CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1958/02/27

Document Type: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
03179857
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
18
Document Creation Date: 
January 27, 2020
Document Release Date: 
January 30, 2020
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
February 28, 1958
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULL[15772364].pdf933.53 KB
Body: 
zzz/t/t/f. 000Approved for Release. 2019/08/20 C0317;857 3.5(c) / 3.3(h)(2) 7 28 February 1958 Copy No. v, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN NT N7). NI) CI IN CLASS. L HECLACSIFIED CLASS. CHANGED TO: Ta2 tco NEXT REVIEW DATE 7 REVIEWER: Kalat lCOP7 141114 r TOP SECRET ZA ....... 4r'4Lse:261/687.2C:76011/9g57, Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 - TAn C rift CI !PT Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 'Jaw 28 FEBRUARY 1958 I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC USSR - Two major nuclear tests at Novaya Zemlya. USSR - Central committee approves Khrushchev's machine tractor policy. Tito plans "dramatic" diplomatic initiative regarding summit talks to bolster Yugoslav prestige. IL ASIA-AFRICA Moroccan King feels US prestige in Morocco has declined to point where continued pro-American stand may endanger his own position. Spanish West Africa - Madrid reports claim successes against guerrillas, but any respite may be temporary. N 0 Egypt - Nasir criticizes Iraq-Jordan --, federation, Baghdad Pact as "imperi- alist." , \ , 0 Cyprus - Greek foreign minister expects next British proposals may be acceptable, to Greece; Turks, Makarios, and EOICA will probably balk. III. THE WEST Argentine president-elect asks dis- cussions with United States, probably seeking loan. Cuban rebels adopt tactics of scattered terrorist and sabotage exploits to attract attention. Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 \ \ .'N Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 ,;�, *NO I 4110 \ sk\\ .\\,... c\\��'-, \N! \*'.\'�NN I 1N. .,, 1: \ � � N \\.., N CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 28 February 1958 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC *Soviet naclear tests: Two high-yield nuclear tests were conducted by the USSR at its Novaya Zemlya prov- ing ground within a three-hour period on 27 February-- the first time that any nation has staged two such tests In a single day. Preliminary estimates of the Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee One to three TU-16's were in the proving ground area at the time of the first test. Two more TU-16's, and possibly a TU-95, were involved in the second. (Page 1) (Map) *USSR: �Sign of disagreement noted earlier in the Soviet leadership over IChrushchev's agricultural proposal were not reflected in the 27 February an- nouncement of the party central committee's approval of the plan. Implementation now appears certain. High-level opposition is no longer possible without provoking a political showdown. (Page 2) TOP SECRET 1\\p7r\\O\v7n\O\ i'lel\e7s7I01� 9/08/20 C031 i�iik \ g.- - � Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 1 %Jr or.,A,,,nx., I �411 �:,-R1 6110 71 '.\ -'*k--� \ 1K\ 'Ass, ,sz,,,..\ - \ ZZZ,- LS.' , .R.4-. AN '-_,'. -... % -..,.., sl., .-k �.,:�.,, A \ .*\ �...�\\ A\ ..- \ N t \\ k 4--, N ,.,,� �$\\ *-\*\ \\ \ gt, ''I... ::�-�, � -1--N ,\\\ [. ik \ t \ TOP SECRET 1',N WiTp-r-o-v-eTrfo-r-Were-a-s-e-7201970F/20-8-03179857 \ Yugoslavia: The regime appears to be preparing to undertake a dramatic new diplomatic initiative for the purpose of fostering East-West summit talks, in an effort to bolster Yugoslavia's international prestige. Frustrated as a result of Belgrade's increasingly isolated position be- tween East and West, Tito probably feels compelled to create the impression that he is once again playing an im- portant role in international affairs before the national elections on 23 March and the Yugoslav party congress scheduled for April. (Page 3) IL ASIA-AFRICA Morocco: American prestige is apparently declining sharply in North Africa and particularly in Morocco. The King fears the loss of his own popularity and influence within the Moroccan Government should he continue to hold a pro-American position. He is under constantly in- creasing pressure to adopt a more neutralist attitude. Page 4) Spanish West Africa: The second phase of Spanish- French operations in Spanish Sahara has ended with Army of Liberation irregulars absorbing a "hard beating," Many of the guerrillas have probably taken temporary refuge on Moroccan territory, giving the French and Spanish only a respite. (Page 5) (Map) Nasir's 26 February speech: Nasir's public attack on the Baghdad Pact and the Iraqi-Jordanian federation as unions formed by "imperialists" opposing his program for Arab unity probably foreshadows another Egyptian-Syrian campaign to drive a wedge between King Saud and the Iraqi- Jordanian federation and to undermine the government of Jordan. In