THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 15 OCTOBER 1973

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005993957
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: October 15, 1973

Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
The President's Daily Brief
15 October 1973
45
Top
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Exempt from general
declassification schedule of ED. 11652
exemption category SB( 1)121.131
declassified only on approval of
the Director of Central Intelligence
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
THE PRESIDENT DAILY'S BRIEF
15 October 1973
25X1
PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENTS
Egyptian forces made some gains in intense fighting
in the Sinai yesterday. In Syria, the Israelis con-
tinued to meet determined resistance. (Page 3)
The resignation of the Thanom government has not yet
ended the unrest in Bangkok. Some 3,000 well-armed
protesters are still battling police. (Page 5)
In Cambodia, In Tam now says he will stay on as
Prime Minister and as a member of the ruling High
Political Council. (Page 7)
The Middle East war caused only minor fluctuations
on international currency markets last week. The
dollar lost some ground against most major currencies,
but by week's end it had recouped part of its losses.
(Page 8)
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
USSR - MIDDLE EAST - US
1
25X1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A611800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Soviet media have begun to take a somewhat
harsher tone toward the US. Moscow has picked up
foreign press allegations that Vietnam veterans are
en route to join Israeli air forces, and Arab charges
that US citizens piloted bombing raids on Damascus.
The Soviets have also cited US denials, however, and
Pravda's coverage of Secretary Kissinger's press con-
ference included his statement that the US desires
an early end to hostilities. The US Embassy in Mos-
cow reports that, in general, the USSR is still exer-
cising considerable editorial restraint.
2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
-- Armistice line, 1949
- Surfaced road
D'amascus
at'ana
Saw'
r-
I.
GLANHaLa
dr'IGHTS Shpy15h
,Nawa Miskin
Ayria
Jordanian
tbrigade
DIr a
Mediterranean Sea
Tel Aviv
Yafo 1.
Al afraq
Saudi rigade
Amman
Gaza
GAZA STRIP/
Port Said
Al 'Aris
Ismailia
Al 'Aqabah
Egypt
Saudi
Arabia
554703 10-73 CIA
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T009364.118000410013-2
25X1
Declassified- in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
ARAB STATES - ISRAEL
Egyptian forces launched a general attack along
the entire canal front at dawn yesterday. Fighting
was particularly heavy in the Mitla Pass area, and
the Bir Jifjafah air command center was knocked out
of service for three hours by Egyptian air attacks.
When the fighting died down last night, there were
conflicting reports concerning what the Egyptians
had achieved, the three
main prongs of the offensive were extended an aver-
age of six miles, with a maximum penetration into
the Sinai of nearly 19 miles; Tel Aviv claims to
have held the Egyptians to maximum gains of six
miles.
The Israeli Air Force shifted the bulk of its
operations from the Syrian front to the Sinai yes-
terday to counter the Egyptian attack.
In
addition, Israeli aircraft reportedly attacked Egyp-
tian surface-to-air missile batteries on both sides
of the canal. This suggests that the Egyptians have
moved mobile SA-6 launchers to the east bank, prob-
ably to provide cover to their troops advancing into
the Sinai. According to press reports, the Israelis
are also moving additional troops to the Sinai.
On the Syrian front, Israeli forces now control
Sasa, 22 miles from Damascus, and small units have
driven to within 16 miles of the capital. Israeli
attempts yesterday to push toward Damascus and to
envelop substantial Syrian and Iraqi units on their
southern flank, however, were met by determined
small-unit counterattacks. Jordan announced on Octo-
ber 13 that its troops were fighting on the Syrian
front, but early this morning there still was no in-
dependent evidence that they have entered hostili-
ties. Air activity over the Golan Heights virtually
ceased late yesterday as the Israelis moved their
aircraft to the Sinai front.
Libya is moving elements of its 3rd Mechanized
Infantry Brigade to Tobruk, the largest Libyan city
near the Egyptian border. Although it is not clear
that these units will proceed to Egypt, there have
been reports that President Qadhafi is planning to
commit Libyan troops to the battle. Preparations
reportedly were under way yesterday for the trans-
fer of troops and equipment from Libya by sea to an
Egyptian port, possibly Mersa Matruh. A Soviet ves-
sel may be used.
(continued)
3
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
According to an Israeli mili-
tary spokesman, two Mirages shot down yesterday
"presumably" were part of a consignment transferred
by Libya to Egypt.
4
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
VIOLENCE AREAS IN BANGKOK
? .
rliou i'e.
11.:?-?,
,,?? e
, , ?. . 1 - ?
, 1 t ?. tIni/7?131z1,:lr. f0)9161)1 f
4;4: ??:!1:.. ??? ...1 el
4.
? 6 ,t .7)6 1, .,?..' ' .-.4.; ....1,:'
!...?, 4 .1i . .?. .:.... _____4__ _
--"' -1,- ),1?:.*..^?..-.2,4:,.;?., f .: .. . ,
71.- *?S.:::? .::: .: .
? . .?
....
?
Thamaasat-Liniveisi
.? _4:14 ....... ofinitiaI stude
" ? derrianstrations.:4
? "\-`'S- ' "
?????
-nunnivivni
- +
6,/ ????:;1;
?
? ? ? ? 1#4!
?7;,
???.1
, 'Metropolitan Police'. .1
Headquar:
6 \t;''' ?
