WEEKLY SUMMARY

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6
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RIPPUB
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S
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26
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December 22, 2016
Document Release Date: 
February 18, 2011
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48
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Publication Date: 
November 7, 1975
Content Type: 
SUMMARY
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eclassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Secret Weekly Summary Secret No. 0045/75 November 7, 1975 Copy N! 1399 eclassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ILLEGIB MIDDLE L/\SI ArUlc/\ 25X1 25X6 LAST ASIA PACIFIC WESTERN t-IEMISPI-P RE I Spar ish Sahar a: Mai c:her s Move Lel>illlon: Another Hw,pite 2 Sync: Relaxing the /\lei t 3 Angola: I final Counldnwn 4 liangl.rcle h: New Leader 5 P I,Ami: Pulitlc,11 Challenges 6 Ornarr: I=r,d c,l the Rehcllion Near / Irench Tcrritury of /\lars,rncl Issas fl Spain: Political Maneuvering r) Portugal: Countering the Lo't 10 NATO: Arms Statidaidw,tion I I Canada: Defense Spending 14 lily: Chri?,tiar> Democrats utill Divided 15 Rumania: Ceausr.scl> on the Offensive 16 Nor th Vietnam: Le Duan's Travels 17 Thailand-Cambodia: A Beginning 19 Argentina: Mounting Pressure on Peron 20 Guatemala-UK-Belize: Showdown Near 20 Venezuela: Nationalization 21 Chile: Tightening Security 22 Peru: Presidential Power Play 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SECRET SPANISH SAHARA: MARCHERS MOVE Morocco launched its mass march ini.J Sv:mish Sahara on November 6 in the face of warn- ings of possible dire consequences from Alg,!~-ia, which is working to block Rabat's efforts to annex the territory. Although King Hassan, in a speech on November 5, ordered the marchers to avoid a confrontation with Spanish forces, he assured them that the Moroccan army would come to their aid against any non-Spanish forces. Some in- cidents probably will occur involving either in- digenous Saharans who want independence or Spanish troops. Rabat and Madrid reportedly concluded an agreement this week allowing the march to proceed under tightly controlled conditions. The Moroccans will be permitted to cross the border in a sector south of Tarfaya and to advance a few miles into a no man's land from which Spanish forces will pull back. A token delegation of some 50 Moroccans will apparently be permitted to come to El Aaiun, after which all the Moroccans are to return home. Gnce across the border, the marchers could easily get out of control and cause incidents that might lead to i-.4oroccan military intervention. Rabat has recruited some unemployed and urban lTan- tan street dwellers who are not likely to follow orders or be especially peaceable. Some disorders have already occurred at assembly points in southern Morocco. Even if Hassan is able to control his marchers, clashes could occur with members of the Polisario Front, a pro-independence Saharan group sup- ~orted by Algeria. Armed partisans of the Front have entered border areas in northern Spanish Sahara from which Spanish forces have already been withdrawn and may be in a position to harass the marchers. Madrid and Rabat are hoping the march will not precipitate a military confrontation and that negotiations toward a final settlement can be resumed. Faced with strong Algerian opposition to any direct transfer of the territory to Morocco and Maur;tania, however, Madrid has decided onc- again to seek a UN solution to the problem. King Hassan would accept further talks under UN auspices, but he will continue to oppose Algerian participation or the referendum on self-deter- mination that Algeria demands. Algeria has repeatedly denounced the march as an aggressive move since Hassan announced the project last month and can be expected to in- sist that Spain and the UN force the Moroccans to Morocco Proposed limit _pf march area S p a n i s h Sahara 0 50 MILES Page I Tindcut Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 withdraw. Algiers almost certainly has provided arms to the Polisario Front to promote a sustained insurf,ency effort. If Moroccan troops attempt to occupy the territory and crush the Polisario guerrillas, Algiers might order its forces to enter the territory and engage the Moroc- LEBANON: ANOTHER RESPITE Fighting was very heavy in Beirut last weekend, but dropped off sharply later in the week. A growing awareness among right-wing Christians and leftist Muslims and Palestinians that neither side could dislodge its opponents from their new positions without heavy casualties ap- parently prompted them to respect, at !east tem- porarily, Prime Minister Karami's latest cease-fire. Some Phalangist forces have withdrawn from the hotels they seized ten days ago. and some lutist and fedayeen forces have withdrawn from the Qantari residential area, but neither side has given up its new vantage points completely. The continued high tension could flare quickly into a resumption of serious fighting. Elements of the Syrian-controlled Saiqa fedayeen organization and the Pale;ti;.e Libera- tion Army reportedly moved from Syria into Lebanon this week, but are not known to have become involved in the fighting in Beirut. Damascus probably has allowed or encouraged this movement to intimidate the Phalangists to respect the cease-fire. On the political front, Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam late last week joined with Lebanese Socialist leader Jumblatt and Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Arafat in urging Karami to stay in office. The most recent cease-fire was negotiated on November 1, when Karami met with leaders of the Phalanges Party and the main Palestinian groups. The bargaining that led to the accord enhanced further the already increased political standing of Karami and Arafat. It served also, however, to widen the split between the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Shami.n, who did not participate and as a result lost to Karami some of his responsibility for internal security matters. Karami and Shamun met privately on November 4 in an attempt to patch up their difference; over security policy, There were no public announcements after the meeting, but the involvement of at least a token number of army troops in patrolling the cease-fire at midweek suggested that Shamun may have elicited some concessions in return for supporting-or at least not opposing-Karami's ponce initiative. Army troops reportedly have joined representative of the internal security force, the private militias, and some leftist and fedayeen groups in disman- tling barricades and opening key roads in the capital. As a result of the improved security situation, both Karami and Shamun are likely for the time being to forget their threats to resign. Although nothing concrete has yet come of efforts to finca political solution to the crisis, the two leaders are probably faking hope from the partial restoration of po:itical activity. The cabinet-including Presi- dent Franjiyah-the committee for national dialogue, and the new security committee all met again this week. 25X1 SYRIA: RELAXING THE ALERT Syrian military forces last week slightly re- duced the high level of alert they have been on for more than two weeks. Israeli military authorities reported on October 31 that Syrian troop activities appeared more normal than the week previously and that some Syrian military vehicles had been taken out of their defensive revetments. r not appear to e25X1 preparing or imminent hostilities, even though their forces remained at a high state of readiness. Duric.g a tour of military camps around Damascus on October 30, the attache observed more troops than usual going on weekend pass. Among the troops observed were personnel from the four Syrian divisions stationed along the Golan Heights and members of the Saudi contingent at Al Kiswah, some 12 miles south of Damascus. The attache also noticed that vehicle v:orkshops at Al Page 2 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SECRET Kiswah had closed for the weekend, despite a large amount of equipment awaiting repair. Meanwhile, Syria and Saudi Arabia continued preparations fot a twice-postponed joint air and ground exercise this week. Part of the exercise will reportedly include an airdrop of about 120 Saudi paratroops near Dumayr, some 30 miles northeast of Damascus. This operation will be supported by Saudi F-5 fighters operating from an airfield in northern ordan. will not participate in the exercise but vi landing facilities and radar assistance.1 ANGOLA: FINAL COUN'1uv`:JN CAIIINDA"_(ConlrlMd Prnn CAbInd^~Mr ( Uratuvllle? .J caeeo AREAS ,Amh,J C,,nrone fWangs Lrarsd 1,111011 to It '%alente INIA ? IJNIIA A Pull. Vile To iaein Amhoim ANGOLA de Souu~_~'-\ Ie 25X1 He dois do it 4tu Gonlelrcrr Are. Lobs I eo Osn uep -. i p ' p d ,. ve or a ' Nov. lieboe Se do VITA Setpe O.Z. . I .