CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1960/04/22

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
02977779
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
15
Document Creation Date: 
March 17, 2020
Document Release Date: 
March 26, 2020
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
April 22, 1960
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PDF icon CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULL[15798880].pdf609.29 KB
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r. 7. /l y Release. ZZZZZZ/Z � Approved TOP SECRET CO2977779 1 vow � 3.5(c) 3.3(h)(2) 22 April 1960 Copy No. C ()8 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 90CUMENT lie.g4 NIS MANGE IN CLASS. COGLASSIFIED CLASS. LII4alt.r1 TO: TS $ * NEXT 11.111..)e1 ulalt 40(0 4111titikii-4P(.1 OATS: REVIEWER: TOP SECRET /ZWZZWZ/17/7Z/ZZ Ap proved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779WMMMZZZZ Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 . 41.0,11�10../ II It NM � Approved for Release: CO2977779 Approved for Release: 202-0763/13 CO2977779 21 APRIL 1960 I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC Flow of East German refugees increases; number in week ending 19 April appears to have surpassed all records since 19530 II. ASIA-AFRICA Rebel Algerian government announces plan to send ministerial delegation to Communist China. Laotian elections this Sunday seen cer- tain to result in victory of progovern- ment elements; exclusion of all or near- ly all leftists from assembly would be likely to stimulate increased activity by insurgents. Leftist government in Singapore said to be seriously considering allowing Soviet commercial office to open there; govern- ment of Malaya strongly opposed. South Korean opposition elements refuse to accept cabinet resignation as sign of willingness by Rhee to satisfy popular de- mands; Mee reportedly not considering easing of police-state methods. III. THE WEST ()Cuban Labor Confederation rent by dis- sension over Communist efforts to con- trol it; confederation's head reportedly in hiding and may resign. Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 / 4*/ t7,4 4 SECRET ( ikpproved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779r ./ 4Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 SECRET CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 22 April 1960 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC East Germany: The number of East German refugees fleeing to West Berlin in the week of 13 to 19 April, against the background of the regime's clrive against private farmers and businessmen, appears to have surpassed all records since the aftermath of the riots of 17 June 1953. As of 19 April, 2,734 persons, including large numbers of farmers and craftsmen, had been processed in the West Berlin refu- gee center, and refugee authorities reported that the actual Influx for the week was double that figure. The apparently extreme concern of the Ulbricht regime over the mass exodus � of its citizens is shown by the reported attempt of East German police�until stopped by the West German police--to question travelers and examine their baggage in West Berlin stations of the East German - operated elevated railroad. IL ASIA-AFRICA Algeria: The rebel Algerian government's announcement that it will send a ministerial delegation to Communist China appears designed in part to pose the threat of closer rebel re- lations with the bloc if Western support for the Algerian posi- tion on a cease-fire is not forthcoming. Although the rebels are believed in fact to be reluctant to establish close relations with the bloc, they probably hope to obtain a commitment from Peiping on the delivery of equipment which the Chinese promised in January 1959. (Page 1) :Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779;,:, SECRET , Laos: Progovernment elements are certain to win a major- ity in Sunday's elections for the 59-member National Assembly. The number of seats which will be won by the 20-odd Commu- nist and pro-Communist candidates will depend in part on the amount of pressure put on voters by local army and police ele- ments. The exclusion of all or virtually all leftists from the new assembly�whether by government rigging or as a result of a possible last-minute protest withdrawal by the leftists-- would be likely to stimulate intensified guerrilla operations by the insurgents. (Page 2) Singapore: [The leftist government in Singapore appears to be giving serious consideration to requests of visiting Soviet trade officials to open a commercial office there. The Malayan Government is adamantly opposed to this and will probably seek to discourage Singapore acceptance of Soviet overtures by threat- ening economic reprisals, possibly including closure of the cause- way connecting Singapore with the mainland. j (Page 3) South Korea: I Opposition elements are refusing to accept the resignation of Rhee's cabinet as evidence of any real change in the government or as an indication of willingness by Rhee to satisfy the demands of the people. Lt. Gen. Song Yo-chan, corn mander of the troops enforcing martial law, has expressed the opinion that riots will resume in Seoul if the police do not change their present tactics. Rhee, meanwhile, is reported to have indi- cated he does not contemplate easing of police-state methods and has said those who demonstrated will be treated as traitors.1 (Page 5) III. THE WEST Cuba: The Cuban Labor Confederation is rent by dissen- sion over Communist efforts to control it. Secretary General David Salvador is reported to be in hiding and may resign just be May Day to bring the issue to public attention. Castro offi- cials reportedly are infuriated and fear that Salvador's action will 22 Apr 60 DAILY BRIEF ii �SECRET� el%A. .Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779%7- 0 .,---,,,,,,-/,,,, 'Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 C62977779 ;,;/ /: 4,�,/, ?0_,- . -/% W / -/Z g ' , SECRET interfere with the large demonstration of support for the regime planned for 1 May. (Page 7) 22 Apr 60 iii 00%0 DAILY BRIEF -SECRET Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 -Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC II. ASIA-AFRICA Algerian Rebels Sending Ministerial Group to Communist China The Algerian rebels' announcement that they will send a ministerial delegation to Communist China appears designed in part to pose the threat of closer relations with the bloc in the absence of Western supportior the Algerian position on a cease-fire. The Algerian delegation may be that headed by Deputy Premier Belkacem Krim which has lately toured the Middle East soliciting aid for the Algerian cause. Rebel spokesmen, in conversation with Western officials, have indicated distrust of Communism, while warning that the absence of Western support for rebel objectives might force them into closer cooperation with the bloc. ) Rebel disappoint- ment at Khrushchev's apparent failure to support the Algerians in his conversations with De Gaulle has made it likely that any rebel move toward the bloc would involve Peiping rather than Moscow. The rebel delegation appears likely to raise the possibili- ty of material or financial support by the Chinese. In January 1959, Peiping offered the Algerians $5,000,000 in such aid. Apart from a few radio sets and some miscellaneous clothing, however, there is no evidence of delivery. This previous com- mitment may be discussed and expanded by the Chinese, who want to increase their influence with the rebel movement. If asked, Peiping may offer a small number of military techni- cians to participate in the rebel "foreign legion" being recruited in the Arab League states. It is unlikely, however, that the Algerians would request or Peiping furnish Chinese combat "volunteers." In addition to the rebel ministerial group--whose depar- ture date has not yet been announced--an Algerian "youth dele- gation," which includes a representative of the Ministry of Arma- ments, will leave for China in mid-April. 22 Apr 60 CEIApproved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Page 1 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 -5tettLE� progovernment Elements May Win Sizable Majority In Laotian Elections Progovernment elements are expected to win a majority which may reach substantial proportions in elections on 24 April for the 59-member Laotian National Assembly. Ap- proximately 120 candidates were at last report still in the race, including some 60 on the government-approved slate--com- posed mainly of members of former Premier Phoui's Rally of the Lao People (RLP) and the Committee for Defense of National Interests (CDNI)--andnine eachfrom the Communist-front Neo Lao Hak Sat (NLHS) and the fellow-traveling Santiphab party. An estimated 25 of the 40= odd independents are in reality RLP or CDNI followers who failed to gain acceptance on the govern- ment slate] A few of the remaining independents are considered leftists who would probably vote with the NLHS if elected. The number of seats won by candidates or allies of the NLHS will depend in part on the amount of pressure exerted on the voters by local police and army units. to assure free elections "in districts where no Santiphab or NLHS candidates are running," provides a strong if indirect indication that the government is in fact planning to manipulate the voting where Communist or pro-Communist candidates are seeking of- fice. The exclusion of all or virtually all leftists from the new as- sembly�whether by government rigging or as a result of a last- minute protest withdrawal by the leftists�would be likely to stimu= late intensified guerrilla operations by the Communist Pathet Lao insurgents and would reflect adversely on Laos internationally. French, Indian, End Britis_hjofficials, for example, have already shown considerable concern. SECRET 22 Apr 60 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 2 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Singapore Government Considering Soviet Request to Establish Permanent Trade Mission The leftist People's Action party (PAP) government of the internally self-governing State of Singapore appears to be giv- ing serious consideration to the request of visiting Soviet trade officials to establish a permanent trade mission in Singapore. the Soviet mission has re- tained the law Iirm ot which singapore's Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is senior partner to renresent the TTSSR in its PffOrth to open a corlmercial office t_The Malayan Government is adamantly opposed to any type of Soviet representation in Singapore and will probably seek to discourage acceptance of Soviet overtures by threatening eco- nomic reprisals, including possible closure of the causeway con- necting Singapore with the mainland. the Malayan Government sees Singapore's action in this case as a major test of its sincerity in seeking closer economic and political relations with the Federation and is await, ing Singapore's move for consultation. It seems unlikely that Singapore officials would risk Malayan displeasure unless they believe that agreeing to Soviet requests would result in large- scale economic benefits for Singapore, possibly including a long- term low-interest loanq LU_nder Singapore's new constitution, its foreign affairs are controlled by the UK, while Singapore has responsibility for the/ SECRET 22. Apr 60 CEI`ApprOved for Rele-ase: 2-02071i321-3-e-62-977779 Page 3 Approved�for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 conduct of matters concerning trade. . ." While the opening of an official Soviet Government trade office would quite clearly require UK consent, it is possible that Singapore officials be- lieve they can unilaterally enter into an agreement with a Soviet trading corporation to open a Singapore branch.' 