WEEKLY SUMMARY

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CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2
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December 19, 2016
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SUMMARY
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Approved For Release 2006/1Q106 . CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Secret DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY Secret 11 47 9 February 1968 No. 0006/68 C':5's-3/ Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Q Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET (Information as of noon EST, 8 February 1968) Far East VIETNAM The week-long Communist offensive against key popula- tion centers has tapered off although enemy troops are still putting up stiff resistance in several cities. Despite severe losses, the Communists have sufficient strength to mount further actions through- out the country. Meanwhile, the Saigon government now appears to be performing with reasonable effi- ciency despite some procrastination and internal bickering. COMMUNISTS IMPROVE ROADS IN LAOS PANHANDLE 6 The Communists are responding to heavy US air attacks on truck traffic in the Laos panhandle with a con- struction program that is adding flexibility to the system and maintaining a margin of surplus capacity. KOREAN CONFRONTATION CONTINUES UNRESOLVED 6 The talks between North Korean and US representatives at Panmunjom appear to have made no progress toward resolving the Pueblo incident. PEKING MAKES LITTLE PROGRESS TOWARD STABILIZING PROVINCES 8 The Chinese central authorities, taking slow and un- certain steps, are making little progress toward sta- bilizing and institutionalizing leadership in the provinces. SECRET Page i WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET MILITARY SETBACKS CREATE TENSION IN LAO ARMY LEADERSHIP Following recent military setbacks, new signs of ten- sion have been noted within the army leadership. Europe USSR EXPANDS PREMILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM DOSAAF--the Voluntary Society for Cooperation with the Army, Air Force, and Navy--is expanding its role in the premilitary training and political indoctrination of Soviet youth. CZECH AIRCRAFT SALES FLOURISHING Prague's most successful item is the L-29 Maya mili- tary jet trainer, which has been accepted as the standard basic jet trainer in the Warsaw Pact coun- tries and has also been purchased by at least four Free World countries. SECRET Page ii WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET PRAGUE'S FOREIGN POLICY MAY BECOME MORE LIBERAL Several developments during the past few weeks, in- cluding a major speech by new party First Secretary Dubcek, suggest that Prague may be more interested in improving relations with the West than official statements would imply. NEW GOVERNMENT TAKES OVER IN DENMARK Denmark's first non-Socialist prime minister in nearly 15 years has called for belt-tightening on the home front but'no change in foreign policy. Middle East, - Africa THE WEEK IN PERSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENTS ' I'N THE' 'TWO YRMENS The Peoples' Republic of Southern Yemen is adopting more radical domestic and'foreign policies, while in Yemen the military stalemate continues. SOVIET PREMIER KOSYGIN'$VISIT TO INDIA Talks were: mainly on bilateral' economic relations but also covered current international,problems. CABINET CHANGES IN CEYLON UNLIKELY TO SOLVE'PROBtEMS Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake has made several cabinet changes in an apparent attempt to strengthen his government, but the adjustments are unlikely to ease the government's pressing economic and political problems. Western Hemisphere ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT SEEKS LABOR SUPPORT The government recently restored the legal status of two key Peronist unions, and Ongania himself has ap- pealed to important labor leaders for active support and collaboration in social welfare and public works programs. SECRET Page iii WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET ELECTIONEERING IN PANAMA HEATING UP Charges and countercharges by government candidate Samudio and National Union candidate Arias are becom- ing more vicious, both sides are organizing strong- arm bands, and the government may be planning moves to strengthen Samudio's candidacy. MEXICO'S RULING PARTY GEARS FOR HEAVY POLITICKING In anticipation of gubernatorial elections this year and the presidential succession in 1970, changes are likely in the ruling party leadership which will prob- ably reflect an emphasis on youth and affect the choice of a presidential candidate for 1970. SECRET Page iv WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET FAR EAST The momentum of the Communist Tet offensive in South Vietnam has diminished but there is strong evidence that a new round is imminent. The Communists apparently intend to maintain pressure on urban centers, which in the past were relatively immune from attack. Many North Vietnamese Army units were not committed in last week's assaults and the Communists thus retain the capability to mount further country-wide attacks, perhaps in coordination with a major thrust against allied positions in the Demilitarized Zone area. This long-expected thrust appears to have started with the overrunning of the Lang Vei Special Forces camp on 7 February and the simultaneous bombard- ment of the Khe Sanh base. Hanoi and the Liberation Front are portray- ing last week's attacks as only the first round of a prolonged and fierce struggle. There is no evidence that the current offensive is a desperate attempt to achieve an appearance of strength be- fore negotiating a settlement on the most favor- able terms. Communist forces in Laos are preparing new attacks on government bases. Recent military setbacks have generated increased tensions in the Laotian Army leadership and the loss of additional bases would have a serious psychological impact on an already nervous government in Vientiane. The North Koreans appear intent on prolonging tensions over the Pueblo affair by dragging out negotiations at Panmunjom. South Korean dissatis- faction with the US handling of the Pueblo crisis has placed severe strains on US relations with the Seoul government, which is particularly con- cerned over the implications of private US - North Korean talks without South Korean partici- pation. The government has underscored its con- cern by encouraging demonstrations urging mili- tary retaliation agai t the North and protesting the Panmunjom talks. 