* A. Mottliesdaillsill" A' F 7- ~IAMOIA SOtJTIl-WISI AIRICA INAMIIIIAI I w_ MILLS _ zoo All parties in the Angolan struggle are making strenuous efforts to advance their interests in the few days that remain before the Portuguese relinquish sovereignty on November 11. It now appears likely that there will be two rival Angolan regimes-neither recognized by Por- tugal-claiming legitimacy arid competing for in- ternational recognition. Spokesmen for the Soviet-backed Popular Movement for the Liberatici of Angola have an- nounced their intention to form a "national un- ity" government on November 11 to defend Angola's "territorial integrity." They continue to insist there is no possibility of cooperation between their organization and ita rivals, the National Front for the Liberation of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. Leaders of the National Front and the National Union, for their part, announced after a meeting in Kinshasa this week that they are set- ting up joint committees to coordinate future military and political activities. The committees probably represent a first step by the two groups toward setting up their own government. Each regime can be expected to denounce the other as "secessionist." The Azevedo govern.n.'nt in Lisbon, meanwhile, remzins firm in it,, policy of not transferring sovereignty to any one Angolan movement and is still working for the establish- ment of a government that would include all three. A high-level Portuguese cabinet member was in Kampala, Uganda, this week to support a parallel initiative by President Amin in his capacity as chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Ainin called at the same time for an immediate cease-fire in Angola. All three Angolan groups have sent delegations to the Kampal2 onference, but the objectives of the National front and the National Union diverge widely from those of the Popular vovement. The allied groups have made it clear they will not agree to a cease-fire ds a precondi- tion fo negotiations, but only as a possible result of a new political agreement in which their adver- sary yields major concessions, including the withdrawal of its military forces from Luanda. The Popular Movement is not about to make any such concessions, but probably would readily accept an unconditional cease-fire for the present. Underlying the divergent objectives is the fact that the Movement, which gained a dominant military position in the ter-itory last summer, has been forced in recent weeks to yield substantial Page 3 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 1111111 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ground to the forces of its two rivals on both the northern and southern battle fronts. This week a combined strike force of Front and Union troops captured the vital Benguela-Lobito rail ard port complex. In northern Angola, forces of the National Front are threatening Luanda. The Movement is also under heavy pressure in the enclave of Cabinda. Heavy fighting reportedly broke out there on November 5 between Movement troops and forces of :a Zairian-backed separatist group. Zairian army elements may be involved in the fighting. BANGLADESH: NEW LEADER Tensions among army officers who overthrew President I-Aujib's regime last August culminated this week in another change of government. The power shift has produced new strains in the military, probabr ensuring that the new regime, like its predecessor, will be preoccupied with its security and give little attention : i the country's massive economic and social problems. Brigadier General Khalid Musharruf backed by key military units in Dacca, gained control of the government on November 3. Two days later, President Mushtaque resigned and was replaced by Chief Justice Sayem, who almost certainly is in- tended to be a figurehead. Musharraf, until this week the number three man in the army, is the country's new strongman. He has been elevated to chief of staff and promoted to major general. There are also reports that a "revolutionary coun- cil" will be formed, which presumably will be dominated by Musharraf and include the com- manders who supported his move. Musharraf's move does not appear to have bee -.recipitated by any policy or ideological differences with Mushtaque. Th' general seems to have acted out of personal ambition and frustration over the growing influence of his predecessor as chief of staff, Major General Zia ur-Rahman, and of younger officers who led the coup against Mujib. I n re- cent wee s Mus arraf a d fa lie; out with the coup leaders, who enjoyed direct access to Mushtaque. On gaining power this week, Musharraf reportedly had Zia arrested; the former army chief may be permitted to leave the couritry. The officers who led the August cnup have already been sent into exile.. Musharraf may have difficulty holding things together. General Zia is popular in the military, and his supporters could cause trouble. In addi- tion-, the cabinet has resigned, and several sub- cabinet members have been arrested. Although the cabinet did not play an important role in the Mushtaque government, the mass resignation of its members suggests that Musharraf may have difficulty lining up political s9rpport. The ministers' resignations were in prc;est over the killings on November 3 of several im- prisoned high-level officials of former president Mujib's regime. A partially successful general strike was held in Dacca on November 5 to protest the killings. The new regime is trying to divorce itself and the military establishment from the killings, which were apparently the work of one or more of iir.: young coup leaders, and also to avoid, w at least limit, its responsibility for allowing them to leave the country. An official announcement on November 4 denied any military involvement in the deaths and stated that a special commission had been established to investigate the crimes and the depar:ure from the country of the young officers. India, which was jolted by the overthrow of Mujib, appears to have been caught off guard again by Musharraf's move. New Delhi almost certainly is concerned by the new signs of in- stability in Dacca and is watching the situation closely. Indian officials have indicated in recent months that trouble in Bangladesh leading to a massive influx of refugees into India could result in India's military intervention in Bangla- Page 4 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 lassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SECRET PAKISTAN: POLITICAL CHALLENGES The pace of political activity has increased in recent weeks. Last week, Prime Minister Bhutto's regime won an important legal victory over a ma- jor opposition group when the Supreme Court upheld a government decree of last February banning the National Awami Party, Pakistan's largest opposition party. The court supported the government's claim that the party had sought, through acts of terr)rism and su w-rsion, to un- dermine Pakistan's security and territorial integri- ty. The government's case appea ?~,d weak, but its ability to bring considerable Irres!ure on the justices had led most observer.; to expect the decision affirming th, ban. The ruling could cause an increase in un- derground opposition to the government in the North West Frontier and Baluchistan provinces, where the National Awr,mi Party's strength is con- centrated. The verdict also is likely to touch off a new round of hostile propaganda between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Afghans have long given strong verbal support and some material backing to Awami activists and sther dissidents in both rovinces, particular+y since Mohammad Daoudreturned to power in `:ahul in 1973. The Awami party and the Afghan government ad- vocate greater autonomy for the two Pakistani provinces, whose inhabitants are ethnically closer to the Afghans than to most Pakistanis. Partly out of resentment over the government's repression of the National Awami Party, tribesmen in Baluchistan have in recent months resorted increasingly to violence-mainly raids and ambushes against army troops and others. The incidents reportedly are somewhat more widespread than similar dissident activity in the province last year that was largely suppressed by the army. Bhutto has claimed-probably ac- curately-that although such unrest may persist, the government is capable of preventing any large-scale rebellion in Baluchistan. 