CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1957/02/21

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Keywords: 2018 Sanitization
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03161998
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2019
• Document Release Date: December 20, 2019
• Publication Date: February 21, 1957

// for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161
�/�
e04
/
e?'
e;0
00.!
004
-TOP�SE CR E-T� f
/17-171 710/07,7/
pproved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
T LLI
LL TI
21 February 1957
Copy No.
DOCUMENT NO. JILL_
NO CHAt,IGE IN CLASS.
DEC-LASSOED
CLA.t7,S. CHANGED TO: TS S C
N.!-2�;.":r !,-EVIEW DATE:
1-1P. 70-2
RE-VIEWEB
OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
131
3.3(h)(2)
3.5(c)
,e4
/
4/4
.4/
/2
'e/rf
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
.fma.
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
CONTE:NTS
-
1. NATO COUNTRY REACTIONS TO ANNOUNCED BRITISH
TROOP REDUCTION (page 3).
2. SawErr ovvrrIALS COMMENT ON GERMAN PROBLEM
(page 4).
IP
d 3. SIX EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AGREE ON EURATOM AND
COMMON MARKET TREATIES (page 6).
ETHIOPIA AND SUDAN AGREE ON DEFENSE PACT
AGAINST EGYPT (page 7).
5. ARAB REPORTS OF ISRAELI TROOP CONCENTRATIONS
REMAIN UNCONFIRMED (page 8).
'6. THAI TRADE DELEGATION RECENTLY IN PEIPING
(page 9).
1'r-4. FRENCH ECONOMIC MISSION TO COMMUNIST CHINA
POSSIBLE IN MARCH (page 10).
8, SAUDI ARABIA PROCURES MATERIAL FOR ALGERIAN
REBELS :page 11).
9."KEY i3oLn
AND RIOTS
21 Feb 57
IAN LEADER FORESEES POSSIBLE STRIKES
(page 12).
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 2
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Aft .31EA-JiL.
1. NATO COUNTRY REACTIONS TO ANNOUNCED BRITISH
TROOP REDUCTION
Comments of leading deputies from all
parties in the West German Bundestag
have revealed no great concern about
the impact of announced cutbacks of
British forces in the Federal Republic,
according to the US embassy in Bonn.
Chancellor Adenauer, however, was re-
ported more disturbed than Defense
Minister Strauss, who has prepared
German opinion for this type of devel-
opment by emphasizing the importance
of "modern weapons" to a smaller force.
Adenauer's coalition deputies believe
the Socialist opposition will not profit
greatly from the announcement.
The French have voiced concern over
the substance of the British proposal, and feel that the
cutback in British air strength is too drastic. The Dutch
are alarmed at the effect of the action on their own defense
build-up, and feel it should be phased to correspond to
planned increases in German strength. The Belgians feel,
however, that it would be a long time before West Germany
could fill the void if the British withdrawals are followed
by further European and later American defense reductions.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 3
Approved for Release: 2-617/T2/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
2, SOVIET OFFICIALS COMMENT ON GERMAN PROBLEM
On 15 February Alexandr Alexandrov,
first secretary of the Soviet embassy
in Bonn, asked a German acquaintance
what the West German reaction would
e to a suggestion that the Bonn and Pankow vernments
announce their provisional status and possibly their readi-
ness to withdraw from the Warsaw pact and NATO,
Such an announce-
ment, Alexandrov said, could be followed by a request from
the United States and the USSR that the two German govern-
ments consult on preparing a constitution for a reunited
Germany.
Alexandrov said, "We should finally get
rid of the idea that statements by Pankow reflect genuine
political aims or convictions!' He added that the Pankow
regime could not survive if Bonn convinced Moscow that
the West will not use a reunited Germany for military de-
ployment against the USSR. He said the concept that the
USSR wished to make use of Germany was obsolete since
the East and West are now equal in atomic guided missiles.
Both Alexandrov and S. M. Kudryavtsev,
counselor of the Soviet embassy, expressed the view that
Foreign Minister Grom ko would make new moves, "espe-
cially as to Germany!'
