CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1959/03/28

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03156029
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: February 25, 2020
• Document Release Date: February 27, 2020
• Publication Date: March 28, 1959

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28 March 1959
Copy No. C
CENTRAL
INTELLIGENCE
BULLETIN
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DOCUMENT NO. _ 3
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28 MARCH 1959
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
GlVIAIC comments on 25 March So-
viet ICBM firing.
Rumania to resume Jewish emigra-
tion to Israel, but date not yet speci-
fied; strong Arab resentment likely.
II. ASIA-AFRICA
US Embassy in Baghdad assesses sit-
uation in Iraq.
Kuwait - Iraqi developments and do-
mestic problems lead ruling family to
improve relations with Britain.
India interested in collective Asian
measures to meet Chinese Communist
economic threat.
Thailand plans meeting of non-Com-
munist Southeast Asian leaders to
promote regional cooperation.
0 Singapore - British foresee violence as
local government moves against Com-
munist-infiltrated city council.
III. THE WEST
� De Gaulle may propose separate West-
ern defense organization to cover Africa.
0 Bolivia - Key labor leader and polit-
ical figure to visit Moscow; USSR
may offer economic assistance.
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Citt\ITRAL INTELLIGENCE BtrLLETIN
28 March 1959
DAILY BRIEF
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
USSR: The Guided Missile and Astronautics Intelligence
Committee issued on 27 March the following statement con-
cerning the most recent Soviet ICBM launching:
The Soviets launched a test ICBM about 0030
EST, Wednesday, 25 March 1959. Although analyses
of COMINT, ELINT, and RADINT indicate it reached
the vicinity of the impact area, they do not indicate
anything concerning the success or failure of re-entry.
The new radar on Shemya reported sighting this ICBM.
If re-entry was successful, preliminary data indicate
impact would have been in the coastal area some 100
miles northeast of Klyuchi.
This could have been the same missile that was
scheduled to be launched on 20 February but canceled
at the last instant. There were numerous delays in
the countdown, totaling about five and one-half hours
--more than in any previous launching.
During the first 20 months of the ICBM flight-
test program, the Soviet boxscore was as follows!
--six test ICBMs at least generally suc-
cessful.
--two others may have been successful (these
were the first two, considered dual pur-
pose ICBM/earth satellite).
--two launchings canceled at the last minute.
--two others successfully launched which
failed shortly thereafter.
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Rumania-Israel: Rumanian officials have stated that Jew-
ish emigration to Israel will be resumed, but the date has not
yet been specified, according to an Israeli official. In a recent
meeting in Bucharest between officials of the two governments,
the Rumanians attributed the current stoppage to "unfavorable
publicity." A resumption of the emigration, which has been
halted for nearly a month, would lead to strong Arab resent-
ment and protests.
II. ASIA-AFRICA
Iraq: The American Embassy in Baghdad, assessing the
situation as it has developed since the Mosul revolt, believes
there is grave danger that "in the short run" Iraq will come
under preponderantly Communist control. The embassy feels
that althougp popular and military loyalties are still primarily
attached to Qasim, Communist control of the press and pop-
ular organizations, together with the growth of Communist
cadres in the army and bureaucracy, present a clear possi-
bility that the Communists could nullify Qasim's popular appeal
if he attempted a showdown with them. The embassy further
believes that Nasir no longer has the assets to reverse the trend
in Iraq, and that a successful military coup against Qasim is
unlikely. (Page 1)
Kuwait: Iembers of Kuwait's ruling Subah family have
shown increasing awareness of their total dependence on Brit
ish military protection. As a consequence of developments i
Iraq and last month's local manifestation of nationalist hostility
to Subah rule, the younger Subah sheiks have united behind
their elders, while British-Subah relations have improved mark-
ed13 (Page 3)
India - Communist China:
, Inman capiomats in yelping are
0 distressed by developments in Tibet. They have suggested to
e other Asian representatives that India, Ceylon, Burma, and
28 Mar 59
DAILY BRIEF
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other countries organize to meet the threats, particularly
pronomir nosed by 7wing Chinese Communist strength.
o�/�'
ov-
jew Delhi also is showing more interest than in the pa
in a Colombo powers economic meeting to prepare the way
for a larger economic conference later this yea,r'.1 Any new
Indian attitude favoring collective measures to meet Chinese
economic growth and trade would underscore increasing ap-
prehension over Peiping's intentions in Asia. It is unlikely,
however, that New Delhi would take any action that would
significantly worsen its relations with Peiping.