1 here has long been tribal resistance to Islamabad's rule in that province. Bhutto has been confronted with another challenge Punjab Province, where nearly three fifths of Pakistan's people live. A former governor of the Province, G. M. Khar, defected from Bhut- to's Pakistan People's Party in September, taking with him a number of party members in the provincial and national assemblies. These losses did not significantly weaken the party's dominance of either legislature, and Khar himself was decisively defeated by a People's Party can- didate last month in a by-election for a vacant provincial assembly seat. Khar, however, appeared to win considerable public sympathy during his campaign, in part because t'ie govern- ment resorted to intimidation and fraud to ensure his defeat. Khar has begun forming alliances with other apposition politicians and hopes to run for the provincial assembly again soon in another by-election. The former governor, a right- of-center politician with many enemies, does not appear to have enough strength to pose a major threat to Bhutto in the near future, but over the longer run he could become a rallying point for a variety of anti-Bhutto groups. Page 5 WEEKLY SUMMARY Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 OMAN: END OF REBELLION NEAR The Ornanis are confident that the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman will be defeated in the current Iranian-Omani offensive. There is little doubt that Omar, has the opportprnitr to bring an end to the rebel!ior.--at leas.'. militarily, Omani troops near the border have seized several large arms caches, cut the rebel supply lines from South Yemen, and deprived the guerrillas of critical sources c t water. The rebels are now boxed in on three sides by Iranian and Omani troops who are preparing to assault their main supply caves. The British commander of the Sultan's forces has left open an escape route in hopes that some of the rebels will choose to return to South Yemen rather than continue the struggle. The Fronts leadership has no reason to doubt Omani and Iranian determination to end the war. Government forces have expanded the scope of the war, using Omani aircraft against artillery positions in South Yemen and fire support from Omani and Iranian naval craft. The rebels can still inflict heavy casualties, but without a substantial input of men and materiel from t:ieir backers, they will soon cease to b: an effective fighting force. Over the past 18 months the Front's strength is estimated to have dwindled from about 1,000 to fewer than 300 men. Defec- tions are steadily increasing, local tribesmen are less ~.'ili;ng to serve in a support role, and the es- timates 350 South Yemeni irregulars serving with the rebels have been reluctant to fight. The Popular Front cannot be optimistic that it will receive the foreign support it needs. Its pleas for help from other Arabs have produced some Libyan arms, but not much else. South Yemen-the Front's principal backer- has a strong ;d~ological commitment to the rebel cause, but is apparently unwilling to make the substantial and direct military intervention necessary to salvage the rebels' military position. Dhofar rebels man an6iatrcraft gun Effective military action, in fact, i probably beyond Aden's capability. A possibly more attractive alternative for Aden is to find a formula for accepting a Saudi offer to provide economic aid in return for an end to Aden's support for the rebellion. Aden would thereby realize some gain from developments it seems owerless to change. Meanwhile, Oman, seeking to encourage such tendencies, has said it seeks only an end to Aden's support for the rebels-not the toppling of the The rebels could react to their deteriorating military situation by simply withdrawing into the hills or back into South Yemen, effectively ending their military effort. This would seem an ideal course of action from Aden's point of view. It would absolve it from having to choose between a risky military intervention or acceptance of the political conditions attached to the Saudi offer. 25X1 Page 6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 FRENCH TERRITORY OF AFARS AND ISSAS Paris has apparently made up its mind to grant independence to the French Territory of Afars and Issas, its last foothcld on the African continent. A peaceful decolonization of the resoui ce-poor territory at the entrance to the Red Sea will not be achieved easily, however, because of competing tribal and foreign interests. Paris decided to support independence for the territory because of increasing pressure from French leftists, from within the territory, and from Arab and African countries. President Giscard d'Estaing's administration faces serious problems in working out a specific timetable, however, because of opposition in France to relinquishing sovereignty and rivalry between the tern itory's major political groups. International arrangements also have to be worked out to pre- vent the territory from becoming a source of con- tention between neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia. Officials in France's Foreign Ministry and Department of Overseas Territories are currently preparing contingency plans for granting ;n- dependenc Objections from the Defense Ministry and from important parliamentary con- servatives must still be overcome before the government car. formally announce its intentions. A recent visit to Addis Ababa by Ali Aref Bourhan, the president of the territorial govern- ment, marked a major step forward in the move toward independence. All Aref had extensive dis- cussions with the Ethiopians and told represen- tatives of the Organization of African Unity that he will soon propose a referendum on in- dependence to the territorial assembly. The French had never before allowed so much latitude to Ali Aref, who has long worked closely with them. The proposal for a referendum will also have to be ratified by the French parliament. Both Ethiopia and Somalia have traditional claims to the French enclave, based on the affinity between Ethiopian Afars and Somali Issas and their respective kin in the territory. Ethiopia's military government, however, has declared its support for independence and appears to be cooperating with Ali Aref, an Afar. Somalia also .1Ii Aref gives lip service to independence, but clearly views it as a prelude to incorporating the territory into Somalia. The Somalis see Ali Aref's develop- ing relationship with the Ethiopians as a threat to Somali aspirations. While in Addis Ababa, Ali Aref further provoked the Somalis by publicly condemning their failure to renounce their claim to the territory. Mogadiscio responded with a new denunciation of Ali Aref as a French puppet who does not speak for the people of the territory. The French government is considering arrangements to provide international guarantees for the territory when it becomes independent. Paris is leaning toward seeking such guarantees from the Red Sea countries-Satrdi Arabia, the two Yemens, and perhaps Egypt. If this fails, France will turn to the OAU, the Arab League, or the UN. The absence of a recognized nationalist spokesman who can transcend tribal loyalties in- crea-,es the chances of instability in the territory as independence approaches. Neither Ali Aref nor F is opponents-some of whom are calling for im 'nediate independence-can legitimately claim a popular mandate to lead an independent govern- ment. The traditional animosity between. Afars and Issas is likely to intensify as each tribe soaks to assert its right to be recognized as the successor %o French rule. 25X1 Page 7 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SPAIN: POLITICAL MANEUVERING Spain's pressing need for an active head of state, plus the near certainty that Franco will not recover, apparently convinced Prince Juan Carlos to accept once again the designation of tem- porary chief of state. He had originally resisted this arrangement because of his experience when he took over briefly in the summer of 1y74. At that time he served only as a figurehead, nd he is concerned that a recurrence would damage his reputation as a leader and possibly endanger the future of the monarchy. The virtual certainty that Juan Carlos will soon lead Spain has spurred intensive political maneuvering behind the scenes. Prominent politicians of .he establishment, encouraged by widespread speculation about changes the Prince will make when he takes over, are vying for the post of prime minister. Juan Carlos, however, may decide that it would be better to retain Arias for a period in order to assure a smooth transitio25X1 On the left, the Communist Party, after nearly four decades underground, is striving to unify the opposition against ;uan Carlos. The Communists have focused particular attention on forging bonds between the two loose coalitions of the left-the Communist-dominated Democratic Jun- ta and the more moderate leftist Platform of Democratic Convergence. They have