Comment The hint that the East German regime
would present no obstacle if Bonn and
Moscow reach agreement is unusual, even in informal
Soviet approaches. With reunification a major issue in the
campaign for the September Bundestag elections, Soviet
spokesmen can be expected to promote the idea that reuni-
fication is possible in an attempt to discredit Adenauer by
forcing him to reject Soviet proposals, and making it appear
that his government is preventing reunification.
A suggestion that the two Germanies get
together would not depart from previous Soviet and East German
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 4
s Fen r.T
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
A I
ft,
proposals. Moscow probably expects, however, that
Adenauer could not accept such a formula because of his
often repeated refusal to countenance any negotiations with
East Germany that could be construed as recognition of
equality.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 5
-- --
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
'are
3. SIX EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AGREE ON EURATOM AND
COMMON MARKET TREATIES
Comment on:
Decisions taken on 18 and 19 February
by the foreign and prime ministers of
Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Ger-
many, Italy and the Netherlands, which
are already joined together in the Coal-
Steel Community, have evidently cleared
away the remaining obstacles to the signa-
ture of the EURATOM and common market
treaties sometime in March.
The compromise agreements worked
out�which must yet be elaborated in detail following ratifi-
cation--are the product of very hard last-minute bargaining
and reflect primarily a determination not to disagree. This
is particularly the case with respect to the agreement on a
five-year "trial" association of overseas territories with the
common market and their joint economic development. In-
clusion of French and Belgian African territories was achieved
despite grave doubts about the political implications and a last-
minute warning from London that this would prove a major ob-
stacle to the projected free trade area linked with the common
market.
Prospects for ratification are favorable.
The other countries will probably delay action pending French
approval, but Premier Mollet hopes to have the National As-
sembly act before the Easter recess. A favorable vote in the
Bundestag is expected by June or July. While the Dutch have
strong misgivings about the treaties, no serious difficulties
are expected in the etherthnds or in Belgium, Luxembourg,
and Italy.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 6
en7vr711r1VTT.4 T
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
L-e
4. ETHIOPIA AND SUDAN AGREE ON DEFENSE PACT
AGAINST EGYPT
Ethiopia's emperor has approved the text
and accepted the obligations of a mutual
defense pact with the Sudan, according to
the Sudanese prime minister. The emperor
does not consider this a propitious time for
signing the pact, however, for fear Of its effect on relations
with the Arab states, particularly Egypt. The emperor informed
the prime minister that he nevertheless considered both coun-
tries to be bound by the pact.
The prime minister told Ambassador Pinker-
ton that he was sure that if Egypt had been successful against
Israel in Sinai, the Sudan would have been next on Nasr's list.
Comment A defense pact reflects the common fear of
Egypt felt by both Ethiopia and the Sudan.
Addis Ababa is angered by Egyptian propaganda and subversive
activities among Ethiopia's Moslem inhabitants. Successive
Sudanese prime ministers have indicated their irritation with
Egyptian interference.
21 Feb 5'7
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 7
Approved for Release: 2.61V7i104 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Wa'd
kW�
5. ARAB REPORTS OF ISRAELI TROOP CONCENTRATIONS
REMAIN UNCONFIRMED
Comment on:
information
"confirming the presence of large Israeli
concentrations in the northern and cen-
tral sectors" opposite Syria and Jordan,
and that Israel was carrying out a partial
mobilization. Despite this and similar
earlier reports
Israeli concentrations were
not subStarttiated on both sides of the Syrian-
Israeli border up to noon on 17 February.
Israeli call-ups and troop movements on the night of 18-19
February, but such activity is not confirmed.
Both the Syrians and
the Jordanians have exhibited considerable nervousness over
Israeli intentions.
Israeli strength has remained since De-
cember at about 80,000, consisting of 55,000 army troops
and 25,000 in the paramilitary Nahal units which man the bor-
der settlements. Of the army personnel, only 25,000 are be-
lieved in combat units, with 7,500 each in the Northern and
Central Commands and 10,000 in the Southern Command.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 8
gFi"DT:"C
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
6. THAI TRADE DELEGATION RECENTLY IN PEIPING
The Burmese embassy in Peiping
issued transit visas to four mem-
bers of an "unofficial" Thai trade dele-
gation which had been in Peiping for
over a month and which had been awaiting Chou En-lai's re-
turn. The delegation claimed it was there with the knowledge
and consent of the Thai government, and that it was seeking
to arrange the exchange of Thai rice for Chinese Commu-
nist consumer goods and light industrial machinery. While
no contracts had yet been signed, the Thais indicated opti-
mism that agreement could be reached prior to their depar-
ture for Bangkok via Kunming and Rangoon on 18 February.