7 SECRET Page 1 WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006i'ffRTA RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 C 1_ I N A` V1f NAM U A\N'GcT R 1 861.E K ang Vei N O R T H C H E .T N A M Phong Dien GON Da.Lat. 25X1 SECRET VIETNAM' 11 CO6S Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET VIETNAM The week-long Communist of- fensive against key population cen- ters throughout South Vietnam has tapered off although enemy troops are still putting up stiff resist- ance in parts of Hue, Saigon, and Da Lat. There is strong evidence, however, that a new round of fight- ing is in the offing. Hanoi may hope that an inten- sive military and political effort now will bring windfalls in the next few months. The Communists may well view their current ef- forts as part of an all-out attempt to bring the war to a conclusion on their terms in 1968. There re- mains no indication, however, that they have abandoned their ideas of a prolonged struggle if present efforts should fail. In the Khe Sanh - Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) area, the Communists may now be initiating their long- expected major thrust. On 5 Feb- ruary, the base came under intense fire and an unsuccessful ground as- sault was launched against Marines manning Hill 861 on the camp's de- fensive perimeter. This sequence was repeated on 7 February in con- junction with the major assault that overran the nearby Lang Vei Spe- cial Forces camp. Against Lang Vei, the Communists for the first time in South Vietnam used PT-76 amphib- ious tanks. They were brought in through Laos. A prisoner captured earlier in the Khe Sanh area claimed that the Communists intended to "lib- erate" all of northern Quang Tri Province and would be supported by artillery, tanks, and aircraft. It is still too early to predict how determined an effort the Com- munists will make to force the al- lies from this area. They may be equally prepared to sustain a costly campaign to pin down allied forces here while prolonging their "winter-spring" offensive through- out the South. Despite the severe losses-- said to number almost 26,000-- that the Communists have taken in their offensive thus far, they continue to have sufficient strength to mount further intensive activity throughout the country. Most of their casualties were suffered by Viet Cong local forces, and per- haps half of the enemy main force-- including a substantial part of the North Vietnamese units--has not been significantly committed in the current round of fighting. Several towns, including Sai- gon, have been subjected to re- peated attacks or are still threat- ened by enemy concentrations nearby. Specific Communist objectives in the current campaign remain un- clear. Many lower ranking prison- ers taken in recent days appear to SECRET Page 3 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET have been told that they were to seize and hold urban strongpoints for a few days and that there would be follow-up attacks by larger forces; few appear to have been briefed on routes of with- drawal. Officers, on the other hand, are reported to have been told merely to hold out as long as possible; not all appear to have believed that their missions would be successful. There is some evidence that the Communist leadership may have miscalculated the amount of popu- lar enthusiasm they would receive, but it is still questionable that they seriously expected to hold any major towns permanently or to generate a "popular uprising." Rather, their primary purpose seems to have been to intimidate urban areas and to lay the founda- tion for the eventual collapse of the Saigon regime. They have clearly aroused new fears and shaken confidence in the govern- ment, but they have also drawn new resentment upon themselves. Their ultimate impact--on the public and on the morale of their own troops--is likely to depend on their ability to maintain pres- sures that will adversely affect the government's response to and effectiveness in the situation. Political Situation in Saigon After some initial procras- tination and despite some continued Page 4 internal bickering, the Saigon government has turned its atten- tion forcefully to alleviating the massive problems created among the civilian population by the Communist offensive. A joint Vietnamese-US task force has been established, with branches in all the provinces, to oversee the work of providing food, clothing, and shelter for the thousands of refugees left homeless by the Viet Cong attacks. The task force, under the direc- tion of Vice President Ky, will also look to such tasks as clear- ing major transportation links to ensure passage of vital sup- plies. Several of the ministries have been delegated specific re- sponsibilities by the task force and, despite some signs of slow- ness and lack of coordination, appear to be performing with rea- sonable efficiency. Appeals have been sent to other countries requesting food, medicine, clothing, and building materials to assist in the job of reconstruction. Various Bud- dhist organizations have set up reception centers for refugees, and labor organizations are con- tributing their facilities. Large groups of students are reported to be volunteering their services. The government has also re- ceived the united backing of sev- eral religious and political SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 .SECRET groups as well as of the Lower House. The Upper House, how- ever, is proving to be particu- larly obstreperous. Many sena- tors have criticized the govern- ment, particularly the military leadership, for not taking suf- ficient measures to prevent the Communist attacks, and their attitudes have resulted in passage of a somewhat unen- thusiastic declaration of sen- ate support for the government. During a recent session, sev- eral senators vilified the military as incompetent and ir- responsible. Many senators are reported to be