CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1951/09/18

Document Type: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
02745279
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
5
Document Creation Date: 
April 15, 2019
Document Release Date: 
April 22, 2019
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
September 18, 1951
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PDF icon CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULL[15603068].pdf182.91 KB
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Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 *io Nvio 18 September 1951 3.5(c) Copy No. CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN DOCUMENT NO. NO CHANGE IN CLASS. DECLASMED NEXT REVIEW DATE: CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS 8 C AUT HR 70-2 DATE REVIEWER: ) 4 Office of Current Intelligence CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c) 3.5(c) 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 SUMMARY FAR EAST 3.5(c) 1. Breakdown of Soviet and Caucasian troops in North Korea estimated (page 3). 2. References to early termination of navigation in Sakhalin area (page 4). EASTERN EUROPE 3. Czechoslovak President perturbed by Western moves (page 4). WESTERN EUROPE 4. US Minister to Austria opposes concession on air corridor agreement (p9.ge 5). 2 TER-SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c) 3.5(c) iApproved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 SEUBEE FAR EAST 3.5(c) Etrea,kdqwn of Soviet and Caucasian troops in North Korea estimated: 3.3(h)(2) are listed as follows: The US Far East Command estimates, on the basis of 96 pertinent reports received in the period from 1 January to 1 September 1951 that a total of 25, 900 Soviet or Caucasian personnel are in Korea. Soviet personnel in Korea, numbering 15, 400, Three antiaircraft divisions, unidentified -- 6, 000 One security or infantry regiment, in northeastern Korea 1, 500 Military advisers -- 2, 000 Engineers - 1, 500 Supply, counterespionage, local security -- 1, 500 Coastal defense, 'artillery and antiaircraft artillery (separate from antiaircraft personnel listed above) -- 1, 500 Signal and radar -- 1, 000 Civilian advisers -- 400 Caucasian elements, numbering 10, 500, are be- lieved to be assigned as follows: One artillery division, unidentified - 5, 000 Other capacities (ground and air) -- 5, 000 � Hospital and medical -- 500 The C,?,ucasians are believed to be advance ele- ments of a "Soviet Puppet For �according to the Far East Command, ad- ditional reports indicate the presence in or imminent movement to Korea of troops that would fall into the classification of Caucasian members of a "Soviet puppet army. Information concerning the existence of an organic, tactical "Soviet Puppet Force" continues to be inconclusive. Co ment: While this estimate of the number of Soviet troops in Korea cannot be verified, their number undoubtedly has risen sharply during 1951. No Soviet or Caucasian combat unit has been posi- tively identified in Korea. TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c) 11Ye bhUtirl: 3.3(h)(2) 2. peferences to early termination of navigation in Sakhalin area: A recent message from the Soviet Far East refers to the termination of navigation between Sakhalin and the mainland by the end of Septem- ber. Another refers to September as the dead- line for shipments to Kamchatka and the lower A rnur area, Comment: Navigation in parts of these areas continues year round, and in general is not complicated by ice formation until considerably later than September. It may be that after September shipping space is reserved for military goods, or possibly the references to terminat- ing shipping represent an attempt by Sakhalin trading organizations to expe- dite delivery of products ordered from the mainland. 3.3(h)(2) EASTERN EUROPE 3. Czechoslovak President perturbed by Western moves: During an interview with President Gottwald and Foreign Minister Siroky on 13 September, the Belgian Minister in Prague gained the impression that the Czech Government was "considerably disturbed by recent developments" in Czechoslovak-Western relations as a result of the Oatis case. The purpose of the Mterview, the first Gottwald has given to a non-Communist representative in many months, was to notify the Prague government of the accession of the new Belgian king. Upon completion of the formalities, however, Gottwald turned the subject to Western relations and stated that Western Europe, under US leadership, was trying to blockade Czechoslovakia. The Belgian Minister replied that, in his opinion, the US would never abandon its attempts to free Oatis. Comment: The interview with the Belgian Minis- ter may impress the Czech regime with the widespread support in the West of the US position on the Oatis case. Czech propaganda has recently shown sensitivity to the adverse reaction to the Oatis case in the West. - 4 - TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c) Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 WESTERN .EUROPE.... 3.5(c) 3.3(h)(2) . US Minister to Austria opposes concession on air corridor agreement: US Minister Donnelly has advised the British Deputy. High Commissioner of U.S concern over current Anglo-Soviet conversations regarding a proposed modification of the air corridor route between Vienna and the British Zone of Occupation. Donnelly asserted that he could see no justification for amending the corridor agreement, and that he would not in any case concur with the suggestion that the Soviet authorities be given pcior notice of the flights of military aircraft. The British deputy agreed with these views and promised to keep the US Legation informed on the bilateral negotiations. Comment The Soviet authorities have been pressing vigorously their proposal to shift the British air corridor north and west of its present route, ostensibly for reasons of safety. The British have submitted counterproposals involving controlled and variable-altitude flights. Allied authorities are convinced that Soviet Headquarters is concerned because present flights permit photographic reconnaissance of the Soviet Military airfield at Wiener Neustadt. Approved for Release: 2019/04/02 CO2745279 3.5(c)