22 Apr 60 CEN7pArol veld 'TOT II Release: kl2023/101/173Z012977779Page 4 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 South Korean Opposition Unappeased by Cabinet Resignation !Opposition elements refuse to interpret the resignation of President Rhee's cabinet as evidence of any real change in the government or as an indication of willingness by Rhee to satis- fy the demands of the people. Opposition Democratic party leader Chang Myon, the "lame duck" vice president defeated by Rhee's unpopular running mate Yi Ki-pung in the elections on 15 March, has called for "further demonstrations" and new elections. Rhee reportedly was angered by Yi's flight from Seoul during the rioting, and there has been some speculation that he may be replaced.' }An uneasy calm appears to have settled over Seoul follow- ing the establishment of martial law. Army Chief of Staff U. Gen Song Yo-chan, commander of the troops enforcing martial law, has warned, however, that riots will probably break out again in the capital unless the police change their tactics. Earlier, Song who fears the police will try to blame the army for anything that goes wrong, commented that during the riot- ing the police had "lost their heads" and had been in a "frenzy."/ [There are strong indications that President Rhee neither comprehends the nature of the demonstrations nor appreciates the extent of popular resentment against his regime. A high- level Korean Government official reports that Rhee has indi- cated he does not contemplate easing "police-state" methods and intends to treat the demonstrators as national traitors. If former Rhee strong man Yi Pom-sok is included in the cabi- net, it would lend weight to this report. Rhee apparently has interpreted statements of concern by President Eisenhower, Secretary Herter, and Ambassador McConaughy as interest in his own "welfare and safety" and has no strong impression of US disapproval of his methods. Bloc propaganda is exploit- ing the situation in South Korea, and free-world reaction is almost unanimously negative to the Rhee government. 7 SECRET 22 Apr 60 CEApproved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Page 5 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 SECRET In Japan where South Korean developments are followed very closely, the government and press attribute the demon- strations to popular resentment over the elections and pent-up dissatisfaction with the regime's high-handed policies, as well as to economic factors. In an unofficial statement, Prime Minister Kishi discounted possible Communist instigation, al- though Foreign Ministry officials are concerned that the long- latent opposition to the Mee government may develop into widespread disaffection which would be exploited by the Com- munists and eventually affect security in the Far East. SECRET 22 Apr 60 rpkkATIN A I IkITCI I le�Ekle"C DI II I ETlkl Page 6 '-''''Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 III. THE WEST Cuban Labor Troubles Annoy Castro Regime The Cuban Labor Confederation (CTC) is rent by bitter dis- sension over Communist efforts to control it. CTC Secretary General David Salvador is in hiding in Havana and is planning to resign just before May Day in order to bring the issue to public attention. Salvador was chosen by Fidel Castro to run Cuba's strong labor movement as an important component of the revolu- tion. He and some other labor leaders have resisted the Commu= nists, with whom they have had previous experience. Castro in recent months has endorsed the support given the Communists by his brother Raul and Raul's protege, pro-Coxnmunist Labor Min- ister Martinez Sanchez. Castro and his advisers are anxious to postpone a showdown in the CTC until after the May Day rally they are staging to dem- onstrate domestic and international support for the revolutionary regime. They are infuriated by Salvador's action, which they see as a threat to the rally's success. Martinez considers it impera- tive that Salvador make a speech at the celebration. Martinez evidently has already asked Conrado Becquer, head of CTC's powerful sugar workers' federation who has avoided in- volvement in the power struggle, to replace Salvador. Becquer, opportunistic and politically astute, is reported to be reluctant to accept and to have said that in the event he took the post, he would demand government support for a non-Communist CTC di- rectorate. The Castro government is unlikely to accept or hold to such terms; if Becquer does replace Salvador, however, it would indicate that he believes he can control the Communist la- bor leaders, as he is too ambitious to share power with them. 22 Apr 60 CEApproved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Page 7 rf-INICITIVAITI A Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 Nal 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 Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Special Assistant for Security Operations Coordination Chairman, 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 Political Affairs The Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs The Deputy Under Secretary of State 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 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 Commandant, United States Marine Corps Assistant to Secretary of Defense for Special Operations Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of Army Director of Naval Intelligence, Department of Navy Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Air Force Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Commander in Chief, Pacific 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 CIIMPITWIVTIA I Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 .#07,-(//7 0, 4� 1 / / / / ,00-1 400 4� 1 /0 / /0 41 / //* / so� / / / / / / ^ / - / / / 11 / /./ ^ / off/ /foe orZ rootj j or/ 1;1 r ffir ofjo orio ory ej ory erf /zoo ordo /j ey /,,�0 �0',/ ordo0 off /zordwzmfmm,Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779Arzzz,�zzzAr#####z A, Approved for Release: 2020/03/13 CO2977779 /11-1(/ 4.1k�TOP�SEC�RET- -TOP-SECRET