intending to call for an Upper House investigation of a number of senior officers. Prime Minister Loc was ap- parently the chief offender in the government's initial failure to take any steps toward P-asina the crisis. he refused to take any necessary measures, claiming that civilians could do nothing until the military had returned the situation to something ap- proaching normal. He is be- coming the target of widespread criticism, and his inability to act in a crisis may well prove to be his undoing. President Thieu and Vice President Ky, however, havee acted forcefully and are showing a willingness to cooperate with each other that has been notice- ably lacking in the past. Thieu, especially, is exhibiting an un- characteristic confidence in him- self and an ability to act deci- sively. Some observers seem to see in some of Ky's actions-- such as his initial take-over during the few hours that Thieu was out of town and his assump- tion of the task force chairman- ship--a move to gain power at Thieu's expense. There is no evidence, however, that this is happening, and Thieu himself has brushed aside the possibility. 25X1 SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET COMMUNISTS IMPROVE ROADS IN LAOS PANHANDLE The Communists are respond- ing to heavy US air attacks on truck traffic in the Laos pan- handle with a construction program that is adding flexibility to the system and maintaining a margin of surplus capacity as insurance against future needs. In recent months, at least five major bypasses and shortcuts have been added to the already elaborate road network in the northern panhandle--between Mu Gia Pass and Tchepone--through which all trucks from North Vietnam must pass. South of Tchepone, a new road branching off Route 92 has been more than half completed to the Khe Sanh area near the western end of the Demilitarized Zone, and construction has been resumed on another road north from Route 9 toward the zone. Farther south, roads crossing the border are be- ing extended to link up with South Vietnamese roads KOREAN CONFRONTATION CONTINUES UNRESOLVED The talks between North Ko- legedly have expressed guilt and rean and US representatives at Pan- "apologized" for the ship's in- munjom appear to have made no prog- trusion into North Korean waters. ress toward resolving the confron- tation over the Pueblo incident. Pyongyang is clearly intent on prolonging tensions by dragging out negotiations. North Korean propaganda has concentrated on pub- licizing "confessions" by the Pueblo's crew. A lengthening parade of officers and crewmen al- The South Korean Government's initial dissatisfaction over US handling of the Pueblo incident soon broadened, with official en- couragement, into widespread pub- lic resentment. The South Koreans feared the Panmunjom talks were ignoring the raid on Seoul and were pushing South Korean national SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET interests into the background. The press complained that the Panmun- jom talks undermined South Korean sovereignty and elevated the sta- tus of the North Korean regime. Some politicians urged diplomatic pressure to stop the "secret" talks and demanded unilateral re- taliatory action against the Com- munist North. The National As- sembly unanimously passed a reso- lution protesting US - North Ko- rean talks without South Korean participation. fully informed on the talks and that the assassination attempt against him had been discussed at one meeting. The next day while speaking to the National Assembly, the foreign minister conceded that discussion of the Pueblo crewmen's release might be given priority "from a humanitarian point of view." This change in official position has been reflected in the shift of the Seoul press to a more moderate stance. Students have demonstrated at the US Embassy in Seoul, in Pusan, and near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Prior official hints that public agitation might lead to demonstrations suggest the govern- ment probably approved. The South Korean leaders, how- ever, realize the dangers to their own position if popular emotions get out of hand. They may also now believe that the lack of prog- ress at Panmunjom reduces the pos- sibility the US might make com- promises that would undercut Seoul. Thus, after officially protesting on 5 February, the government moved to damp down public indignation. A high-level spokesman assured press representatives on 6 February that President Pak has in fact been SECRET Soviet propaganda is playing the Pueblo incident in low key and Soviet officials have for the most part been maintaining that the Pueblo intruded into territorial waters. Moscow continues to emphasize that direct US - North Korean meetings offer the best chance for resolving the issue. The most authoritative public statement on the crisis, a Pravda "Observer" article on 4 February, concluded by advising the US that if it really desired a solution it should respect North Korea's sovereignty and stop "threatening" the Koreans. Since China's official state- ment of support on 28 January, Peking propaganda has given only sparse and low-level coverage to the Pueblo incident. Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET PEKING MAKES LITTLE PROGRESS TOWARD STABILIZING PROVINCES The Chinese central author- ities, taking slow and uncertain steps, are making little progress toward stabilizing and institu- tionalizing leadership in the prov- inces. Peking announced on 6 Feb- ruary that a Revolutionary Com- mittee--the new form of provincial government that has emerged from the Cultural Revolution--was set up in Hupeh Province on 5 Feb- ruary. Earlier in the week, a Revolutionary Committee was es- tablished in Hopeh Province. Rev- olutionary Committees have now been established in 11 provinces and in three autonomous cities out of the 29 such entities in China. The establishment of these revolutionary governments in the provinces, however, is clearly behind schedule. Last autumn, Mao and other top officials de- manded that "revolutionization" of provinces be completed by the end of the year or by 31 January at the latest. Since October, however, only seven provincial- level Revolutionary Committees have been set up, mostly in rela- tively stable