CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1957/12/10

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
03177768
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RIPPUB
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U
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13
Document Creation Date: 
December 12, 2019
Document Release Date: 
December 20, 2019
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Publication Date: 
December 10, 1957
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PDF icon CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULL[15757437].pdf540.56 KB
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07(100:71/40"00;40"Anyved for Release: 2019/12/10 V,/ L./ -lel 'ENT T LLI LL TI OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY 7/3 TOP SECRET C0317 776.W.101,1/M 3.5(c) 10 December 1957 � VA 3.3(h)(2) Copy No. is NC, CI IANCE IN CIA // --fi DOCUMENT NO . DEGLASL'AFIED 4 CLASS, CHANGED TO: NEXT REVIEW DATE: /V AUTII: 7 OAT .** i REVIEWER: _ 7/ / (//f/ 7/./7./I0 7,103/007A Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 4014k, Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 CONTENTS 1. SITUATION IN INDONESIA (page 3). 2. DUTCH CONSIDER INDONESIA ACID TEST OF NATO CO- OPERATION (page 5). Ivo 30 JAPAN MAY PROVIDE SHIPS TO INDONESIA (page 6)0 4. SOVIET PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE TO MEET TWO DAYS FART,TER THAN ORIGINALLY PLANNED (page 7). 5. TITO DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE (page 8). 6. EAST GERMANS MAY ASSERT SOVEREIGNTY OVER WEST- ERN COMMERCIAL AIR TRAFFIC TO BERLIN (page 9). cp2__ 7. SPAIN PROTESTS TO MOROCCO OVER IFNI HOSTILITIES (page 10). 8. THE CYPRUS SITUATION (page 11). 9. ANTIGOVERNMENT CANDIDATES SUCCESSFUL IN LOCAL MALAY ELECTIONS stage 12). 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 2 -Ter SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 `4.11. %LI .-N4004 1: SITUATION IN INDONESIA Comment on: The 8 December explosions which ap- )arently destroyed Indonesia's largest Irsenal and ammunition dump in Ban- -lung could as well have been carried )ut by the Communists as by one of the Intigovernment groups. The Commu- lists would be motivated by fear that the lrmy sooner or later would move against hem as a result of their activities in the :.'.urrent anti-Dutch campaign. In any -)vent, this incident is probably a severe )low to the army--still fundamentally a ion-Communist force--and, following by )nly a week the attempt on Sukarno's life, t may well lead to further incidents. There are growing signs that Dutch, and possibly American, petroleum interests in Indonesia may be the next target of a Communist-inspired takeover by company employees. The managing director of BPM, a subsidiary of Dutch Shell, has recently learned of pressure on the company's union from leaders of the Communist-dominated labor federa- tion (SOBSI) to seize the installations, and SOBSI leaders are also advocating the seizure of Stanvac and Caltex. Interference with the oil industry would have major repercussions on the Indonesian economy. Java, with about a week's supply of petroleum products on hand, would soon find its economy coming to a halt. Disruption of oil production would also remove one of the government's major sources of revenue and cause a considerable dislocation of the petroleum distribution pattern for neighboring Southeast Asian countries, particularly Singapore and Malaya. Although some Indonesian 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 3 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release:a2019/12/10 C03177768 itwo officials seem aware of the dangers inherent in any seiz- ure of foreign petroleum enterprises, the Communists may, as in earlier instances, force the government's hand. In a further move against the Dutch, Prime Minister Djuanda announced on 9 December that all Dutch estates, agricultural enterprises, and factories had been placed under the government's control. His action followed an approach by SOBSI to Dutch estate owners for direct labor control of the estates. The government's move appears to be another effort to keep Dutch property from falling completely into Communist hands, but the govern- ment will probably be unsuccessful since its available forces for occupation and control are limited. the morale of rightist elements is rapidly declining in the face of the deteriorating political and economic situation. The various non-Communist factions are unable to resolve their own differences and unite against the Communists. Ac- cording to a late report from the American naval attach�n Djakarta, however, youth groups affiliated with the Masjumi and Socialist parties were planning to assassinate leaders of the Communist party on 10 December. Such action might be expected to precipitate violent countermeasures by the Com- munists. The attach� source stated that the plan had the support of friendly elements in the army which intended to follow up the attacks on the Communists by attempting to "gain control and protect the youth groups." 