The delegation was anxious to prevent
the US from learning of its Peiping visit. It expressed the
belief that Sino-Thai relations are gradually becoming normal-
ized through such unofficial contacts, although outright
recognition must await Peiping's entrance into the UN.
Comment Bangkok has been discreetly moving
toward normal relations with Commu-
nist China. In response to growing domestic pressures, the
Thai government lifted its embargo on nonstrategic trade
with China last June. While the Phibun regime continues of-
ficially to discourage trade with the bloc, it has tacitly con-
doned--and on occasion probably covertly sponsored--unoffi-
cial contacts with Peiping.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 9
VirN 1-1 L-"T
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
7. FRENCH ECONOMIC MISSION TO COMMUNIST
CHINA POSSIBLE IN MARCH
Paris is planning to send a 20-man
economic mission headed by Senator
Henri Rochereau to Communist China
for a one-month visit as soon as the
Chinese Communists grant visas.
Rochereau has verbal assurances that the visas will be
granted, and the French hope to arrive ahead of a West
German business mission which reportedly plans to leave
soon.
The French are not optimistic about ob-
taining large orders, but are hopeful of getting Peiping to
accept a permanent French trade mission without diplo-
matic recognition by France.
Comment Rochereau, who led the economic mission
to Communist China in early 1956, has
been trying to arrange a second trip since last fall. He has
been reported as primarily interested in discussing political
questions with the Chinese on behalf of French foreign minis-
ter Pineau.
Peiping would probably welcome the visit
in the hope that it would encourage groups in other free world
countries, notably Japan, to bring added pressure against
strategic controls. However, Peiping is still not likely to
permit establishment of a permanent French mission in China
unless the Chinese are granted reciprocal rights in France.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 10
C r ArITI1-"r
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Tar SrenrT
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Asit,
8. SAUDI IA PROCURES MATERIAL FOR
ALGERIAN REBELS
the Saudis have
contracted for an unknown number of
eeps of Belgian origin for delivery to
the Algerian rebels. The purchase
contract apparently was signed on 14
July 1956 when an initial payment was
made, with a delivery deadline of
6 June 1957.
Comment This is the first report of the use of
Saudi Arabian procurement facilities
on behalf of the Algerians. Such services are normally
performed by the Egyptians, while Saudi Arabia and other
Arab states supply necessary funds. It is also the first in-
dication that motorized equipment may be going to the Alge-
rian rebels.
French authorities in Algeria are con-
cerned over the greater number of arms reaching Algeria.
Press sources claim that French forces are capturing only
30 percent of the arms involved in this traffic.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 11
TOP SECRET
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998
9, KEY BOLIVIAN LEADER FORESEES POSSIBLE STRIKES
AND RIOTS
Comment on:
Juan Lechin, key Bolivian labor and polit-
ical leader,
feared serious trou-
ble�possibly in March but not later than
May�unless adjustments were made in the US-sponsored eco-
nomic stabilization program, promulgated on 15 December
1956 and apparently successful thus far, Lechin said that if
labor benefits are not improved, miners and other wage earn-
ers, spurred on by Communist agitators, would probably en-
gage in strikes and riots which could result in the overthrow
of the government and assumption of power by the Communists.
Bolivian Communists and pro-Communists
appear to be influential in local mine unions and have played a
leading role in some strikes and in labor criticism of the sta-
bilization program. They do not appear, however, to be
capable of taking over the government.
Other predictions of trouble in March by
Bolivian officials have suggested that the leftist civilian militia
would play an important role in opposition to the army. Lechin
said, however, that the militia was no threat to anyone because
it lacked ammunition and most of its arms were in the hands of
rural workers who are least hit by rising costs.
21 Feb 57
Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 12
1"�T
Approved for Release: 2019/12/04 C03161998