areas heavily dom- inated by military officials. The slow progress in this field may have delayed plans to hold the long-postponed ninth party congress this year. Page 8 rionai party congress would not be held for at least another 18 months because it would take that long to make "realistic" preparations. The provincial leaders named to govern Hopeh and Hupeh repre- sent a change in the pattern of appointments thus far established. For the first time, men previously deposed by the Cultural Revolution have been restored to important offices. The Revolutionary Com- mittee in Hopeh is headed by two former party secretaries who were harshly criticized by Red Guards more than a year ago and were dis- missed from their posts. In Hupeh, the new officials are military lead- ers who were assigned to govern the area last July together with a "rehabilitated" former provin- cial party first secretary. The restoration of party officials to positions of some authority in both provinces represents a setback for the militant elements who engi- neered their dismissal and may well lead to new agitation in the two provinces. In fact, confusion and vi- olence have been growing rapidly in provinces where Revolutionary Committees or "preparatory groups" charged with setting up these com- mittees have been formed. In Jan- uary, provincial authorities in SECRET WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET nine such provinces broadcast strong attacks on "factional" leaders who were instigating clashes and allegedly trying to bring down the new authorities. The broadcasts indicate that militant Red Guards, squeezed out in the process of adminis- trative rebuilding, have been harshly criticizing the new authorities. They have fre- quently clashed with more mod- erate elements supporting the new leaders, and the scale of violence appears to be growing. Nevertheless, the militant Red Guards in the provinces con- tinue to operate with impunity under a general protective um- brella that gives them license to arm and recruit followers and to circulate propaganda against the provincial author- ities. Peking's unwillingness to authorize an across-the- board crackdown encourages the militants and further exacer- bates the factional splits in the provinces. At the same time, the continuing troubles in the outlying areas almost certainly tend to deepen divi- sions among the Peking leader- ship on the question of how to deal with the problem. This mutually reinforcing factionalism now appears to be reflected at all levels and in virtually all areas of China, in- cluding the army, which remains the ultimate authority in nearly all provinces. The tacit protec- tion of the Red Guards in'the prov- inces strongly suggests that they still have powerful protectors in Peking, despite the attempts to re-establish and legitimize ad- ministrative authority in the hin- terland. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that the authority of the Revolutionary Committees can be firmly established while the mili- tant Red Guards remain free to criticize and a emnt to undermine SECRET Page 9 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Q Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET MILITARY SETBACKS CREATE TENSION IN LAO ARMY LEADERSHIP There are new signs of ten- sion within the army leadership, following recent military set- backs. General Phasouk Somly, com- mander of a key southern military region and one of the few capa- ble Lao military leaders, sub- mitted his resignation to the King on 27 January. Although there was no prior warning that Phasouk contemplated quitting, he has long chafed over what he regards as lack of adequate ma- terial support from Vientiane and excessive interference by the higher echelon there. Phasouk has said that his relations with the general staff have become more strained as his political power in the south has grown, and that Vientiane's hos- tility reflects its continuing fear of southern regionalism. Phasouk probably intends his resignation as a device to draw attention to his grievances and does not actually wish to relinquish his command. He may calculate that Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma will attempt to persuade him to withdraw his resignation. Nonetheless, Phasouk's res- tiveness is only the latest and most explicit expression of the backbiting that has gripped the Lao armed forces in the wake of recent military setbacks.F - there appear o be new grumblings among the younger officers, who have long been disenchanted with the general staff, and who-had sent a peti- tion to Prime Minister Souvanna calling for a larger voice in military affairs. Souvanna himself has ap- parently been the target of criticism, although so far this appears to be muted. He has scheduled a number of briefings for the national assembly in an apparent attempt to allay the fears of civilian politi- cians and to counter long-stand- ing complaints that he is in- sufficiently responsive to them. The current uneasiness in Vientiane, however, raises the possibility that another military setback, such as the loss of the southern provincial capital of Saravane, would have political repercussions far beyond the town's strategic SECRET Page 11 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET EUROPE Political developments in several Eastern European countries were the focus of attention this week. 25X1 Dubcek, e new party boss, is said to be especially con- cerned about placing the right people in the posts responsible for the economy, trade, internal secu- rity, and foreign affairs. In contrast to the changes in Czechoslovakia, the East Germans seem to be working hard to stand still. A draft of a new constitution, published on 2 February, appears mainly intended to codify changes that have already taken place; there are no significant changes in the draft which affect the status of Berlin. The question remains as to why the East Germans went through this exercise. Rumanian spokesmen in Geneva on 6 February raised strong objections to the joint US-USSR draft of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, charging that it "profoundly discriminates" against the nonnuclear powers. The Rumanian position contrasts sharply with the