en- countered opposition from the Spanish Socialist Workers Party-the major socialist faction which dominates the Platform group-who distrust the Communists and favor giving Juan Carlos a chance to show his colors. The Communists apparently made significant concessions in order to persuade the Platform parties to sign a joint communique of "objec- tives" for the post-Franco era. The communique, which was issued last weekend, did not condemn Juan Carlos out of hand as the Communists had wanted and was vague on key Communist demands for the immediate establishment of a provisional government and a national rtleren- dum to choose between monarchy and republic. The joint statement concluded with the Iwo coalitions pledging to remain in contact and cooperate from time 'o time while working to achieve their own goals. The Communists' immediate aim is probably to head off any effort by the post-Franco govern- ment to isolate them from the non-Communi.it left. Juan Carlos, once he becomes king, ma"r legalize many of the parties now in oppositio:i, but it is highly unlikely that he would include the Communists. Rightists have indicated willingness to sup- port a degree of liberalization, including the legalization of some socialist and social democratic parties. They emphasize, however, that the change should be in the form of a gradual and controlled evolution that would clearly ex- clude the Communists from participating in Spain's political life. Rightists have shown some awareness th., extremists of their own ilk w%!I also pose dangers to a smooth transition. Juan Carlos' chances for success and, indeed, for sur-'ival will depend to a large extent on his ability to respond quickly and effectively to the pressures for change without provoking a right-wing backlash from those who are deter- mined to preserve the status quo. The difficulties and dangers inherent in the Prince's task are in- creased by Franco's continued presence. Juan Carlos will probably be reluctant to make major domestic changes until he has been sworn in as king, and as long as Franco clings to life, ul- trarightists vho oppose all change will be able to cite "Franco's personal views" to obstruct progress. The left, meanwhile, will be expecting Juan Carlos to act decisively anal quickly. Hesitan- cy on his part could lead to demonstrations by the left which in turn could provoke confron- tations-perhaps violent-with establishment and right-wing supporters. 25X1 Page Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 PORTUGAL: COUNTERING THE LEFT The government of anti-Lnmmunist Prime Minister Azevedo is striving to maintain the upper hand in the face of left-wing efforts to undermine its authority. Rumors of plotting to overthrow his government by both the left and the right have placed Azevedo under an additional strain. 25X1 Azevedo traveled to southern Portugal on November 4 to demonstrate his government's popularity in the countryside, away from the left- ist influences that pervade the larger urban centers. An enthusiastic crowd of about 10,000 in Faro cheered Azevedo's remarks on the need for a strong and stably central governing authori- ty. Last week, at a rally organized in Porto by pro-government political parties, a crowd of 100,000 greeted Azevedo in the first of a planned series of visits to the provinces. The Socialists and the Popular Democrats are planning another rally in support of Azevedo for Lisbon on No- vember 9 25X1 The cabinet shares Azevedo's concern o'er the lack of governmental authority in Portugal and is asking military leaders to do something about it. Following a session early this week, the cabinet renuested a joint meeting with the Revolutionary Council to discuss how they intend to enfor-e the decree ordering the surrender of all illef;ally held weapons. The order was issued by President Costa Gomes on October 17, but was ig- nored by the extreme left wing, which is said to hold thousands of arms stolen from military depots. Only a handful of weapons was turned in by the October 25 deadline. The cabinet also announced its support of Portugal's decolonization policy, which has been sharply attacked by leftists who would prefer to turn Angola over to the Soviet-backed Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola when the colony becomes independent on November 11. The Azevedo government is determined to avoid handing power over to only one of the three warring Angolan factions. If presented wi;.`, no better solution, Lisbon will probably transfer so' freignty to the "Angolan people" and wash its hands of a problem that appears to defy solution. Coordination Minister Crespo is continuing efforts to bring the three liberation movements to the negotiating table in hopes of striking an eleventh-hour compromise that would enable the Portuguese to w:,hdraw gracefully. The left exploiting the Angolan situation to aggravate the broader differences between itself and the government in hopes of throwing the government off balance. Charges by several new- ly formed radical military groups that anti-Com- munist military leaders are consorting with the right wing in a bid to return to power have been played ip by the leftist press. Preparations for large-scale military maneuvers and the transfer of military aircraft and weaponry from Lisbon to out- lying areas have been cited as proof of a plot. The chances for a successful move by the left appear to have receded somewhat with the decrease of left-wing influence in the military. The turnout at recent rallies sponsored by the far left and radical military groups has been unim- pressive compared to the crowds attracted by Azevedo. Recent reductions in the size of the armed forces are expected to diminish the number of political militants in uniform and to restore control of the military to career officers. The more than 200,000 Angolan refugees who have returned to Portugal may present a greater threat to the government. Largely conservative in outlook and harboring grievances against the Lisbon government, their objectives coincide with those of right-wing exiles known to be plot- tin 3, against Azevedo. The arrest of two supporters of former president Spinola in a refugee camp in northern Portugal on November 1 suggests that the rightists are capitalizing on refugee dissat- isfaction to further their own plans, Page Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SECRET NATO: ARMS STANDARDIZATION The well-publicized effort to shore up NATO's conventional war capability by ensuring the compatibility of allied arms and military equipment may have been advanced this week by NATO's Eurogroup, the informal caucus of most European NATO members. Final agreement still has not been achieved, however, on the composi- tion and authority of a group assigned to guide the effort. Underlying this disagreement is the fear of many Europeans that the NATO initiative threatens to reduce L..ir ope to a state of total dependence on the US, A North Atlantic Council debate on arms standardization is scheduled for next week. The effort to standardize conventional ar- maments and equipment in NATO is as old as the Alliance itself, but has drawn new life recently from a unique conjunction of political, strategic, and economic conditions. The onset of strategic parity and the modernization and improvement of Warsaw Pact capabilities in Europe have highlighted the need to strengthen NATO's abili- ty to resist a conventional attack. Present economic difficulties in the West, coupled with the rising cost of military hardware, have also made the idea more attractive. Finally, precarious conditions on NATO's southern flank have un- derscored the need tc shore up the Alliance. These unusual conditions led the US to spon- sor a proposal in NATO that not only endorses joint arms procurement under common specifications but foresees eventual trans-Atlantic competition between the US ?nd a fully developed European arms industry. Development of this European industry is expected to be in- directly fostered by provisions of the Nunn Amendment, which allows US purchases of arms and equipment from abroad. The European reac- tion has been understandably enthusiastic, because the proposal has suggested a US desire to reduce its domination of the trans-Atlantic arms trade and thereby provide the necessary incentive for enhanced European economic and political cooperation. There is nevertheless still considerable uncer- tainty about how the US will interpret its mandate to buy abroad. The Europeans are worr?ed by repeated US demands that European-produced equipment meet strict standards of quality and economy-which may not be attainable at this time. Britain and France rely heavily on arms ex- ports to improve their balance of payments and maintain employment. They insist that realistic arms purchase requirements