developing psychological support for such a campaign, Nasir may use a rejuvenated government of "Arab Palestine" to appeal to the Arab refugees in Jordan. (Page 6) 28 Feb 58 DAILY BRIEF ii Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Ulf aLL.AN.a... A *tie NOIS On the basis of findings by its Watch Committee as of 27 February 1958, the Intelligence Advisory Committee con= cludes that tensions in the Middle East continue to create possibilities for serious incidents. Although Arab states have recently appeared concerned over immediate Israeli intentions, a deliberate initiation of hostilities in the Mid- dle East is considered unlikely. Cyprus: New British proposals are anticipated which will probably include an interim period of self-government followed by a plebiscite on the island's future status, and the granting of a military base on Cyprus to Turkey. Al- though the Greek foreign minister seems receptive to these ideas, the immediate reaction of Archbishop Makarios, EOKA, and Turkey will probably be unfavorable. (Page 7) On the basis of findings by its Watch Committee as of 27 February 1958, the Intelligence Advisory Committee concludes that there is no evidence of Sino-Soviet intention to become militarily involved in the Indonesian situation. The Djakarta government is apparently determined to take measures to subdue the dissidents by economic blockaue �and military action. An early resolution of the issue is un- likely. Sukarno's uncompromising attitude, his charge of � Western interference, and the continuing economic and ad- ministrative deterioration favor the Communist position on Java and exploitation by the Sino-Soviet bloc. III. THE WEST Argentina: President-elect Frondizi, has told the American Embassy in Buenos Aires that he desires "frank and informal discussions" with the United States. This approach is probably a build- up to a request for a large loan. (Page 8) 28 Feb 58 DAILY BRIEF 111 TOP SECRET lz,3;;;;;a7(7wam;.-iF,r=aiMik \ Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C031457 Cuba: Rebel leader Fidel Castro's campaign against President Batista has apparently entered a new phase of attracting attention by daring exploits in Havana in lieu of Inconclusive military skirmishing in the mountains of eastern Cuba. Scattered incidents of terrorism and sa- botage continue throughout the island, and Castro continues to call for a general strike as a means of ousting Batista or forcing postponement of the elections scheduled for 1 June. There is as yet no indication that the government's position is seriously threatened. IV. SIGNIFICANT INTELLIGENCE REPORTS AND ESTIMATES (Available during the preceding week.) Estimate of the World Situation. National Intelligence Estimate Number 100-58, 26 Feb 58 Prospects and Consequences of Arab Unity Moves, Special National Intelligence Estimate Number 30-58, 20 Feb 58. Sino-Soviet Bloc Economic Activities in Underdeveloped Areas, 1 July through 31 December 1957. Economic Intel- ligence Committee. Economic Intelligence Report Number EIC R 14 - S 4. 28 Feb 58. 28 Feb 58 DAILY BRIEF iv 11;;ZeCao se 7M708/20 C031 T91), SECRET____ jolApproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 SITE OF NEW RUSSIAN NUCLEAR TEST AREA 28 FEBRUARY 1958 AREA CLOSED 15 IIPESRUARY -13 MARCH 1958 7441041 461NYE FINLAND Murmansk. cbtelnya Airfield .Arkhandelek Cite&Ahoy Bedushya Guba. 1101.11841e 44, 74`N 55�E S Am derma US SR Selekharde Sly.' 011111{ Dr 80218-3 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 %41100 Nigno4 I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC USSR Conducts Two Nuclear Tests on Same Day The Soviet Union on 27 February conduaed two high-yield nuclear tests within three hours at the new Novaya Zemlya prov- ing ground for multimegaton weapons. The Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee issued the following statement at 1000 hours: "An explosion has been de- �tected by the Atomic Energy Detection System as having occurred at 07 hours 59 minutes 17.4 seconds Zebra, 27 February 1958 in the vicinity of Novaya Zemlya (74�N, 55�E). Although the data re- ported up to this time are too sparse to provide a reliable esti- mate of yield, it is possilble to say that the explosion is about the same size as that observed at Novaya Zemlya on 23 February 1958, . Nuclear confirmation cannot be ex- pected prior to 2 March 1958." A second JAEIC statement at 1700 hours said: "A second explosion on 27 February 1958 has been reported by the Atomic Energy Detection System as having occurred at about 1030 hours Zebra, in the vicinity of Novaya Zemlya (74�N, 559E). s, Although the data reported up to this time do not permit a reliable esti- mate ofyield, it is possible to say that the explosion is some. what smaller in size than that observed earlier on this same date. The revised preliminary estimate of the yield of the earlier explosion at 0759 Zebra is now about 3 MT with about 1 MT estimated for this second test. Nuclear confirmation cannot be