approval Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Poland have given the treaty draft. In Western Europe, the coalition of Belgian Prime Minister Paul Vanden Boeynants fell on 7 February because of a deep cleavage within the government over the handling of the latest outbreak in the ancient rivalry between the Flemish and French communities. King Baudouin began consult- ing with political leaders on the formation of a new government. With communal tensions high, the consultations are likely to be ifficult and lengthy. SECRET Page 13 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET USSR EXPANDS PREMILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM DOSAAF--The Voluntary Soci- ety for Cooperation with the Army, Air Force, and Navy--is ex- panding its role in the premili- tary training and political in- doctrination of Soviet youth. For many years, this para- military organization has given Soviet youths an opportunity to participate on a quasi-voluntary basis in military-oriented sports activities and technical training programs designed to prepare them for military service. The activities traditionally spon- sored by DOSAAF have included instruction in small-arms marks- manship, communications and elec- tronics, motor-vehicle driving and maintenance, scuba-diving, boating, and skiing. Where equipment is available, it has also offered courses in parachute jumping and in helicopter, air- plane, and glider piloting. The new military service law that went into effect on 1 January made premilitary train- ing compulsory for all Soviet males under the age of 18. This training is intended to help off- set the effects of the currefzt reduction in the length of serv- ice of conscripts from three years to two. Under provisions of the new law, basic military training is to be included in the curriculum of secondary general education schools, and DOSAAF is required to assist the schools in imple- menting the new program. In ad- dition, DOSAAF and selected tech- nical trade schools in the USSR are to give some young men pre- induction training in military specialties such as electronics and communications. Furthermore, DOSAAF together with the Komsomol youth organization and Soviet trade unions are to set up and operate camps where paramilitary training will be given in the summertime. In addition to its premili- tary training activities, DOSAAF has been assigned responsibility for an intensive "military-patri- otic education" program to help combat juvenile delinquency and political indifference. To carry out this mission, the society last year announced steps to ex- pand the network of facilities that provide its traditional pro- gram of military-oriented sports and vocational training. Public civil defense train- ing ceased to be a DOSAAF respon- sibility a year ago, presumably to allow the society to concen- trate on its other activities. The current compulsory civil de- fense training program, initiated in January 1967, transferred re- sponsibility for the civil defense effort to local civil defense staffs and to heads of enterprises, farms, and institutions. DOSAAF still p ro a anda support, however SECRET Page 16 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET CZECH AIRCRAFT SALES FLOURISHING The Czechoslovaks are build- ing a substantial export business in domestically produced air- craft. The L-29 Maya military jet trainer is their most suc- cessful item. It has been ac- cepted as the standard basic jet trainer in the Warsaw Pact coun- tries and has also been purchased by at least four free world coun- tries. L-29 MAYA basic military jet trainer Since 1962, Czechoslovakia has exported over 2,000 L-29s, including some 150 to countries outside the Warsaw Pact. In ad- dition, the Czechoslovaks also export the Z-37 light utility aircraft and the Z-526 sports aircraft. The sale of these aircraft has enabled Prague to maintain its large aviation re- search and development program. The versatile L-29 can be easily converted to meet the needs of its diverse buyers. Nigeria and Uganda received de- liveries of L-29s in 1967. The Nigerians have used the L-29 as a ground support aircraft in com- bat missions against Biafra. The Ugandans thus far appear to be using theirs as basic trainers. The ability to tailor the aircraft to a number of military roles and its attractive price-- about $150,000 each--assures Prague of continuing sales. The chief of air force operations for Syria recently visited Prague and may have purchased additional L-29s to go with the 40 that were bought in 1963 and 1965. Indonesia also has rerived about If; T-29 trainers. SECRET 25X1 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET PRAGUE'S FOREIGN POLICY MAY BECOME MORE LIBERAL Several developments during the past few weeks suggest that Czechoslovak policy toward the West may be more forthcoming than official statements would imply. On 1 February, new party First Secretary Dubcek delivered a major speech, the first of his that the regime has published. Dubcek reaffirmed Czechoslovakia's firm alliance with the USSR and made pro forma references to soli- darity with other Communist states and nonruling parties. His tone, however, and his carefully phrased references to Czechoslovakia's relations with the rest of the world suggest, as have a number of sources, that Prague will ex- ercise the latitude in foreign policy it has long had but never used. Dubcek lumped "imperialist encroachments" in Vietnam, the Middle East, and Korea into one sentence, and refrained from di- rectly attacking the US. His handling of this subject sug- gested he was speaking for the Communist record and buttressed the impression given by Czecho- slovak officials in recent weeks that in small ways--a civil air agreement, literary and other formerly taboo exchanges--Prague may want to improve relations with Washington. Moreover, since Dubcek took office, Czechoslovakia has taken the heat out of its formerly pas- sionate embrace of the Arabs' cause and seems to have toned down its propaganda about Israel, dropping references to aggression and shifting to support of a "just peace." Dubcek's speech probably will dash the hopes of West Germany for an early transformation of its newly established trade mis- sion in Prague into an embassy. He