(Page 4)
Southeast Asia: A new effort to promote regional coop-
eration in Southeast Asia is planned by Thailand. The Thai
foreign minister hopes to call within several months a meet-
ing of Southeast Asian leaders from Thailand, Burma, Laos,
Cambodia, South Vietnam, Malaya, and possibly Singapore to
discuss regional security, economic problems, and the estab-
lishment of a permanent association. The regional grouping
may be expanded later to include the Philippines and Indonesia.
(Page 5)
Singapore: ff.Esritish officials are taking military precau-
tions against possible violence in Singapore which may result
from the local government's recent action against the city coun
cil. The council, dominated by the Communist-infiltrated
People's Action party, was stripped of its administrative func-
tions on 26 March. The British believe disorders may be in-
stigated by secret society elements close to the government
or by Malay extremists rather than by the People's Action
party, which would not want to jeopardize its good election
prospect!A (Page 6)
III. THE WEST
France: Cle Gaulle is now thinking of a separate Western
0 defense organization for Africa. He apparently realizes that a
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axtension of NATO to Africa would be unacceptable to several
NATO members, and has given up the idea of attempting to
revise the NATO charter in this respect.) (
(Page 7)
Bolivia: Juan Lechin, the country's key labor leader and
an important leftist member of the Bolivian Senate, is sched-
uled to go to Moscow at Soviet expense for the May Day cele-
brations. Lechin's presence in Moscow will give the USSR the
opportunity to suggest the possibility of Soviet economic as-
sistance in view of Bolivia's current economic difficulties.
Lechin left La Paz and went abroad on 23 March.
(Page 8)
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Nov Noe'
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
(No Back-up Material)
IL ASIA-AFRICA
Communist Strength in Iraq
The American Embassy in Baghdad, assessing local
Communist strength, believes 1959 will be "the year of the
bear" in Iraq. It sees grave danger that "in the short run"
Iraq will come under preponderantly Communist control and,
in view of events since the Mosul revolt, thinks it highly doubt-
ful whether Qasim, in spite of his popular standing, could re-
verse the trend even if he wished to.
The Communists now dominate the press, radio, and the
growing and proliferating "mass organizations," -such as trade
unions, students' unions, the teachers' association, and the league
for women's rights. They appear to have almost complete con-
trol of the Popular Resistance Force, which has shown itself
willing and able to defy civil and military authority in some
parts of the country.
Already strongly entrenched in the ministries of Econom-
ics, Development, Agriculture, Education, and National. Guid-
ance, Communist sympathizers appear to be making new in-
roads throughout the bureaucracy. The Ministry of Economics
under Ibrahim Kubba is well embarked on a program to tie Iraq
as closely as possible to the Soviet bloc. In addition to agree-
ing to large-scale Soviet aid for economic development, Kubba's
ministry has succeeded in discouraging foreign and domestic
private investment, leaving the way open for the growth of state
capitalism. Prime Minister Qasim in his press conference of
24 March hinted at a new spedific measure in this field,by an-
nouncing thatIraqwouid study nationalization of France's share
in the Iraqi Petroleum Company.
$Es-efilg
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ler Name
The Iraqi Communist party continues to work behind a
"popular front" facade and appears to be attempting to entrench
itself in a government still headed by Qasim and containing
other elements. Moscow has apparently been concerned that
open manifestations of Communist control in Baghdad would in-
vite possible retaliation, as well as harm Soviet relations
with other Arab and Asian countries.
Communist gains have been accompanied by a sweeping
campaign of purges and arrests of non-Communist elements
and central and local government officials. Estimates of the
number arrested since 7 March run as high as 15,000. Key
army officers, suspected of complicity in the Mosul affair, or
of independent, nationalist attitudes, have been arrested or
displaced.
Despite Qasim's personally cordial attitude, American
Embassy personnel are being subjected to new "security" con-
trols and harassments; several Iraqis employed by the em-
bassy have been arrested, and American staff members are
under recurrent surveillance. Foreigners in Baghdad conclude
that "the iron curtain is descending."