expected prior to 3 March 1958, -TOP-SECRET 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page ' 1 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 ILFTLA 1, I A. .1.1�..11�ix -a A...eue-ars �111 Central Committee Approves Khrushchev's Agricultural Proposal The central committee of the USSR's Communist party has endorsed Khrushchev's proposal for transferring So- viet agricultural machinery from the machine tractor sta- tions to the collective farms. Implementation of the re- organization is practically assured and the approval gives Khrushchev a club with 'which to beat down any rearguard opposition such as the "anti-party group" which formed against his industrial reorganization plan last year. The central committee convened on 25-26 February, heard a report by Khrushchev, and, "recognizing the cor- rectness and timeliness of the proposal," apparently adopted it in short order. Neither the speed with which the plenum reached a decision nor the wording of the an- nouncement reflect earlier suggestions of high-level dis- agreement over the proposal. The central committee put forth a five-point deci- sion which followed closely the pattern laid clown by Khru- shchev last month in Minsk. A nationwide discussion of the plan is now to take place, after which it will be sub- mitted to the next session of the Supreme Soviet for ap- proval. Khrushchev himself has been appointed to pres- ent the final proposal to the Supreme Soviet. While specific details of the proposal have appar- ently still not been formulated, control of the machinery by the collective farms should result in real improve- ment in agricultural efficiency, perhaps even during the 1958 growing season for those collective farms receiving machinery immediately. CONFIDENTIAL 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIC;ENCF Sill I FT11�1 Page 2 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 �etranYrrerVir Nome Tito Seeks to Restore Yugoslav International Prestige President Tito apparently is about to attempt to re- gain his influence in international affairs. His recent efforts to assume a leading role among the "unattached" states and in the preparations for a summit meeting have failed, as apparently have his efforts to overcome his isolation between East and West. The US Embassy re- ports that the Tito regime considers the decline in its international prestige "intolerable." Ambassador Rankin ob- served on 26 February that the "atmosphere in Belgrade;. Is ripe for some type of Yugoslav effort to reassert the pretension of playing a major role on the world scene." The Yugoslav party congress in April and national elections scheduled for March are immediate reasons for Tito to attempt some dramatic gesture. In the past, his ability to give the appearance of playing an interna- tional role far beyond that which his country merited has been a major element in stemming his internal op- position and maintaining popular support for his regime. -CONFIDENTIAL 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 3 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 %me IL ASIA-AFRICA Moroccan King Reported Concerned Over Growing An i- American Sentiment American prestige is reported to have recently declined so sharply in Morocco that King Mohamed V, who has been closely identified with a pro-American position, apparently fears the loss a his own popularity and influence within his government. the King is under increasing pressure within his cabinet�where re- cently only he took a position favorable to the United States on an issue under consideration�to adopt a more neutralist position. Strong internal security measures recently im- posed in Morocco are apparently designed in part as an im- mediate means of combating this growing anti-Western feel- ing, but the King seems to be relying ultimately on American economic aid and, presumably, also diplomatic support vis- a-vis France and Spain. Significant but ill-defined anti-American sentiment has long existed in Morocco� fed by an underlying popular suspi, cion that the United 'States is underwriting the efforts of France and Spain to rnaltitain their positions in North Africa. This sentiment was noticeably stimulated by France's use of American-made aircraft in its 8 February attack on the Tunisian border village of Saldet Sidi Youssef. It has now apparently reached such proportions that the King is said to fear repercussions damaging to United States interests will occur throughout North Africa if this trend is not halted "immediately." These repercussions would include the replacement of the Bourguiba government, in Tunisia, the domination of the Algerian National Liberation Front by its most extreme and pro-Egyptian elements, and the loss of the King's present ability to influence decisively the dominant political forces within his own government. SECRET 28 Feb 58 rckiTo Ai ikiTCI inrmrr 111111 MVO Page 4 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 * SPen sh defense perimeters estabi ishedat these paints in December. Army of Li beret ion concen- trations reported Janbeey.