must recognize this, and that the cost-efficiency emphasis be qualified accordingly. France also argues that US superiority in high-technology areas means that under strict standards of competition, Europe would gradually be reduced to the role of "sub-contractor" and left to pro- -Juce only low-level -onventional armaments. This prospect of reduction to a state of technological dependence on the US is of great concern to Europeans already fearful that the American policy of detente will lead eventually to their political sub- ordination to Washington. These arguments have special significance since they are being made by the French. France has not participated in the military side of the Adiance since 1966, but winning their coopera- tion is important to the development of an im- proved conventional posture in Europe. Britain and West Germany are especially anxious to draw France into the discussions to strengthen the '=ase for increased arms purchases by the US. Participa- tion by the sizable French armaments industry is important for the success of any standardization prog;-am. 25X1 France agreed to participate in the NATO arms discussions in a meeting in Septem5er.T__ Consistent with France's desire to maintain national discre- tion over the commitment of French forces, howev.:r, French spokesmen are nevertheless still insisting that discussions of arms standardization in NATO take place in a forum that defers heavily to national interests. France is also refusing to par- ficipate in Eurogroup discussions because that body is closely tied to NATO. Page 10 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 A dec.:,ion announced on November 5 by the Eurogroup suggests that matters may be moving to a head. The group, which has been working on it common position since May, announced plans to establish bodies to work out the details of the European arrangement, and the principles for a trans-Atlantic dialogue. France his been invited to join, with the understanding that the members would be ready to discuss organizing the effort in a manner that would be politically acceptable to France. Both the British-who chair the Eurogroup-and the Germans seem willing to meet with France outside the Eurogroup forum provided Paris commits itself first to address arms standardization in a serious way. At the same time, the Eurogroup position appears to reflect its equally strong conviction that the best way to bring the French along is to appear ready to leave them behind. The Council session next week is designed to produce something concrete that can be reported at the NATO ministerials in early December. France will clearly have to make its CANADA: DEFENSE SPENDING Prime Minister Trudeau's cabinet is still studying a report on defense spending which is certain to affect the structure of Canada's armed forces as well as the nation's foreign and domestic policies. The issue is complex, and there are conflic- ting pressures both at home and abroad. Ottav,a has assured NATO that it will continue to fulfill its previous defense commitments, but inflation, which forced adoption of wage and price con- trols, also has led the government to set an exam- ple by economizing in its own budget. Ottawa would like to cut back on participation in UN peacekeeping efforts but is u der pressure to continue to participate. The government realizes that it cannot gain public support for wage and price controls unless there is similar restraint in government spending. Defense expenditures have increased some 12 percent in the past year, but this merely keeps pace with inflation. Faced with labor's growing assertiveness and opposition to economic con- trols, Trudeau is not likely to risk a confrontation by proposing cuts in social and welfare programs while increasing outlays fo. defense. On the other hand, Trudeau wants to meet defense commitments, which Canada divides into four areas-home defense, including Olympic games security, continental defense, NATO com- mitments, and UN peacekeeping forces. The defense review reportedly places highest priority on home defense, with the support for the Olym- pic games as an added complication. Trudeau recently assured visiting US secretaries of State and Defense of his intention to continue Canada's participation in joint continental defense at the current level. Canada has also assured NATO that it will maintain its forces in Europe and the North Atlantic "at their present level of effectiveness." Canada's UN peacekeeping contribution, the lowest priority, appears the most vulnerable to substantial cuts. Ottawa is considering cutting its Middle East UN contingent, ostensibly because of lack of trained personnel and the need to support the 1976 Olympics. Pressure from the UN is heavy, however, and Ottawa has indicated that no final decision has been made. The Trudeau administration, reluctant to make these difficult choices, may opt to try to give the appearance of meeting commitments while in fact cutting expenditures in its peacekeeping forces and NATO contingents. Canada has already offered, for example, to increase its air unit in the Middle East by 50 men and four helicopters in exchange for a withdrawal of 270 men from the corn munications and observer forces. Ottawa might replace obsolescent aircraft and tanks in Europe while making some cuts in personnel and ocher equipment, arguing that there would be no loss in the battle effectiveness of the modernized but smaller force. Whether such adjustments could ward off domestic economic and political pressures remains questionable. Canadian officials hope to complete the defense review sometime next Page 11 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Page 12 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 25X6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ITALY: CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS STILL DIVIDED Nearly five months after the Communist Par- ty's sharp gains in regional and local elections, Italy's Christian Democrats are still far frorn agree- ment on how to prevent the Communists from repeating their success in scattered local elections this spring and in the 1977 parliamentary race. The question of how to reverse the trend toward the Communists has tended to polarize the Christian Democrats. One group centers around Prime Minister Moro and interim party leader Zaccagnini. It includes most of the party's traditional left wing as well as some centrists, like Foreign Minister Rumor, who have gravitated toward the left since the June elections. These Christian Democrats share the conviction that their party will have to shift its policies to the left and draw the Communists into a "competitive dialogue" in order to compete with them successfully at the polls. The Moro-Zaccagnini group wants to define the differences between the Christian Democrats and Communists in terms of tangible issues riorc. than ideology, on the assumption that anticommunism per se has declining appeal for the country's discontented voters. The opposing group appears somewhat stronger numerically and draws most of its sup- purt from the party center and right. The group's leaders-including former Christian Democratic chief Fanfani, Budget Minister Andreotti, and Defense Minister Forlani-believe that party policy should continue to center (in the unanimous "opposition" to the Commur;,ts ex- pressed by the 1973 Christian Dr'---c:;,tic con- gress. This group fears that shif,ing the emphasis to a policy of "dialogue" with the Commun;us would only enhance their respectability and lead ultimately to F. roader collaboration with them. Advocates of the "dialogue" thesis now oc- cupy the top posts in both the party and the government. This appears to be encouraging the centrists to try to substitute one of their own-Defense Minister Forlani is the front- runner-for Zaccagnini as party leader. Zac- cagnini was never a major contender for the top party post but agreed to take the job on a tem- porary basis three months ago when the Christian Democrats could n-a agree on a successor after ousting F,rnfani. Until recently, most Christian Democrats have agreed that Zaccagnini should remain at the helm until the yet-to-be-scheduled party con- gress. Some of Forlani's supporters, however, seem to be urging him to advance his own can- didar.:y when the Christian Democratic national council--the party s principal deliberative body-meets later this month. They maintain that the party needs more than a t''mporary leader as it prepares for the local elections this spring that will involve about a quarter of the voters. Forlani is probably reluctant to risk deepen- ing the divisions within the party by challenging Zaccagnini so soon. Forlani could probably com- mand a majority in the national council if he forced a showdown now, but he