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Developments in Kuwait
dbe growth of Commuill L LILLALLGIll,G 111 11G1611{JVI ILLE, LL am,
together with last month's public call by Kuwaiti nationalists
for an end to rule by the Subah family, have impressed the
Subah sheiks with their total dependence on British military
protection. At the same time, the younger "liberal" Subahs
have rallied in support of the family's old guard-3
[Re, lations between the Kuwaiti Government and the British
have grown more cordial than at any time in the last year, ac-
cording to the American consul in Kuwait. The British mil-
itary adviser's association with the British Government is no
longer being played down by the Kuwaitisj
rL6.waiti authorities have cracked down hard on anti-Qasim
activity by pro-UAR Kuwaiti nationalists, and otherwise striven
to avoid antagonizing Iraq. The main impetus to the curtail-
ment of nationalist activity was the public attack on the Subah
regime at a nationalist rally on 1 February honoring formation
of the UAR. If the Subahs' firm repressive action is not fol-
lowed by a meaningful attempt to liberalize the apparatus of
government) however, the heretofore moderate nationalist op-
position may be driven to advocate more uncompromising re-
sistance. The Ruler of Kuwait has balanced his action by
informing the Egyptian-dominated Arab League of readiness
to contribute $14,000,000 to the Arab Economic Organizatin
ghile the pro-UAR nationalists have been temporarily
brought under control, a Kuwaiti Government official has re-
ported a sharp increase in complaints to the Ruler by Iraqis
resident in Kuwait. The official fears that the pattern may
reflect Communist inspiration, and the American consul com-
ments that the Kuwaiti public security department is not ade-
rivatelv stsffeci for effertivp mint tar Ruhversion work
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Nor
Sino-Indian Relations
India is increasingly concerned over Communist China's
foreigrn political and economic policies during the past year,
The Burmese ambassador says Indian alp LC/1114,L b
in Peiping have freely expressed their disapproval of Peiping's
"nonchalant" attitude regarding the settlement of Sino-Indian
border disputes and its suppression of the Tibetan revolt.
Another major source of concern to the Indians apparently
is the threat posed by Communist China's domestic economic
progress and competitive foreign trade. Indian officials in
Peiping reportedly have suggested to other Asian representa-
tives there that India, Ceylon, Burma, and other nations take
collective economic measures to counter this threat.
While this proposal for collective action may reflect only
personal views, it is nevertheless the first suggestion by offi-
cial Indian circles for joint protective measures against Chi-
nese Communist economic competition. It probably reflects
New Delhi's recognition that India cannot for long maintain the
fiction of completely friendly relations with Peiping.
Eln.creasing apprehension regarding Communist China's
economic position may also be partially responsible for India's
recent interest in a Colombo powers economic meeting in Ma
to prepare for a proposed economic conference of Afro-Asian
nations later this year. Indian Prime Minister Nehru has re
sisted such conferences since 1955, and had previously rejecte
Ceylon's proposal for a Bandung-type or Colombo powers eco-
nomic meeting. Nehru may now believe that a meeting of the
Colombo powers�India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Burma, and Indo-
nesia�and possibly other Southeast Asian nations would provide
an opportunity to discuss means of countering Communist Chi-
na's economic growth and expanding commercial activities in
the area)
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Thailand Plans to Sponsor Southeast Asian Regional Meeting
Thai Foreign Minister Thanat, with the full support of Pre-
mier Marshal Sarit, is planning to invite the heads of government
from non-Communist Southeast Asian mainland countries to a
conference to develop regional cooperation, discuss mutual eco-
nomic problems, and, if possible, establish a permanent re-
gional secretariat with a program of annual meetings. The
first meeting is projected to coincide with the visit of Malay's
acting premier, Dato Razak, to Bangkok in late April or early
May; if necessary arrangements cannot be completed by then,
the meeting may be held in June or July.
The Thai foreign minister expects no difficulty in gaining
approval from Malaya, Burma, and Laos. He feels, however,
that South Vietnamese - Cambodian antipathy may present a
problem. Invitations may also be extended to the Philippines
and Indonesia.
The Thais hope to reduce regional tension arising from dif-
fering national policies ranging from neutralism to close West-
ern alignment. Thanat indicated that a major selling point for
regional association would be the strength to be gained against
Communism by closer cooperation. This first Thai initiative
toward regional leadership follows similar proposals for area
cooperation by Malayan Prime Minister Abdul Rahman and
Philippine President Garcia.
Although the proposed regional organization would have no
connection with SEATO, it could provide an improved climate
for SEATO operations in the area.
