16 JUNE 1987 HPSCI BRIEFING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91B00874R000300240003-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 12, 2012
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: June 22, 1987
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
SECRET
22 June 1987
SUBJECT: 16 June 1987 HPSCI Briefing
CIA Briefer:
Congressmen Present:
Subjects Briefed:
ADDI Helgerson
ADDO
Cheney, Kastenmeier(chair), and
Kennelly
South Korea: Political
Developments
Nicaragua: War Situation
Panama: Political Developments
Persian Gulf: Military
Developments
Afghanistan: AN-26 Shoot Down
Questions/Answers:
QUESTION: With respect to Korea, there does
not appear to be much room for
accommodation. The position of both sides
seem set with little likelihood of
concessions. Does this bode well for a
peaceful transition?
ANSWER: Chun places great significance in
having the first peaceful transfer of
leadership. Although Roh has promised
conciliatory moves, his prospects are
uncertain since he is viewed as Chun's
clone. Current situation is not
optimistic. Chun is determined to-move
ahead and will maintain hard line toward
opposition that too is becoming more
determined. Could lead to Roh being
jettisoned, martial law, state of emergency,
or a move by the military.
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
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QUESTION: What information do you have on
news stories about two US citizens being
killed in Central America?
25X1
25X1
ANSWER: ADDO. We are aware of one solider
being killed in Honduras while on guard duty
but indications are that he was killed as a 25X1
result of criminal activity, not political.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
SUBJECT: 16 June 1987 HPSCI Briefing
Kennelly QUESTION: Obviously tied to the funding
question, have the Contras been successful?
ANSWER: Contras are showing greater ability
to conduct operations, either in small
groups and with other groups. For example,
the successful attack on Abisinia was a
multi-group effort. Contras have shown
significant growth in their capabilities.
However, they will not defeat the Nicaraguan
Army.
QUESTION: Have the Contras improved
significantly in terms of taking territory?
ANSWER: The Contras are not able to take
and hold territory permanently. They are a
guerrilla force which has significantly
improved its ability to operate in larger
areas. This forces the Sandinistas to
spread their forces to counter the Contras.
QUESTION: Is there hesitancy in the Contra
and Sandinista forces to engage in conflict?
SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
SUBJECT: 16 June 1987 HPSCI Briefing
ANSWER: ADDI. The few highly publicized
engagements may give the impression of
little overall action.
ADDO. The Contras are a guerrilla force and
do not engage in set piece battles, but the
number of engagements is fairly impressive.
ADDI. We publish a monthly review on this
activity and we will send`you our latest
edition.
Kastenmeier QUESTION: Are Silkworm launch sites near
the Strait of Hormuz?
ANSWER: Yes. One is near Kuhestak along
the northeast coast of the Strait. The
other is on Qeshm Island in the western part
of the Strait.
QUESTION: The level of violence in Persian
Gulf is presently low, will Iran intensify
the situation?
ANSWER: Iraq is the single important
variable in the Gulf. Iraq started the war
on land and at sea. The current unofficial
moritorium will end if Iraq attacks a' ship,
Iran will do likewise. Iran's goal is to
keep the superpowers out of the area. There
is no doubt that Iran will react at some
point in time to US escort efforts. Also,
Iran used the just completed visit by Soviet
Deputy Foreign Minister Vorontsov to make
the US appear as the villain and the Soviets
as peacemakers.
QUESTION: With respect to El Salvador,
there seems to be diminished violence.
ANSWER: We would like to address this issue
in another session. The number of
guerrilla/terrorist attacks are down and the
number of guerrillas has reduced by half
compared to several years ago, but
capability exists to attack at will
politically important targets.
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1
SECRET
SUBJECT: 16 June 1987 HPSCI Briefing
Follow-up:
In response to Representative Kennelly's question on the
level and number of engagements/clashes, 0/DDI has forwarded the
latest edition of the Nicaraguan/El Salvador Monthly Report. We 25X1
will address Representative Kastenmeier's question on guerrilla
warfare in El Salvador at the next HPSCI session, tentatively set
for 23 June 1987.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/12 : CIA-RDP91 B00874R000300240003-1