CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1955/04/20

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03181195
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: September 20, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 26, 2019
• Publication Date: April 20, 1955

Approved for Release: 2019/09/17 C03181195/
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3.3(h)(2)
3.5(c)
20 April 1955
Copy No. :14
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NO. ia
NO CHANGE IN CLASS.
CI DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS S C
NEXT REVIEW DATE: _4�0 /12._
AUTH: HR 70-2
DATE:di/LAN_ REVIEWER:
Office of Current Intelligence
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
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TOP SECRET
SUMMARY
FAR EAST
1. Moscow proposes London or Geneva as site for negotiations with
Japan (page 3).
SOUTHEAST ASIA
2. French army co-operating with Binh Xuyen rebels in Saigon
(page 3).
3. India encourages Cambodian neutralism (page 4).
NEAR EAST - AFRICA
4. Shah proposes Washington for Middle East defense talks (page 5).
THE FORMOSA STRAITS
(page 6)
* * * *
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FAR EAST
1. Moscow proposes London or. Geneva as site for negotiations with
Japan:
The Soviet Union has proposed either
Geneva or London as the site for talks
on the resumption of relations with
Japan. Former Japanese ambassador
to London Matsumoto, who gave Ambassador Allison a copy of
Moscow's latest note, said he would be the chief negotiator at the
talks, which Foreign Minister Shigemitsu now hopes will be held
in London.
Comment: This Soviet reply suggests
that Moscow has given up any hope of utilizing the unrecognized
Soviet mission in Tokyo as its agency for negotiations.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry has
wanted the talks held away from Tokyo in orciRr to minimize the
influence of Prime Minister Hatoyama and his opportunistic ap-
proach to foreign affairs. Matsumoto, a career diplomat, is
friendly to the West and is on good terms with both Foreign Min-
istry officials and Hatoyama's close advisers.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
2. French army co-operating with I3inh Xuyen rebels in Saigon:
20 Apr 55
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TOP SECRET
A United States Information Service
officer who visited Binh Xuyen headquarters on 18 April ob-
served a French captain who was apparently assigned there. Dur-
ing this visit a Binh Xuyen spokesman said that a Viet Minh offer
of assistance had been refused since "we are always anti-Communist
fighters."
Comment: These reports tend to bear out
earlier allegations by pro-Diem sources of French collusion with
the Binh Xuyen. Colonel Savani is the French military intelli-
gence expert on the sects. He has often been accused by pro-Diem
sources of organizing action by the sects against the government.
3. India encourages Cambodian neutralism:
Comment: India's attempts to draw
Cambodia into its neutralist sphere have been reflected not only
in difficulties raised in aid negotiations between Cambodian and
American authorities, but also in Prince Sihanouk's attitude at
Bandung. Sihanouk stated there that his country had definitely
aligned itself with "the community of neutral nations, including
India and Burma."
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While India has indicated it is not enthu-
siastic about assuming responsibility for military training in
Cambodia, it apparently would do so to keep such activities in
Asian hands.
NEAR EAST - AFRICA
4. Shah proposes Washington for Middle East defense talks:
The Shah has suggested that the military
staff talks with Turkey, Pakistan and
Iraq which he tentatively proposed in
mid-March be held in Washington in the
near future, according to Iranian acting prime minister Entezam.
The Shah's decision to go ahead with area military planning is
based on favorable replies to the March proposal.
The declared purpose of the discussions
is to make a joint estimate of the requirements for regional
defense. Washington was suggested by the Shah because he con-
siders it easier to assure secrecy there than elsewhere.
Comment: The three countries invited
will probably accept the Shah's suggestion.
Turkey has expressed the belief that Iran
should commit itself politically by joining the Turkish-Iraqi. pact
before starting joint military planning. The Shah, however, main-
tains that Iranian adherence to this pact is impossible at present.
Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that any military plans
involving Iran will emerge.
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Noire
THE FORMOSA STRAITS
Report of the IAC Current Intelligence Group
for the Formosa Straits Problem
This report is based on information received in Washington
up to 1100 hours 19 April 1955.
1. No significant activity has been reported.
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Pre o-% rt enri Fr I
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