attacked the "rebirth of neo- nazism" in the Federal Republic, and rebuked Bonn both for "revanch- ist demands on its neighbors" and its alleged aim of liquidating East Germany. Although Dubcek reaffirmed that Czechoslovakia "stands unshakably" on the side of the East Germans, he said nothing to foreclose closer eco- nomic relations with Bonn. In- deed, Czechoslovakia has recently entered into a consortium with West German and French firms to build large steel mills in Vene- zuela. Prague has been renegotiating its civil air agreement with Canada, and wants to extend its routes to Latin America. The Czechoslovaks have also asked Canada for a reciprocal exchange of information on the training of diplomats, suggesting it may upgrade the caliber of its for- eign officials. Even though Prague is main- taining a correct Communist image, Czechoslovakia's neighbors are for the most part treating the new regime with reserve. SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET Only Yugoslavia and Hungary among the Eastern European states have reported on the economic and po- litical changes pending or under way. The USSR's cautious atti- tude toward Czechoslovak develop- ments has not changed appreciably since Dubcek visited Moscow in late January. Such treatment a month after the Czech change of command suggests more-than-nor- mal caution and fear that re- formist trends in Prague will re- inforce pressures for changes F7r7~ in V.A=4-4~-rn P.11-r NEW GOVERNMENT TAKES OVER IN DENMARK Denmark's first non-Social- ist government in almost 15 years came into power this week. Its program, as spelled out to par- liament by Prime Minister Hilmar Baunsgaard, hews closely to the foreign policy line of the former Social Democratic government, but calls for a reduction in do- mestic spending. The new government is a center-right coalition of Bauns- gaard's Radical Liberals, the agrarian Moderate Liberals, and the Conservatives. The Radical Liberals are conservative on do- mestic issues and tend toward pacifism. They hold the balance of power in parliament between the two major non-Socialist parties and the Social Democrats, who remain the largest single party in parliament. SECRET Page 19 WEEKLY SUMMARY Moderate Liberals 34(-1) Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET Baunsgaard has indicated the government will propose a budget cut of about 2.3 percent, or $81 million. The coalition par- ties have agreed to reduce de- fense spending by some 6 percent and are contemplating reducing military conscripts' length of service from 14 to eight months. An immediate issue facing the government concerns Greenland and US treaty rights there. Since the B-52 crash near Thule, con- siderable public sentiment has developed in favor of explicitly prohibiting landings or over- flights of the island by nuclear- armed aircraft. In response to this pressure, the government has said that it will seek as- surances that the US accepts Denmark's policy of not allowing nuclear weapons on its territory and banning overflights of air- craft armed with such weapons. Baunsgaard has sought to put to rest speculation about his government's attitude toward NATO by declaring that membership in it remains the basis of Den- mark's foreign policy. Before the election, the Radical Liberals had advocated giving the electo- rate an opportunity to express its wishes--either in an election or by a referendum--on the ques- tion of Denmark's membership in NATO after 1969. The success in reaching agreement among the three parties on domestic and foreign policies is due in no small part to Baunsgaard's skill as a poli- tician. He may, however, be hard pressed to keep his own party in line on some of the more contentious issues facing the government. The Radical Liberals in parliament are deeply divided an nt to party discipline. SECRET Page 20 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET MIDDLE EAST - AFRICA Exploratory efforts to find more promising paths toward settlement of several of the area's major problems appear to be getting nowhere. Jordan has become pessimistic about the prospects of the UN-sponsored Jarring mission. The Jordanians are particularly distressed that the slow pace of the mediation attempt is allow- ing Israel to become more firmly entrenched in the occupied areas. Cairo and Beirut have ex- pressed similar dissatisfaction. If Jarring is unable to make progress, the Arabs ultimately may seek a fresh UN resolution. The Nigerian federal military offensive has maintained its momentum, and on 2 February the large powerplant southwest of Enugu was seized intact. Lagos' recently acquired IL-28 jet bomb- ers have already raided Port Harcourt at least once in an effort to knock out the airfield there. Renewed efforts to get peace talks under way are being made by the Commonwealth Secretariat, but these fruitful at this time. F7~ I SECRET Page 21 WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TWO YEMENS The Peoples' Republic of Southern Yemen is adopting more radical domestic and foreign pol- icies, while in Yemen the military stalemate continues. it will almost certainly accept any aid that the USSR might offer. Southern Yemen's Defense Minister Baidh arrived in Moscow on 2 February in search of for- eign aid. Before his departure, Aden radio quoted him as saying that Southern Yemen's British- trained army had been equipped by imperialism and that it was not possible to have an army whose arms and ammunition were in "en- emy" hands. The Ministry of In- formation later denied the state- ment, but admitted that Baidh would be particularly interested in military assistance. Such overtures to Moscow will reduce the likelihood of a continuation of Britain's $29-mil- lion subsidy, due to lapse next May. At the same time, the South- ern Yemeni Government has ex- pressed little interest in low-key US offers of nonfinancial assist- ance. The government continues to insist that it is "neutral" in its international alignment, but The military stalemate con- tinues. Sana is still surrrounded and being shelled by the royalists, and all of the roads leading into the city are cut. The royalists admit that their activities are hampered by republican air attacks and that their supplies of heavy ammunition are