may be reluctant to risk an internal split similar to the one that complicated Christian Democratic preparations for the tune elections. The party's leadership and policies would be opposed by its own left wing at a time when the Christian Democrats' m ajor task is to improve their standing with an electorate that is leaning increasingly toward the left. Both the Socialists and Communists are watching the Christian Democratic struggle carefully. The Socialists are hoping that the Chris- tian Democrats will eventually agree to an arrangement, such as formalized consultations with the Communists, that would :imit the latter's ability to exploit discontent with unpopular government decisions. The provision for con sultations is one of the conditions the Socialist, placed on their renewed collaboration with the Christian Democrats i-, the national government. The Communists, for their part, are avoiding actions that could increase political uncertainties whip they are attempting to consolidate their re- cent gains. This is best seen in the Communists' reluctance to challenge the fragile Moro govern- ment. The Communists recently hinted, for exam- ple, that they would abstain rather than vote against Moro in an upcoming parliamentary vote on the government's budget. Page Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R0003000200 48-6 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ROMANIA: CEAUSESCU ON THE OFFENSIVE In Speeches in Lisbon and Bucharest over the past week, Romanian President and party chief Ceausescu came forth with some of his most nationalist rhetoric in recent years. Combined with the accelerated pace of Romanian diplomatic and interparty contacts, his remarks strongly suggest that the Romanians are defer,-.iined to resist the Soviets on a number of issues, including Moscow's role in the world communist move- ment and in the CEMA summit later this month. At home, Ceausescu Used his opening ad- dress to the 10th congress of the Romanian youth organization this week to extol this intense -,nd implicitly anti-Soviet nationalism. He quoted from a nationalist poem, "Romitnians would rather fall like lions than be chained like dogs" and urged his cheering audience to carry on "an unremitting struggle so that our country may find its place among free nations, so that we may live like lions and remain unchained forever." While in Portugal last week, Ceausescu took every occasion to snipe at Moscow. Stressing the parallel between Lisbon's current situation and that once confronted by Bucharest, he said that Romania had solved its own special problems-including those in the economic sec- tor-without outside assistance. He threw down the ideological gauntlet to Moscow when he publicly advised all ",)rogressive forces" in Por- tugal-including elements of the bourgeoisie-to work together. The Romanians clearly anticipate hard bargaining at the CEMA summit, particularly with Moscow on the issue of econon.:.c integration. Ceausescu normally goes on the offensive when he is faced with a difficult situation. In this case, Ceausescu in Portugal he has expanded his contacts with both the com- munist and the non-communist world, hoping to attract world attention to his regime's alleged problems with Moscow and perhaps to enlist the quiet support of some of his East European com- rades. Bucharest's spate of international contacts began in early September, when an un- precedented number of high-level party and state figures made visits to Peking. Ceausescu has since received an almost steady stream of West Euro- pean communists and leftist politicians -par- ticularly Spanish and Italian communists, oiho also oppose Moscow's efforts to dominate ttie Euro- pean party conference. Moscow is undoubtedly aware of Ceausescu's remarks to the Portuguese as well as his speeches at home, but the Soviet reaction to the Romanian's offensive has so far been re- strained. In previous campaigns of this sort, the Soviets have generally declined to counter Roma- nian invective openly. Instead, they have preferred to use behind-the-scenes pressure, such as was exerted during Party Secretary Katushev's visit to Bucharest early iast month, or resort to aesopian language on subjects not directly pertaining to Romania but whose mean- in is clear to Bucharest. Page 15 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 NORTH VIETNAM: LE DUAN'S TRAVELS North Vietimincse party chief 10 Duan is ap- proaching the end of a two-month trek in search of economic ,11(1 (onlmitnlents from his com- rYlunist allies, with the war over, the Vietnamese communists are finding their allies less charitable than in the past. In most of the C(llTlrllllllltit capitals, Le Duan has received promises of crc;lit ()n relatively easy terms, but it is clear ,,. , the clays of large-scale grant aid are over. On the political side, the visits provided ad- ditional evidence that Moscow now enjoys somewhat better relations with Hanoi than does Peking. in Moscow, Le Duan and Soviet party chief I3rezhnev were able to come up with corn- rnon language on a wide range of foreign policy concerns. In China, the two ',ides could not even agree on a joint conununiq.lc. The North Viet- namese, however, realize hat maintaining their freedom of action requires a continuing balan- cing act between the Soviets and the Chinese, and they are not likely to move too far in the direction of the Soviets. The Chinesvr indicated they were likely to take a firm line with Le Duan when, in late September, on the eve of his departure for Pek- ing, they publicly underscored their claims to two island groups in the South China Sea that Hanoi also claims. In the speech making, the Chinese lectured the. Vietnamese on the dangers of Moscow's detente policy, while Le Duan insisted on praising Soviet as well as Chinese wartime aid and promised to strive to bring unity back to the world communist movement. Despite these im- portant differences, the Chinese ctcarly have not given up hope for improves; relations with Viet- nam-a fact demonstrated by the warm greeting afforded Le Duan by Chairman Mao. Nevertheless, the North Vietnamese left China without hosting a reciprocal banquet for the Chinese and, most significantly, no joint com- munique was issued on the week-long visit. Hanoi is not only antagonized by the island dispute, but also by the way Peking has sought in recent months to build up its position in Cambodia arid Ih,li,.n(I, ill part by lil,l''imn on deep-se,lterl Khmer ,111d ilmi (list list c- the Vietnamese. 111e two sides dirt af;reerllents or) trade for 1970 1nd ill interest-free loan for Ilartoi. unlike the I uropean Conlnlunists, however, Pe- king did lot (onunit itself to any spec lie long-terra aid for I Ianoi's second live-year plan (1971'-f30), A North Vietnanlc'sy' vile minister of trade has remained ill China, perhaps to continue (ii5- cussions on long-term assistance. The signs of friction between I lanoi and Pek- ing during Le Duan's visit were not lost on Moscow. When Le Duan arrived in Moscow on October 213, he received the full red carpet treat- merit, with Brezhnev, Podgorny, and Kosygin at the airport to greet him. The Soviets match;'d their mo.e enthusiastic welcome with whet appears to be a generous aid package. In a joint declaration issued on October 30, Moscow promised to provide assistance in launching "several major economic projects" on easy credit terms. In a gesture Moscow will find to its liking, Hanoi agreed to develop economic ties and "coordinate" development plans "within the framework of the multilateral cooperation of socialist countries." On the surface this would appear to foreshadow a closer North Vietnamese relationship with the Moscow-directed CEMA-I-lanoi has attended some earlier meetings as an observer-but the vague formula- tion allows for considerable flexibility. In practice, it probably means that Moscow will have some say in deciding which East European countries are best suited for meeting Hanoi's particular re- 1uireinents. Moscow obtained a North Vietnamese en dorsement of some of the USSR's major polio themes. Le Duan, for example, endorsed Soviet detente policies more explicitly than Hanoi has before. The Soviets must have found this especial- ly welcome in light of Peking's efforts in Page 16 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07 : SECRET September to persuade him of the dangers of detente. The joint declaration also demonstrated the growing convergence of Soviet-Vietnamese in- terests in Indochina. It was relatively noncommit- tal on Phnom Penh, where Chinese influence i, predominant. This stance contrasted sharply with pledges of aid and support for the pro-Hanoi regime in Laos. Desnite these bows in Moscow's direction, Hanoi is still trying to steer a middle course. For example, Le Duan offered only the