CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1960/10/19
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Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
02977795
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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:
October 19, 1960
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULL[15799023].pdf | 648.1 KB |
Body:
Approved
/ TOP SECRET 3.3(h)(2)
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19 October 1960
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CENTRAL
INTELLIGENCE
BULLETIN
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19 OCTOBER 1960
I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
II. ASIA-AFRICA
South Vietnamese cabinet changes an-
nounced yesterday seem insufficient to
stop growth of political opposition to
Diem regime.
Situation in Laos.
Qasim again reported target of assassina-
tion and coup plots in Iraq.
Nasir's pleas for "unity" and personal at-
tacks on Husayn suggest he is genuinely
concerned over separatist sentiment in
Syria; Amman reported uneasy, with
expectations of further serious UAR-
Jordan trouble. 0
Power struggle in newly independent
Gabon could lead to "complete breakdown
of authority" there.
Situation in the Congo.
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
19 October 1960
DAILY BRIEF
I THE COMMUNIST BLOC
II. ASIA-AFRICA
South Vietnam: The cabinet reshuffle announced yester-
day apparently represents a gesture by President Diem toward
meeting some of the criticism from within and without govern-
ment circles over his authoritarian leadership. It is also pos-
sible, however, that Diem may take this opportunity to remove
officials critical of him. In any event, the changes announced,
which affect four ministries, do not suggest any intention by Diem
to relax his personal control over certain key ministries or any
significant weakening of the influence of his chief political ad-
viser, his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu. Unless Diem is prepared to
follow up with more sweeping measures to win public support,
the political opposition to his regime will probably continue to
grow. (Page 1)
Laos:CKing Savang now seems more likely to intervene di-
rectly in the political crisis in Laos. According to Defense
Secretary General Ouane, Savang will shortly proclaim himself
"supreme commander" and make public a letter of resignation
already sent by Ouane to Premier Souvanna Phouma. The King
and Ouane seem to be hoping that this will pave the way for Sou-
vannais resignation and the establishment of a military regime.
Ouane also states that Souvanna is requesting, through the So-
viet delegation now in Vientiane, the return of the International
Supervisory and Control Commission to LaosTil
(Page 2)
Iraq: Anti-Communist civilian and army elements in Iraq,
believing Prime Minister Qasim has shifted to the left in recent
weeks, are reported to be planning action against him in the near
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future. One civilian Arab nationalist group is said td,be
plotting to kill him by destroying his car with bazooka fireT1
at the same time, some disgruntled army officers alleg-
edly are planning a coup. Qasim has weathered several
coup attempts and one assassination effort.
(Page 3)
UAR-Jordan: During his current visit to Syria, UAR (0/<
President Nasir is using sharp personal attacks on Jordan's
King Husayn in an effort to bolster the flagging enthusiasm
in Syria for the Egyptian-Syrian union. Nasir's demagogic
tactics and repeated pleas,2for "unity" suggest he is genu-
inely concerned over the growing separatist feeling in the
UAR's Northern Region.
gri Jordan, Nasir's attacks on Husayn have aroused a
popular pro-Nasir reaction among Arabs of Palestinian West
Jordan. Amman is reported uneasy, with expectations of
further serious Jordan-UAR trouble. Husayn, meanwhile,
has sought increased British assistance to stave off an im-
endin financial crisis in the Jordanian Army}
(Page 4)
Gabon: Gabon, one of the eight French Community states c7.A1
which became independent in August, is in the throes of an in-
ternal struggle for power which could, the American charge ,a,ctek-4-0--,0-6
in Brazzaville reports, lead to a "complete breakdown of au-
thority." Although information from this country is sparse,
the position of conservative, pro-French President Leon
M'Ba reportedly is being strongly challenged by influential
elements within his regime headed by National Assembly,
President Gondiout and Foreign Minister Gustave Anguile.
(Page 6) (Map)
*Republic of the Congo: Although the political stalemate
in Leopoldville continues, UN officials' protection of Lumumba
has tended to erode Mobutu's position. Recent setbacks for
Mobutu include UN representative Dayal's refusal to oust Lu-
mumba from the premier's residence in Leopoldville,Cas well
19 Oct 60
DAILY BRIEF ii
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as UN Under Secretary Bunche's stated hope that "in a
matter of weeks" the Congolese parliament might be re-
convened and a government created "which the UN could
support:2 Mobutu stated on 17 October his opposition to
a reconvening of parliament and his intention continuin7
"army rule" at least until the end of the year.
19 Oct 60
DAILY BRIEF
TOP SECRET
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Cabinet Reshuffle in South Vietnam
The cabinet reshuffle announced in Saigon on 18 October
appears to be a gesture by President Diem to deal with dis-
satisfaction in and out of government circles over the worsen-
ing security situation and over his own authoritarian rule. New
appointments to the defense and interior ministries, coupled
with plans to reinforce military intelligence and command func-
tions, are probably meant to strengthen the campaign against
the Communist guerrillas; changes in the information and jus-
tice ministries are probably aimed more broadly at political
discontent.
The changes, however, do not suggest any intention by Diem
to relax his tight control or to weaken the role of his brother and
chief political adviser, Ngo Dinh Nhu, a primary target of crit-
icism. Diem's retention of the defense post for himself and his
tendency to control provincial appointments through instructions
to the Ministry of Interior may deny effective authority to the new
appointee:sy_AlSoc, the information ministry is to be replaced by
a directorate-general, presumably to function under the pres-
idential secretary, raising doubt that the replacement of the
responsible minister will result in the reforms of censorship
and control demanded by Diem's critics. The ministerial chang-
es are among several long sought by Ngo Dinh Nhu, who had been
under sharp criticism from the previous incumbents. As such,
they may be the prelude to further moves by Nhu to remove his
opponents in the government.
Unless Diem is prepared to follow up the reshuffle with
broa er measures to combat rural discontent and to open up
channels for responsible criticism, political opposition will
probably continue to grow.
sweeping changes in Diem's military as well
as civilian entourage were needed to prevent the collapse of the
overnment.
if so inclined, he could take over the government
ours with his own troops:-
-SECRET_
19 Oct 60 CFNTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 1
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