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British Fear Disorders in Singapore
the British fear violence may develop in Singapore as a re-
sult of the government's take-over on 26 March of the adminis-
trative functions of the city council, which is dominated by the
Communist-infiltrated People's Action party (PAP). In a pre-
cautionary move, the British commanding officer has canceled
all leave and travel out of Singapore for captains and above_g
ET.he British believe disorders will not be instigated by PAP,
which presumably would not want to jeopardize its good pros-
pects in the general elections planned for 30 May. They apparent-
ly fear, however, further provocations against PAP by the Lim
Yew Hock government, possibly by secret society gangsters,
�which might lead to violence. Any disorders would provide Chief
Minister Lim an opportunity to proscribe PAP or might force the
British to postpone the election]
he British were probably involved in, or may even have
planned, provocation tactics roughly similar to this in the fall
of 1956, when riots were touched off which led to the arrest of
key left-wing leaders of PAP. Now, however, the British ap-
pear reconciled to a PAP election victory and are fearful of any
actions which might jeopardize their chances of working with the
party's moderate wing led by Secretary General Lee Kuan Yecyj
6e British probably fear they will not be forewarned of
any covert action which the Singapore Government might plan
because of the growina coolness between the chief thinister and
the governoS
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III. THE WEST
De Gaulle Reported Thinking of Separate Defense Organization
For Africa
029 Gaulle, who believes organization ox the defense of
Africa is an "essential buttress" to NATO, may soon propose
establishing a separate defense organization for that continent,
according to his diplomatic adviser. Whether this defense ar-
rangement would include African countries or countries with
African interests other than France, Britain, and the United
States would be determined in tripartite discussions. De Gaulle
apparently realizes that an extension of NATO to Africa would
be unacceptable to several NATO members, and has given up
the idea of attempting to revise the NATO charter in this re-
spect
LI1-The French President's thinking appears to have shifted
since 11 March when French Chief of Staff General Ely, appar-
ently quoting a government policy paper, had indicated to Gen-
eral Norstad that De Gaulle would soon propose creation of a
NATO southern command to cover the Western Mediterranean,
Algeria, and perhaps the Sahara. The North Atlantic treaty
includes the Algerian departments in the NATO area, but the
French withdrew them from the NATO command structure in
1954. At a press conference on 25 March, De Gaulle stated
that NATO's "area" does not extend south of the Mediterranean,
and in any case he seems to have a much broader area in mind
for the new organization:1
ale ranking career official in the Foreign Ministry, Secre-
tary General Louis Joxe, will attend the tripartite talks on Africa
scheduled in Washington next month.'
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Key Bolivian Leader May Visit Moscow
Juan Lechin, key labor leader in Bolivia and an important
leftist member of the Bolivian Senate, is scheduled to go to
Moscow at Soviet expense for the May Day celebrations. His
presence in Moscow will give Soviet officials an opportunity to
suggest the possibility of economic assistance.
Lechin may have wanted to leave Bolivia at this time to dis-
sociate himself from an impending renewal of the struggle between
the Bolivian Government and the armed miners over the unfreez-
ing of mine commissary prices. The implementation of the com-
missary decree of 13 March is to begin on 1 April, although it
reportedly will be restricted at first to certain miners long
loyal to the government.
The crisis arising from the struggle over frozen commis-
sary prices in early March caused the US Embassy to start
sending American dependents out of the country. The govern-
ment decree permitted the US Government to release ICA funds
of $500,000 to Bolivia, but the Bolivian Central Bank still has
a deficit of $2,000,000.
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Mir
THE PRESIDENT
The Vice President
Executive Offices of the White House
Special Assistant for National Security Affairs
Scientific Adviser to the President
Director of the Budget
Office of Defense and Civilian Mobilization
Special Assistant for Security Operations Coordination
Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities
Special Assistant for Foreign Economic Policy
Executive Secretary, National Security Council
The Treasury Department
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Department of State
The Secretary of State
The Under Secretary of State
The Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs
The Deputy Under Secretary for Political Affairs
The Deputy Under Secretary for Administration
The Counselor
Director, International Cooperation Administration
The Director of Intelligence and Research
The Department of Defense
The Secretary of Defense
The Deputy Secretary of Defense
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
The Secretary of the Army
The Secretary of the Navy
The Secretary of the Air Force
The Chairman, The Joint Chiefs of Staff
Commandant, United States Marine Corps
The Director, The Joint Staff
Chief of Staff, United States Army
Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy
Chief of Staff, United States Air Force
Assistant to Secretary of Defense for Special Operations
Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff
Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of the Army
Director of Naval Intelligence, Department of the Navy
Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Air Force
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
Commander in Chief, Pacific
The Department of the Interior
The Secretary of the Interior
The Department of Commerce
The Secretary of Commerce
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Director
Atomic Energy Commission
The Chairman
National Security Agency
The Director
National Indications Center
The Director
United States Information Agency
The Director
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