. r
Surroynd. ed yirebeis
1???? .'
trit111V,:4,..
...: ? -'/..?:/
6 ". tl'114" rit
? r '.
I MrSiIi 1
...::::? /42'
/ ?. %:.** ,.
.....1
"Se ? : '-e4!
?-?...luriu u-r,Tir
V'11.
.^ t
4 Principal.aree of
student unrest
rl ofIttld
?16. tJ
"1
C -*
irC1
. -lit ?
17 .- ?
714
0114..
e 'e
? ? ? -.1, -
???? Ez."
o
e
\\!, A
V.$6 L frti '11511
? ?
?
-?-&' ? :
?
, -
%Vat! 14141-')11??-4nrritityin
?
$-- ? ?
? 4loyl?tIrp ? .? .
? ?? -
? ?
-
554702 10-73 CIA
4". ciN 1,1410 FIVLIS:111111,5
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A0118005-10013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
THAILAND
The resignation of the Thanom government has
not yet ended the fighting in Bangkok. Most student
protesters have dispersed, but upwards of 3,000 well
armed rioters are still battling police units in
downtown Bangkok. Casualties appear to be mounting,
with unconfirmed reports of almost 200 deaths.
Late last night, police were ordered to evacuate
the Metropolitan Police Headquarters in the face of
a large rebel force prepared to storm the building
with explosives and fire bombs. The police were un-
able to vacate the building, however, and called for
army reinforcements. Additional army units are moving
into the capital. Thus far the army has not moved
forcefully to quell the spreading violence.
The rebels reportedly have demanded that Marshals
Thanom and Praphat be ousted from the military estab-
lishment, and that the students be given the right to
approve new cabinet appointments. The government has
not yet responded to these demands.
? The leaders of the radical students have not
been identified and no cohesive group has been defined.
Some Thai Communist elements may have joined ranks
with the rioters. There is still no evidence that
the Communist Party of Thailand is playing a role.
The tenacity with which the rebels are attacking po-
lice units suggests that at least some of the more
radical students have been planning such violence
for quite some time.
Leaders of the National Student Center, who led
the initial demonstrations, are appealing to those
still fighting to lay down their arms. Similar ap-
peals have been made by King Phumiphon and the new
Prime Minister, Thammasat University rector Sanya
Thammasak, who has promised a new constitution and
election within six months.
It is far from clear how much support the mil-
itary will give Sanya. He has strong backing from
the King, and some standing with the students. At
the moment, however, Sanya is far less important than
the King himself, who has been playing a major polit-
ical role in the past few days. The King's new prom-
inence is likely to continue, at least until the
security situation is stabilized.
(continued)
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20: CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Field Marshals Thanom and Praphat still hold
their respective military posts of supreme commander
and deputy supreme commander of the armed forces.
Thanom, in fact, has issued several communiques in
his capacity as supreme commander. Both men have
clearly lost ground, however, and there are signs
that the King as well as potential rivals may take
advantage of the situation to push them aside.
Among the leading contenders are Thanom's son, Colo-
nel Narong, and army commander in chief Krit Sivara.
Narong's options will be increased by the movement
of some of his troops into the city. Krit is a pop-
ular figure in the army, and he seems to have the
King's support.
There have been no disturbances at any US in-
stallations, although anti-government demonstrations
have taken place in Udorn city, not far from the
large airbase there.
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800(7)10013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
CAMBODIA
In Tam now says he will stay on as Prime Minister
and as a member of the ruling High Political Council.
In Tam had tendered his resignation to Lon Nol on Oc-
tober 6, but told the US Embassy yesterday that he
has decided "in principle" to stay on. He gave as
his reason the need to maintain political unity while
Cambodia's credentials are under attack at the United
Nations. Phnom Penh has announced officially that In
Tam's government will continue to "exercise its regu-
lar functions."
Earlier, Cambodian leaders had agreed to In Tam's
dropping the prime ministership, but they put consider-
able pressure on him to stay on the council. Lon Nol
had difficulty finding a new prime minister, however,
and this may have helped convince him that In Tam
should retain that post as well. In Tam will probably
continue to complain that Lon Nol is not giving him
sufficient authority, and it may be just a matter of
time before he tries again to step aside.
7
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
c c:7
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS
The Middle East war caused only minor fluctua-
tions on international currency markets last week.
The dollar lost some ground against most major cur-
rencies, but by week's end it had recouped part of
its losses.
There was light switching of Arab dollar balances
into sterling and the French franc. The action prob-
ably was taken as a precaution against any US freeze of
oil royalty dollar balances in response to a possible
cut-off of oil supplies by Arab states.
The Arabs hold enough dollar reserves to put
pressure on the dollar, and Arab sales could spark
-liquidation by other dollar holders. The Arabs are
constrained by the lack of suitable alternatives,
however. Sterling, the major currency least en-
cumbered by exchange controls, has apparently re-
ceived the bulk of Arab funds, but its instability
and the possibility of British retaliation for oil
shortages make it a poor harbor for Arab money.
The transfer of funds into the stronger European
currencies is extremely expensive because exchange
controls have the effect of reducing earnings on
foreign-owned deposits.
8
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2
25X1
25X1
Declassifieciin- Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T0093611866010013-2
Top Secret
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/06/20 : CIA-RDP79T00936A011800010013-2