standard Viet- namese exhortation-written into Ho Chi Minh's last will and testament-for a restoration of unity among the socialist countries. He also did not en- dorse Brezhnev's pet scheme for an Asian collec- tive security system. After the Trip With only a stop in Poland regaining, Le Duan has been treated for the mp_.,t Part as a visiting chef of state. This should help the 68-year-old party leader move a little further from under the shadow of the near legendary figure of the late Ho Chi Minh. Le Duan will return home to enormous reconstruction and development tasks that ava no less challenging than the long war to bring all of Vietnam under communist T! iAILAND-CAMBODIA: A BEGINNING Thai government leaders are pl_ -,Ed with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister leng Sary's visit to Bangkok last week. Agreement was i each- ed oi, establishing diplomatic relations and cooperating in !rade makers. Some Thai office pis, led by Foreign Minister Chatchai, are citir.g the success of the talcs as proof that accommodation with communist neighbors is a workable policy. Before Chatchai can make any progress with the Lao and the Viet- namese, however, he will have to come to grips with the issue of military equipment taken to Thailand d,rring the last phase of the Communist take-ovens. Both communist countries insist that the equipment be returned before substantial progress can be made in improving relations with the 1hai. 'The Cambodians, on the other hand, provided evidence of their independence of their Indochinese colleagues by not bringing up this controversial issue in Bangkok. The agreement with Thailand marks Cam- bodia's first significant step toward developing relations with a non-comrnonist country. 7 4ge Cambodians, nevertheless, are somewhat cautious. The joint communique's vague formula- tion on the timing of the ambassadorial ex- changes-at a convenient date "depending on prevailing conditions"-confirms that the Cam- bodians are not yet ready to permit Thai diplomats in Phnom Penh. The Cambodians refused Thai aid offers but will receive urgently needed Thai rice and petroleum products through a barter trade agreement to be worked out later after the establishment of border liaison offices. The liaison offices may also handle refugee matters. The communique did not refer to the large number of Cambodian refugees in Thailand, but leng Sary implied that Phnom Penh was not insisting on their return when he told reporters that Cambodian policy is to take back all refugees "as requested." In light of the improving Chinese-Thai relations and Peking's desire to counter Viet- namese influence in Indochina, the Chinese almost certainly encouraged Phnom Penh to begin developing relations with Thailand. Chatchai, in fact, attributed the relatively cooperative attitude of leng Sary in part to Chinese influence, claiming the Cambodians met Chinese diplomats after each negotiating sess;cn with the Thai. 25X1 Page 17 "WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 TIMOR: GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS Talks between Indonesia and Portugal last weekend in Rome resulted in little more than another pledge by Lisbon to do what it cao to secure a cease-fire between the local forces now struggling for control of Portuguese Timor. Lisbon can probably do very little. Jakarta concluded weeks ago that a Portuguese request for Indone- sian "assistance" in restoring law and order to the colony would not be forthcoming, and that the Portuguese have neither the inclination nor abili- ty to reassert their own authr,;ity in the colony. The continuing diplomatic dialogue with Por- tugal, however, is important to the Indonesians, if only to demonstrate to world opinion that Jakarta would prefer a non-military solution. Indonesia has had increasing difficulty in maintaining a low profile on Timor as its limited military interven- tion there has expar 'ed. Recently, Portugal com- pounded Jakarta's image problem; by announcing that it had asked Jakarta to withdraw its forces from the Timor border area and nearby waters. The Australian government last week also added to Jakarta's problems by publicly criticizing for the first time Indonesia's military intervention in Timor. 25X1 SECRET Page 18 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 ARGENTINA: MOUNTING PRESSURE ON PERON Pressures against President Peron continue to mount. Despite her stated determination to stay and fight, she is almost certain to be forced from office within the near future. According to the latest press reports, the government has acceded to labor's demands for a wage hike. The size of the increase has not been officially announced, but labor sources indicate it may be as much as 40 percent. Economy Minister Antonio Cafiero last week had tried to reach an accord w;'h business and labor to coordinate ef- forts to retard inflationary pressures. Official efforts to bring critics of President Peron into line have not only failed but it now appears that the judi(:;ary is cooperating with the legislature to force her from office on charges of corruption. A judge has ordered the arrest on charges of corruption of Rodolfo Roba'los, who briefly serv- ed as social welfare minister following the removal of Lopez Rega. The action stems from an investigation under way in the lower house of Congress to examine financial misdealings of Peron's administration. Historically, both the legislature and the judiciary have been generally subservient to the President, but it is becoming increasingly clear that most government figures who are not wholly dependent on Peron see her departure from office as a necessity and the only possible way to prevent a military take-over. Even members of the cabinet are said to agree now that she should step down. The leading political opposition leader, Ricardo Balbin, who has long cooperated with the government, now charges that President Peron does not understand the deepening economic and social problems of the country and cannot be allowed to continue ruling it. The President has blamed "journalistic terrorism and defamatory rumors" for her troubles. Minister of Interior Angel Robledo is also trying to stem growing public criticism of the administration by warning journalists to avoid "sourceless reports, assumptions, speculation, false information, and other forms of under- mining institutions and confusing public opinion." Although Robledo's directive is inter- preted as a threat to press freedom, he may be attempting to prevent outside force from adding to the government's difficulties at a critical time. Meanwhile. feuding with;- conservative Peronist circles continues to grow over what to do about the President. Although most reformist- oriented and youth groups long ago sided with leftist terrorist opposition to her or dropped out of politics, strains within the "orthodox" sec- tor-which includes the bulk of organized labor-have continued to deepen. The two fac- tions have focused on the issue of political -on- trol-whether to follow orders from Peron o' not. The most powerful figure arguing against tc flow- ing Peron's orders is the governor of Buenos Province, Victorio Calabro, who occupic:s a uniquely powerful position as the only 'tabor leader who holds an elected high politiczi post. During the past month, he has repeatc6ly criti- cized the administration, and recently he re- peated his criticisms in answer to a Peronist disciplinary tribunal's demand that he retract them. The tribunal has responded by expelling him from the movement, an action that will un- doubtedly gain Calabro a larger following. The latest reversal for President Peron is the apparent defection of Lorenzo Miguel, the political head of the Peronist labor movement. Miguel has sided with the President in her political battles until now, but resign because ot e political reaction to dis- closures of extensive corruption in the ad- ministration. President Peron is still in the hospital 25X1 25X1 Page 19 WEEKLY SUMMARY Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 GUATEMALA-UK-BELIZE: SHOWDOWN NEAR Guatemala and the UK are nearing a show- down on Belize, the end result of which could be an outbreak of hostilities before the year is out. This week, the UN's Fourth Committee is likely to pass a British-sponsored draft resolution on Belize, which the Guatemalans consider humiliating. Angered and feeling frustrated, Guatemala has threatened military action if, as seems likely, the General Assembly then approves the resolution. The General Assembly will probably act on the resolution by early December. The draft resolution calls for resuming negotiations on Guatemala's claim to Belize, but Guatemalan leaders contend it establishes grounr', rules that prejudge the outcome against Guatemala. The draft specifies