- lKWAL MOROCCO Colomb- Bechar di Wd \,4000,4006�;#* ot C'Clr(Ti"nt f ALGERIA AN ra 2030 AMARA, �Fi Trinquer 3,30 FQ0 DE MO" ssi�"' FRENCH Villa stianeroa Ft.OourauJWEST AFRICA 30 2.7 FEBRUARY 1958 24777 MILES 370 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 31._:�,..r�i1 ffiff Situation in the Western Sahara Army of Liberation guerrillas absorbed a "hard beat- ing" as a result of the Spanish-French military o erations in Spanish Sahara which ended on 25 February, Official casua ty statistics will apparently not be released, but Madrid offi- cials are saying they expect the Sahara to be quiet "for some time." This seems unlikely, however, as many of the guerrillas have probably taken temporary refuge in Moroccan territory. At best, the two powers may get a short breathing spell during which Spain apparently intends to reorganize its defenses in the area and to maintain daily liaison by radio with French forces in Mauritania. The Spanish are sending more supplies and equipment to the Ifni enclave, where some fighting presumably continues. A statement may soon be forthcoming from Rabat offi- cially endorsing for the first time most of the extensive western Saharan claims long advanced by extremists of the dominant Istiqlal party. Such a statement would probably include an assertion that Colomb-Bechar and Tindouf, now administered by France as parts of Algeria, are Moroccan. Already Moroccan King Mohamed V, in a 25 February speech at a remote Moroccan village near the undefined frontier with the Algerian Sahara, has specifically underscored Morocco's "historic rights" and the determination of his government to seek the return of "our Sahara." This week Rabat also, in effect, formally protested consideration by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development of a loan requested by a French mining company which hopes to exploit iron ore deposits in the Fort Gouraud area of Mauritania. 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 ,ILA,1 kr. I vale* Nasir's Speech May Herald New Pressures on Jordan Nasirt 26 February speech in Damascus attacked the Baghdad Pact and the Iraqi-Jordanian union as "false fed- erations" which would be overcome by the movement for greater Arab unity, presumably led by his own United Arab Republic (UAR). By suggesting that the federation of the two monarchies is an "imperialist" device, Nasir probably hopes to scuttle Iraqi and Jordanian efforts to gain the adherence of King Saud and at the same time further his own campaign to undermine the Jordanian Gov- ernment. Before Nasir's speech, a Saudi Foreign Minis- try official had said the King intended to favor the Iraqi- Jordanian union although he would join neither group for- mally. Nasir is reported to be planning to bring Gaza into the UAR, after restoration of an all-Palestine government. A preliminary step in that direction seems to be indicated by an Egyptian announcement on 25 February that new ex- ecutive and legislative councils have been established in Gaza. These councils would probably serve as the instru- ments for approving union with the UAR. Such a move would provide psychological support for Palestinian Arab agitation against the Jordanian Govern, merit, which in 1950 annexed a portion of Palestine along the west bank of the Jordan River. Further pressure on the Iraqi-Jordanian federation could result from an in- crease of Egyptian-Syrian military strength in Syria. American military attaches in Damascus report indica- tions that such a build-up may be planned. 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 6 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 *mei � Cyprus Situation The Greek Government now appears ready to accept British proposals, which it expects within 20 days, for a Cyprus solution, and Foreign Minister Averoff is optimis- tic that a settlement of the issue is possible. Averoff be- lieves that the proposals will involve a period of self-gov- ernment for Cyprus, to be followed by a plebiscite to deter- mine the island's future status. The Cypriots probably would vote for enosis--union with Greece. The Greeks assume that, to placate the Turks, the British plan will include provisions for establishing a Turkish military base on Cyprus and international guarantees for the Turk- ish minority on the island. While Averoff's apparent willingness to accept a Turk- iSh base on the island is a hopeful sign that progress on the issue is possible, his optimism about a settlement is prob- ably unwarranted. London probably has not yet decided on a specific plan for a Cyprus settlement. While proposals along this line were discussed during the recent Anglo- Greek conversations, London is likely to consult further with the Turks before making definite offers. The Turks remain firmly opposed to enosis and continue to demand partition of the island. There is also little likelihood that Archbishop Makarios or EOKA would accept any plan including the presence of Turkish troops on Cyprus. In addition, �a cabinet crisis, which appears to be developing rRpidly in Greece, could seriously weaken the Karamanlis government and reduce chances for advance on the Cyprus issue at this time. SECRET 2.8.Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page .7 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 Approved for Release: 201-9/08/20 C03179857 Nuie' �le III. THE WEST New Argentine Government Probably Will Seek US Loan President-elect Frondizi's request to the American Embassy in Buenos Aires for "frank and informal" dis- cussions is his first direct contact with any United States official, and it probably foreshadows a request for a large loan. Frondizi, who has been critical of the United States, is essentially an opportunist, and plans to conduct his dealings in a "businesslike way' since he considers his position analogous to that of a "chair- man of the board of a corporation with 20,000,000 stockhold- ers." When he takes office on 1 May, Frondizi will be con- fronted with increasingly serious trade and payments deficits and with the task of rehabilitating the state-owned power, transport, steel, and oil-producing facilities. The provi- sional Aramburu government has estimated the cost of Argentina's immediate needs for transportation and basic industry in the government sector as $1.3 billion in hard currencies. The government has recently sent a trade mis- sion to the Soviet bloc in search of industrial credits. Frondizi plans to send a representative to the United States immediately to solicit investments. He says he also plans to encourage local private enterprise but that he must first get financial help for existing government utilities. 28 Feb 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 8 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 \ Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 *419 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 28 February 1958 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC *Soviet miclear tests: Two high-yield nuclear tests were conducted by the USSR at its Novaya Zemlya prov- ing ground within a three-hour period on 27 February-- the first time that any nation has staged two such tests In a single day. Preliminary estimates of the Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committe One to three TU-16's were in the proving grouns area at the time of the first test. Two more TU-16's, and nossihlv a were involved in the second. (Page 1) (Map) *USSR:� Signs of disagreement noted earlier in the Soviet leadership over Khrushchev's agricultural proposal were not reflected in the 27 February an- nouncement of the party central committee's approval of the plan. Implementation now appears certain. High-level opposition is no longer possible without provoking a political showdown. (Page 2) Yugoslavia: The regime appears to be preparing to undertake a dramatic new diplomatic initiative for the purpose of fostering East-West summit talks, in an effort to bolster Yugoslavia's international prestige. Frustrated as a result of Belgrade's increasingly isolated position be- tween East and West, Tito probably feels compelled to create the impression that he is once again playing an im- portant role in international affairs before the national elections on 23 March and the__Yugoslav party congress eSMK.APril� (Page 2) � _ n The basis of findings by-its Watch Cit Ommtee as of 27 February 1958, the Intelligence Advisory Committee con- cludes ,that tensions in the Middle East continue to create possibilities for serious incidents. Although Arab states have recently appeared concerned over immediate Israeli intentions, a deliberate initiation of hostilities in the Mid- dle lik 1 lipsjlogs by its Watch Committee as of 7 February 1958, the Intelligence Advisory Committee concludes that there is no evidence of Sino-Soviet intention to become militarily involved in the Indonesian situation. The Djakarta government is apparently determined to take measures to subdue the dissidents by economic blocka,:te and military action. An early resolution of the issue is un- likely. Sukarno's uncompromising attitude, his charge of Western interference, and the continuing economic and ad- ministrative deterioration favor the Communist position on Java and exploitation by the Sino-Soviet bloc. Culzsa. 'Rebel leader Fidel Castro's campaign ago....not. President 13atista has apparently entered a new phase of attracting attention by daring exploits in Havana in lieu of Inconclusive military skirmishing in the mountains of eastern Cuba. Scattered incidents of terrorism and sa- botage continue throughout the island, and Castro continues to call for a general strike as a means of ousting Batista or forcing postponement of the elections scheduled for 1 June. There is as yet no indication that the government's nosition is sEApproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C03179857 PI