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 4 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approve-d-Or�Rerea�s�e:.F01 71/1 O 603177768 20 DUTCH CONSIDER INDONESIA ACID TEST OF NATO COOPERATION Comment on: At the emergency North Atlantic Coun- cil meeting on 7 December, Dutch offi- cials declared that they considered the situation in Indonesia an "acid test of NATO cooperation." They warned that he issue would be raised at the NATO summit meeting if the situation had not improved by that time. While the Dutch officially confined them- selves to a general request for "complete solidarity" and diplomatic intervention with the Indonesians, some of their remarks implied that they might later seek Allied support in an appeal to the UN Security Council and perhaps a freeze of Indonesian assets in NATO countries. The Dutch may be worried that some NATO member may attempt to "fill the economic vacuum" caused by Dutch expulsion; they would bitterly resent such a move. In the meantime, the government is mak- ing plans to comply with Djakarta's request for evacuation of Dutch citizens from Indonesia. Djakarta is reported, however, to have requested that needed technicians remain. Two Dutch naval vessels reportedly en route to Indonesia are probably in- tended to support this action and to reinforce the garrison in New Guinea. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 5 NTIAL Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 A k Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Node 3. JAPAN MAY PROVIDE SHIPS TO INDONESIA Following an Indonesian inquiry, Japan apparently is prepared to lease a number of small ships to Indonesia for use in its vital interisland trade and communica- tions. These ships would replace those of Dutch ownership which are being withdrawn to escape seiz- ure by Indonesian authorities. Press reports have indicated that larger vessels for transoceanic use may also be involved in the proposed lease, a private firm, the Japan Steam- ship Company, be designated sole handler for the coastal shipping project. Although this action probably involves con- donement by the Japanese government, Japan may move cau- tiously out of concern over economic repercussions from the Netherlands and other quarters. The .director of Japan's Maritime Bureau has been quoted by the press as saying that 280,000 tons of shipping could be leased if a decision is made to do so. En- couraged by the recent Kishi-Djuanda agreement on repara- tions, Tokyo may hope to capitalize on the emergency to im- prove economic relations with Indonesia. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 6 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 _ Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 4. SOVIET PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE TO MEET TWO DAYS EARLIER THAN ORIGINALLY PLANNED Comment on: A meeting of the party central committee in Moscow, originally scheduled for 17 December, will apparently take place on 15 December. The date of the central committee meeting was probably advanced so the committee could complete its work before the USSR Supreme Soviet session begins on 19 De- cember. The period of time apparently allotted for the commit- tee's meeting is still comparatively short, indicating that serious controversies are not expected to develop. The timing of the central committee meet- ing suggests that the topics for discussion will be related to the work of the Supreme Soviet, which is expected to discuss and give formal approval to the 1958 state budget and probably adopt the economic plan for 1958. The Supreme Soviet may also hear a report on the international situation and Soviet foreign policy. Any changes in high-level government personnel assignments would probably be approved at this time. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 7 �Ter Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 'WF 5. TITO DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN EPENDENCE The tenor of President Tito's remarks, in an hour-and-a-hall conversation with American Ambassador Riddleberger on 6 December, indicates that the Yugoslav President is determined to increase the appearance of inde- pendence in his foreign policy. The timing of the decision to reject American military aid suggests that Tito feels it neces- sary to emphasize to the Communist world that Yugoslavia is not tied too closely to the West. Tito told Riddleberger that since military aid seemed to have embittered American-Yugoslav relations and affected the ability of Yugoslavia to carry out its truly in- dependent policy, his government had decided to propose the discontinuance of such aid. Tito hoped, however, that US- Yugoslav economic relations "could continue as before" and "that eventually he could get away from grants and more toward credits and loans." Tito professed to believe that the process of internal liberalization in the USSR will continue and that the present "hard-line" Soviet declarations do not represent long-term intentions. He refused, however, to comment on Zhukov's removal because he considered it an internal matter-- a line taken earlier by other Yugoslav officials. In justifying Yugoslavia's recent recogni- tion of East Germany, Tito asserted this represented a logical continuation of Yugoslavia's long-enunciated independent policy. It should be accepted, he said, as based on the principle that a way must be found to settle great issues between the blocs, pointing out that it would have been done earlier except for Moscow's ideological attacks on Belgrade in early 1957. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 8 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 6. EAST GERMANS MAY ASSERT SOVEREIGNTY OVER WESTERN COMMERCIAL AIR TRAFFIC TO BERLIN Comment on: The East German regime, apparently with Soviet support, is planning an official assertion of its sovereignty in the air corridors between the Federal Republic and West Berlin. Such action would have the dual objective of halting the transport of refugees to West Germany by com- mercial carriers, and compelling the three Western air- lines now flying to Berlin--one from each of the Allies--to negotiate agreements with the German Democratic Republic setting forth the conditions of operation. The East Germans might contend that only Allied military aircraft are covered by existing four- power agreements and demand that all commercial carriers obtain permission from the East German government for Berlin flights. The East Germans have the capability of using military aircraft or electronics interference devices to im- pede Western flights. An overt threat against the Western airlines--particularly if it jeopardized the safety of the air- craft�would probably cause them to stop flights to West Berlin. The USSR will probably restrain the East Germans from taking any action which might precipitate a major crisis at this time. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 9 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 70 SPAIN PROTESTS TO MOROCCO OVER IFNI HOSTILITIES Comment on: Spanish Foreign Minister Castiella told Ambassador Lodge on 8 December that Spain had protested to the Moroccan government on 7 December over Rabat's failure to control the irregular Moroccan forces attacking Spanish forces in Ifni. Spain had also asserted that responsibility for continuation of the two-week-old hos- tilities must be borne by Rabat. According to Castiella, the Spanish pro- test note and the Spanish navy's show of force at Morocco's port of Agadir, also on 7 December, were based on Rabat's failure to cooperate in stopping hostilities. He added that Spain did not intend to make war on Moroccan territory. Spain has now decided, according to Castilla, to restrict its military position to a defense per- imeter around the city of Sidi Ifni, where he implied there are about 10,000 Spanish troops. However, Spanish forces will conduct retaliatory raids beyond this perimeter, although still within Ifni's borders. On 7 December, Morocco urged the United States to intercede with Spain and, on 8 December, Moroccan Acting Foreign Minister Benjelloun said his government will take no action against Spain "except on the gravest provocation." 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 10 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 V.1114 JCL JL.I.L. V AL .111.2.4 8. THE CYPRUS SITUATION A 24-hour general strike on Cyprus, called by the underground organiza- tion, EOKA, marked the 9 December opening of the United Nations' debate on the future of the island. Riots and violence between police and demonstrators flared throughout Cyprus for the third consecutive day. At least 75 persons have been injured, but no fatalities have been reported during this latest period of violence. British troops, for the first time in several months, used gunfire to disperse Cypriot demonstra- tors. At the United Nations, initial attempts to work out a compromise on the Cyprus issue failed when Greek Foreign Minister Averoff introduced a draft resolution on 6 December supporting the right of self-determination for Cyl3rus. The debate began with speeches by British Minister of State Noble and Averoff. Noble suggested a "compromise" solution and pressed for talks among Britain, Greece, and Turkey. Averoff ca7 .,,1 for direct British negotiation with representa- tives of the Cypriots, denied that Turkey was an "interested party" in the dispute, denounced Britain for refusing to permit Archbishop Makarios to return to Cyprus, and warned that dis- appointment with the British position will lead to new uprisings 'on the island. Whether there is a heated debate and con- current worsening of Greek-British relations will depend largely on whether or not the Greeks press their charges of alleged British atrocities against the Cypriots. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 11 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768 '.".L LIAisr A41 'V J. 14 9. ANTIGOVERNMENT CANDIDATES SUCCESSFUL IN LOCAL MALAY ELECTIONS Comment o The growing effectiveness of left-wing opposition in Malaya to the ruling Alli- ance party, especially in urban areas, first noted in a by-election on 23 Novem- ber, was further illustrated by the victory of 19 of 37 anti-Alliance candidates in scattered municipal elections throughout the country on 7 December, The most important gain registered by opposition elements was in Penang, the federation's second largest city, where the left- wing Labor party of Malaya won four out of five contested city council seats. These results underscore the danger to Malaya's fragile political stability, particularly in view of the fact that the victorious opposition candidates based their cam- paigns on a racial rather than an ideological or economic basis. The success of the appeal to race fears and prejudice will almost certainly promote its continued use in future local and national elections- a situation which could lead to a marked trend toward a further polarization of communal interests and intensification of mutual antagonism. 10 Dec 57 Current Intelligence Bulletin Page 12 CONTMENTIA L Approved for Release: 2019/12/10 C03177768