growing short, while planes still landing in Sana keen 25X1 SECRET Page 22 WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/gtClqetDP79-00927A006300010002-2 ARABIAN PENINSULA 0; 0 1 YEMEN t SOUTHERN *Sana I Hudaydah-' / YEMEN t bx~J SECRET ARABIAN SEA 100irr~rr200 MILES Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET SOVIET PREMIER KOSYGIN'S VISIT TO INDIA Soviet-Indian exchanges dur- ing Premier Kosygin's visit from 25 to 31 January covered both bi- lateral economic relations and current international problems. India's industry, which has been in a recession for the last two years, was a major topic of discussion. The Indian Gov- ernment's investment programs have not proceeded as planned. Moreover, the Soviet-aided pub- lic sector has performed poorly and become the subject of much domestic criticism. Many plants, including those getting Soviet supplies, are operating at as much as 30-percent below capacity because of slack demand. To help spur production, the Russians offered to purchase all the surplus rails and railroad cars the Indians could produce in the next five years. A guar- anteed export market for these products would stimulate demand in other industries but the net effect on the Indian economy would probably be slight. The Russians also offered to take all the jute and leather products India wanted to export, but the Indians made no commit- ments. These products are market- able in the West and are major foreign exchange earners. The Soviets undoubtedly hoped to get Indian endorsement of the US-Soviet draft treaty on nuclear nonproliferation, but the final communique contained only a general statement approv- ing the principle of nonprolifer- ation. On Vietnam, the communi- que called only for a halt to the bombing of the North. The communique probably also covered over some differences be- tween the Soviet and Indian po- sitions on the International Con- trol Commission in Cambodia. The Soviets do not want to see its functions enhanced, but the Indi- ans may be willing to go along with a small increa - SECRET Page 24 WEEKLY SUMMARY 25X1 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET CABINET CHANGES IN CEYLON UNLIKELY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS Prime Minister Dudley Sena- nayake has made several cabinet changes in an apparent attempt to strengthen both the govern- ment and his United National Party (UNP). The adjustments, however, are unlikely to ease the government's pressing eco- nomic and political problems. The changes bring two new men into the cabinet, ease out one minister, and involve a minor reshuffling of some responsibili- ties. One of the new ministers was once a member of former prime minister Bandaranaike's leftist Sri Lanka Freedom Party and served as speaker of the lower house of parliament during her administration. His appointment may, in part, be intended to broaden the UNP's appeal among political centrists. Another shift moved M.D.H. Jayawardena--the UNP's general secretary--from the Health Minis- try to the less taxing new job of minister of housing and scientific research. Although this move was intended to allow him more time for party work, the minister was miffed by what he regarded as a downgrading, and this may aggravate frictions within the party. The cabinet changes may slightly improve the government's popular image, but the regime is still plagued by serious economic problems that have strong politi- cal overtones--consumer scarci-, ties, a rising cost of living, and high unemployment. A 20- percent devaluation of the Ceylon rupee in late November has failed to alleviate these pressing prob- lems. Meanwhile, rising prices resulting from the devaluation have provided the leftist opposi- tion with an exploitable issue, which has found expression in in- creased labor unrest. Although the opposition recently failed in an attempt to organize a gen- eral strike, leftist unions suc- ceeded in tying up a substantial part of the economy for about a month. SECRET Page 25 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET SECRET Page 26 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 SECRET WESTERN HEMISPHERE Intensive, but thus far unsuccessful, diplo- matic maneuvering is under way in an effort to break the two-month-old deadlock over the election of a new secretary general of the organization of American States (OAS). The OAS Council is sched- uled to hold its fifth ballot on 12 February, but at this point it appears that it, too, will be inconclusive. Except for Venezuela and Ecuador, which con- tinue to back their own candidates, many countries seem willing to seek a compromise. The Central American foreign ministers met on 8 February to consider how they could salvage something out of the confused situation. Panama has suggested that it will withdraw its candidate if the other two also quit in favor of a mutually acceptable nomi- nee. In Latin American Communist affairs, initial reactions among pro-Soviet parties to the Cuban party's purge of a few old-line Communists have Anibal Escalante, leader of the purged group, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and 34 others to lesser terms. All formally confessed their guilt and supported Castro's methods of bringing true "national liberation" to Latin Amer- ica. The two central committee members involved with Escalante were ousted from the committee and one was stripped of his party label; neither, however, was jailed. SECRET Page 27 WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT SEEKS LABOR SUPPORT President Ongania is trying to improve his relationship with labor leaders in order to win support for his government's eco- nomic policies. Recently, the government restored the legal status of two key Peronist un- ions, and Ongania himself ap- pealed to important labor lead- ers for active support and col- laboration in social welfare and public works programs. The two restored unions are the metalworkers, headed by mod- erate Peronist Augusto Vandor, and the textile workers, led by hard-line Peronist Andres Framini. Both unions lost their legal status last year when they par- ticipated in the "Action Plan," an abortive attempt to unify labor opposition to government economic reform through a series of strikes and