long-range projects, taking from 6 to 12 months to attain full production, it has been pointed out that eventual capacity of these plasma plants is far in excess of peacetime requirements. This large excess can be stored indefi- nitely. The plants can also be used for production of antibiotics, vaccines and, with certain modifications, can be converted for production of BW agents. 25X6 25X6 C0 iENT: This is the first information concerning the Soviet Satellite purchase of plasmaprocessing equipment No information is given as to which country purchased the plant or its location. 9. Supply of Antimalarial Drugs.too China: , R-1200-51 9 May 51 SECRET Simultaneously, 1,200 tons of quinine were ordered from the Netherlands. Prior to the American ban on exports 19 Nov 50, China received large orders of antimalarials from U. S, firms believed to be transshipped via India. COMMENT: This confirms information received previously that China has been ordering large quantities of antimalarials. The amount demanded is far in excess of pre- 1950 consumption and might indicate a large civilian antimalarial campaign. The highest incidence of malaria in China is along the Indo-Chinese and Burmese borders. No other antimalarial control measures have been noted and there has been none of the propaganda build-up with which Communist countries usually herald such a project. 25X6 Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 SECRET 25X1 25X6 25X1 25X6 11. Increased Production of Rubber Medical Equipment in Eastern Germany: 25X' 25X1 Approved Folease 2005101110 GlA_-R_Dl284_QQQ1JQ 0300160035-7 SECRET 11 Jul 51 Recd: 23 Jul 51 CONFIDENTIAL On 1 March 1951 the Rubber Works in Berlin/ Weissensee reportedly will. start production of catheter, throat, and stomach tubes in quantities sufficient to cover the require- men,s of hospitals and doctors in the German Democratic Republic. COMMENT: Although this is the first report of production of this type of medical equipment in Eastern Germany, recent information indicates increased production of all types of medical and scientific equipment. In consideration of German techrtical and industrial ability, this industry may well be expanded to provide sufficient equipment not only for East German needs but for the USSR and Satellites as well. 12. Transfer of Hospitals from Chinese Coastal Cities: During June, 1951, Chinese Communist authori- ties commenced moving hospitals from the Wenchow and Linhal (28-53N/121-07E) coastal areas to a mountainous area in the northern part of Chekiang Province. It is also reported 'that there was an influx of various military units into the coastal regions. COYMENT: There are no indications of unusual outbreaks of disease or heavy influx of population to warrant move- ment of hospitals into the mountainous area, nor does this report indicate that these are mobile military hospitals. This inland movement will leave the coastal cities without adequate civil, nedi- eat protection. It is noteworthy that the population of Wenchow alone is more than 630,000, whereas the largest city in the mountain area has a population of only 60,000. It is possible that the evacuated hospitals may be used as barracks, living quarters and office space for the incoming military units, Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 25X1 25X1 Approved Foelease 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-0002Q,pO00300160035-7 quently the shipment was diverted to Rumania. Altlaougn no ac stated, it was implied that the penicillin was of U. S. origin, processed and packaged in Belgium for re-export. SECRET 13. Overburdened Chinese Communist Medical Facilities: FBIS No. 138 It is reported from Hong Kong that shrines Far East in Canton were being converted into tempo- 10 Jul 51 ary hospitals to accommodate wounded Recd: 26 Jul 51 soldiers from Korea. Trainloads of RESTRICTED wounded stream into Canton daily and all hospitals are crowded to capacity. COMMENT: Analysis of numerous reports indicates the inadequancies of medical facilities in and near the combat zone, the most important area for the treat- ment of wounded personnel. Conversion of religious shrines, as well as evidence that there is no space in any of the hospitals under command of the Central and South China Military Area, are indicative of the great strain on available medical facilities in these regions. 14. Diversion of U. S, Antibiotics through Belgium to the Soviet Orbit: CIA ;631362 State, Brussels, 1605 20 Jun 51 Recd: 18 Jul 51 CONFIDENTIAL COMMENT: Past evidence indicates that both Belgium and Switzerland have been involved in transshipment to Satellite countriest Switzerland is in no way obligated to abide by U. S. interpretations of what should not enter into East-West trade. Although Switzerland has been cooperating to some extent, the U. S. Department of Commerce is now denying U. S. licenses for export to Switzerland, There have been numerous references to Belgium's channeling of pharmaceuticals to Satellites through Switzerland and other countries. Apparently those concerned with the matter in Belgium take the stand that the ultimate destination requirements of the U. S. Department of Commerce are satisfied by the "nationalizing" of the products through processing and packaging. 25X1 25X1 25X1 SECRET I 25X1 Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 25X1 Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 Next 8 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 2005/01/10 : CIA-RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 $4,3223001600 3 ROUTING AN REOQRD_HET__.. ;? 14th 4~fLcer designations should be used in the "To" column. Under each comment a line should be drawn across sheet and each comment numbered to correspond with the number in the "To"column. Each officer should initial (Check mark insufficient) before further rou?iny. This Record and Routing Sheet should be returned to Registry. ~w FROM - NO. DATE a TO ROOM DATE OFFICER'S NO. RECD FWD'D INITIALS COMM TS 4. 5. d. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14, 15. pprove For Rel ase 2005 0 1/10: CI - RDP84-00022R000300160035-7 SECRET