that negotiations must be based on the "inalienable right of Beli- zeans to self-determination and independence" and on the "inviolability and territorial integrity of Belize." Guatemalan leaders have told the British that such language firmly closes the door to meaningful negotiations and could lead to a collision course. Some leaders, especially in the military, doubtless feel that with no room to negotiate, an invasion is the only way to salvage some scrap of territo.?y from the claim. At the same time, they see a military move as offsetting what is shaping up to be a humiliating diplomatic defeat in the UN. Others in the leadership, concerned about the disastrous consequences a military defeat-a very real prospect for the logistically handicapped army-would have on political and social stability in the cour.try, are probably pressing for restraint. They will continue to seek a peaceful solution through negotiations, hoping that they cc.n ex- tract some public offer from the British that will salvage some of Guatemala's goals. Guatemalan anger could probably be cooled by a UK offer to consider ways to meet Guatemala's economic and security concerns, such as increased access to Amatique Bay and Belizean ports or a pledge that an independent Belize will not be used as a base for Cuban in- fluence. The militants, however, may not be satisfied with anything less than some Belizean territory. They can point out that an earlier Guatemalan proposal, calling for a territorial con- cession, was roundly r,!iccted by Belize last summer, and a similar approach is not likely to get anywhere in the future. The British want to settle th.1 recurring problem of Belizean independence once and for all and seem determined to press forward even at the risk of provoking a Guatemalan military adventure. The Critish tried last week to calm the Guatemalans by telling them that the UK was open to talks after the UN vote and might then show some flexibility, but this gesture may not be enough to overcome the frustration resent) buildin , in Guatemala. VENEZUELA: NATIONALIZATION Foreign petroleum companies have accepted Venezuelan offers of compensation, clearing an important hurdle for the transfer of the billion- dellar private industry to state control. Marketing and technical assistance agreements with each of the 19 foreign firms must now be worked out. Venezuelan officials are optimi'tic that all agreements can be completed in time for the for- mal transfer of company assets on January 1, 1976. According to Article 12 of the nationalization law, the agreement for each company must be set forth in written document-an acta-prepared by the attorney general and signed by him and the concessionaires. The acta is then immediately submitted to congress for "consideration and ap- proval" within 30 days. The government's legislative majority in both chambers ensures final acceptance of the agreements. The opposition leftist parties: however, particularly the Social Page 20 WEEKLY SUMMARY Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07 CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Christians and the Marxist Movement Toward Socialism, have already begun to ask some pointed questions about the nationalization process. They are focusing their attacks on how much the companies will be paid for their marketing and technological services, whether the compensation figure includes deductions as required by law for drainage and marginal fields, and the apparent "monopolization" by transttational companies of international marketing and technological assist-ice to the petroleum industry. Opposition efforts to generate public sup- port are hampered by the complexity of the issues, disa ay at,d division within the major op- position parties, and President Perez' roven ,abi'io, to manipulate public opinion. CHILE: TIGHTENING SECURITY Recent events in Santiago suggest that the Pinochet government is undertaking a new round of anti-suL'versive activity. Since September, security forces have uncovered at least ten caches of weapons, explosives, and medical supplies in the Santiago area and have made a number of arrests in at least ten cities. 25X1 Authorities also uncovered in mid-October what appears to have been a major headquarters of the Revolutionary Left in a Santiago suburb. During a lengthy gunbattle, several extremists were killed and five captured. Andres Pascal Allende, a nephew of former president Allende and the leader of the extremist group, reportedly es- caped. Authorities speculate that Pascal was wound- ed and that he and some of his colleagues are Ic- ing assisted by Catholic clergy, including so r.e American nuns who are now being sought by the government. Evidence suggests that leftists have been granted efuge by the church ~n the past. The government is certain to raise the issue with chui?ch leaders, although it does not yet appear ready to force the ifsue to the point of risking an open break with the church. The government now claims that it has shattered an active plot by the Communist Party to assassinate President Pinochet and establish a Marxist-Leninist government by force. Authorities claim to have arrested Communist ringleaders in nine cities and are holding them in- communicado while they search for more. 25X1 A concerted move against the Communist Party would indicate the government's intention to eliminate the left rather than continue efforts to neutralize it and halt its growth. In light of Chile's current problems involving foreign con- demnation of alleged human rights abuses, however, such a move would be at the cost of further international criticism. paap 21 WEEKLY SUMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07 : CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 SECRET PERU: PRESIDENTIAL POWER PLAY In the r.st two weeks President Morales Ber- mudez his moved decisively to consolidate his position and reduce radical influence in his ad- ministration. His actions, which included the forced resignations of three senior army generals and the detention of two former cabinet minis- ters, should strengthen his position in the longer term. In the near term, however, he may have to deal with disruptive actions by leftist civilian groups and a few officers loyal to one of the ousted generals. Since taking power from former President Velasco last August 29, Morales Bermudez has been under strong pressure from more conser- vative officers to rid the government of radicals, most of whom were closely associated with the former president. Morales Bermudez, uncertain of his support at first, urged caution. More recently, however, the President decided to act because of evidence that Velasco's contacts with civilians and military officers had increased. Moreover, a situation had arisen in which, because of military seniority rules, some troublesome officers would have to be promoted or cashiered. In the case of General Graham, head of the presidential advisory committee, allegations that he was involved in questionable financial dealings afforded additional plausible grounds for his removal. The ouster of General Rodriguez, com- mander of the important Lima military region, on the other hand, appears more obviously political, and leftist civilian supporters of the now-retired general are demanding a more explicit justifica- tion for the President's action. A third army genera!, who in the past has been associated with more conservative policies, was also removed last week, reportedly for failing to d:!clare himself fully in support of the President's other actions. The officer may have been ousted, however, to demonstrate to the radicals that Morales Bermudez still intends to follow an even-handed approach. This approach is also apparent in the fact that Army Chief of Staff Fernandez Maldonado, one of the more vocal an- ti-American cabinet ministers under Velasco, is Morales Bermudez now in line to become prime minister next February when the incumbent retires. The net effect of these personnel changes will be to strengthen Morales Bermudez' position in the army command structure and in the cabinet and to give him more flexibility in instituting ad- ditional changes. Army opposition to the moves probably will be minimal because none of the ousted generals enjoyed widespread personal support. Leftist civilian gro,ips, however, pose more of a potential problem. They are under no constraints to curb their opposition in the in- terests of maintaining armed fi,-ces unity. A number of radical officers remain in high government posts, but their prospects are uncer- tain it is becoming increasingly apparent that Morales Bermudez intends to clear the regime of leftist elements. 25X1 Page 22 WEEKLY 'z'JMMARY Nov 7, 75 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/07: CIA-RDP86T00608R000300020048-6