demonstrations. Despite the loss of his union's status, Vandor continued his dialogue with the adminis- tration in an attempt to achieve a closer relationship between the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the government. In his negotiations with the regime, Vandor apparently also spoke for Framini who in the past has been outspokenly antigovernment. if Framini has now decided to throw in with Vandor, it could mean that the moderates will be able to sell their line of cooperation with the government throughout much of organized labor. More recently, the govern- ment decreed that labor unions must comply with the law regulat- ing union conduct within 60 days or lose their legal status. On- gania had stated previously that the labor unions did not repre- sent the legitimate interests of the workers, because recent union elections had not been carried out strictly in accordance with the law. In response to the decree, Augusto Vandor stated that the national congress of the CGT, which was to have met next month, will be postponed until July to give the unions time to revise statutes and elective processes. Despite the government's im- pressive gains in reforming the SECRET Page 28 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: SERETP79-00927A006300010002-2 Argentine economy, Ongania has been plagued with increased oppo- sition from top military officials as well as labor leaders. This dissatisfaction stems from the continuing rise in the cost of living and from the government's restrictions on wage increases. There is no indication at pres- ent, however, that either organ- ized labor or any influential group of active military officers is a threat to the government. Labor and other groups in opposi- tion remain in a state of disor- ganization and apathy Page 29 SECRET WEEKLY SUMMARY 9 Feb 68 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927A006300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Q Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET ELECTIONEERING IN PANAMA HEATING UP Panama's presidential cam- paign could degenerate into vio- lence as charges and counter- charges exchanged by government candidate Samudio and National Union (NU) candidate Arias become more vicious. Participants in several political rallies have already come close to violence, and both sides are organizing strong-arm bands for use during the campaign and at the polls on 12 May. The government may be plan- ning further moves to strengthen Samudio's candidacy. A dispute over alleged irregularities in issuing voter identification cards has raised the possibility that President Robles may make changes in the three-member elec- toral tribunal that would reverse the present pro-Arias two-to-one majority. Two of the tribunal judges have sons running for leg- islative posts on the Arias ticket and have demonstrated a partiality toward the NU that has opened them to charges of illegal behavior. A change in this key body could lead to changes in provincial and district election boards, now heavily weighted in favor of Arias. Recent wholesale firings and cabinet changes have assured the Samudio forces of control over the government machinery. In addition, National Guard Com- mandant Vallarino is under pres- sure to work for the Samudio ticket. He has thus far remained neutral, but both sides are court- ing his support. Vallarino is in a difficult position, but re- fusal to side with the government candidate could result in his removal by President Robles. In addition, many guard officers see little future for themselves un- der an Arias administration. Arias' chances of getting a fair election will depend in large part on Vallarino. If Samudio succeeds in dominating the election machinery and gain- ing Vallarino's support, Arias' backers probably will initiate disturbances protesting govern- ment rigging of the el P!`i-i n- SECRET Page 31 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 SECRET MEXICO'S RULING PARTY GEARS FOR HEAVY POLITICKING A general overhaul of Mex- ico's ruling party appears to be shaping up in anticipation of gubernatorial elections late this year and the choice of a succes- sor to President Diaz Ordaz in 1970. Changes in the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) leader- ship have been expected following the extraordinary electoral set- backs last year in the capitals of the outlying states of Sonora and Yucatan, two focal points of resent t against the PRI ma- With governorships opening this year in 12 states, including several that have been the scenes of political violence in recent years, many in the PRI want better party leadership. Frequently mentioned as Or- tega's successor is 46-year-old Alfonso Martinez Dominguez, a dynamic, powerful politician. As leader of the "popular sector" of the PRI, he built that group into the strongest in the party. The choice of Martinez or some other bright young star on the political scene would go far to implement President Diaz Ordaz' Page 32 suggestion that the party give real importance to youth. Young Mexicans have been increasingly alienated by the political dogma- tism of the old party bosses who have used their power to resist change and liberalization of the PRI. Not the least effect of new PRI leadership will be on poten- tial candidates for the PRI's 1970 presidential nomination, which leads to virtually automatic elec- tion. Jockeying among the hope- fuls has already begun, with three of Diaz Ordaz' cabinet-level ap- pointees apparently the front-run- ners. The ultimate decision rests with the President, and will be made on the basis of maintaining the unity of the party that has brought Mexico its sustained po- litical stability and steady eco- nomic progress. Of the groups shaping up for a future showdown, the one ex- pected to gain from a turnover in key PRI personalities appears to be backing Minister of Govern- ment Luis Echeverria. Echeverria's "restraint," in contrast to the premature and open campaign by other presidential hopefuls, has apparently been noted favorably by the resident. SECRET Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Q Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2 Secret Secret Approved For Release 2006/10/06: CIA-RDP79-00927AO06300010002-2