CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1955/07/01

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Current/Central Intelligence Bulletin Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03448312
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: September 20, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 26, 2019
• Publication Date: July 1, 1955

Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
400,7/
-TO-12-SEGRET /
1 July 1955
Copy No. 99
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NO 9
NO CHANGE IN CLASS.
DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS S C
NEXT REVIEW DATE: 20/0
AUTH: HR 70-2
DATE: / ciee,,Q., REVIEWER
Office of Current Intelligence
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
1u0-11-SECRE--
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
,moie
SUMMARY
FAR EAST
Rhee adamant against normal relations with Japan (page 3).
2. Chinese Communist aircraft apparently conducting in-flight
refueling (page 3).
SOUTHEAST ASIA
3. Vietnamese declaration on elections to be dissociated from
Geneva agreement (page 4).
NEAR EAST - AFRICA
4. French official anticipates continued anti-American sentiment
In Tunisia (page 5).
1 July 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 2
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
SNOW Ngliee
FAR EAST
1.. Rhee adamant against normal relations with Japan:
Ambassadors Allison and Lacy, fol-
lowing discussions with President
Rhee on South Korean-Japanese rela-
tions, are convinced that Rhee has no
es re o reac an agreement with Japan on any subject. They
believe that regardless of any concessions the Japanese may
make, Rhee will find some new pretext for refusing to normal-
ize relations, and that nothing less than a "miraculous revela-
tion" will cause him to depart from his deep-seated prejudices.
On the question of trade, Rhee said he was not interested in sell-
ing rice to Japan and "did not wish to be told to do so."
Comment: Chronic antagonism between
South Korea and Japan�stimulated by recent Japanese trade over-
tures to the Sino-Soviet bloc--has reached a point where South
Korea has threatened to recall its diplomatic mission from Tokyo.
While many South Korean leaders would support a rapprochement
with Japan, Rhee's attitude virtually precludes a settlement while
he is in power. His immediate objective is to undermine Ameri-
can confidence in Japan.
2. Chinese Communist aircraft apparently conducting in-flight refuel-
ing:
1 July 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 3
T YID CrrIDE"r
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
',tor
FAR EAST
1. Rhee adamant against normal relations with Japan:
Ambassadors Allison and Lacy, fol-
lowing discussions with President
Rhee on South Korean-Japanese rela-
tions, are convinced that Rhee has no
desire to reach an agreement with Japan on any subject. They
believe that regardless of any concessions the Japanese may
make, Rhee will find some new pretext for refusing to normal-
ize relations, and that nothing less than a "miraculous revela-
tion" will cause him to depart from his deep-seated prejudices.
On the question of trade, Rhee said he was not interested in sell-
ing rice to Japan and "did not wish to be told to do so."
Comment: Chronic antagonism between
South Korea and Japan�stimulated by recent Japanese trade over-
tures to the Sino-Soviet bloc--has reached a point where South
Korea has threatened to recall its diplomatic mission from Tokyo.
While many. South Korean leaders would support a rapprochement
with Japan,. Rhee's attitude virtually precludes a settlement while
he is in power. His immediate objective is to undermine Ameri-
can confidence in Japan.
2. Chinese Communist aircraft apparently conducting in-flight refuel-
1 July 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 3
rnD CrYNTIL"T
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
I I
vivo
Comment: This is the first indication
that in-flight refueling may be in actual use in any Communist
bloc air force. Soviet interest has been shown by publications
on the subject and Western intelligence has previously conceded
Soviet capability for conducting such operations. (Concurred in
by OSI)
SOUTHEAST ASIA
3. Vietnamese declaration on elections to be dissociated from Geneva
agreement:
The Vietnamese government plans shortly
to declare itself in favor of unification
through democratic elections but to disso,
date its action from the Geneva agree-
menf, according to the Vietnamese foreign minister. He pointed
out that this position prevented the government from taking any
Initiative with respect to the 20 July consultations with the Viet
Minh as recommended in the Geneva agreement.
Comment; The American embassy in
Saigon believes the French will refuse to substitute for South Viet-
nam if the Diem government refuses to engage in talks with the
Wet Minh. The embassy anticipates the Viet Minh would then
bring a charge of violation of the Geneva terms before the Inter-
national Control Commission or the Geneva powers. If no satis-
faction were obtained by such a move, the Viet Minh would prob-
ably take the position that it was no longer bound by the Geneva
terms.
One of the purposes of Ho Chi Minh's
current trip to Peiping and Moscow may be to get advice on what
action to take in the event of such developments.
1 July 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 4
'rcnr rro
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
Approved ,for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312
`41:49
*so
NEAR EAST - AFRICA
4. French official anticipates continued anti-American sentiment
in Tunisia:
French minister-delegate Seydoux told
the American consul in Tunis he believes
the 28 June bombing of the US informa-
tion Service in Tunis was committed by
ara rencn elements. He also stated that anti-Americanism
is based on dislike, or misunderstanding, of American policy
toward North Africa, and has been increased by the recent pub-
lic criticism of the United States by protectorates minister July
and President Coty.
The French-language Tunisian press,
according to the consul, has indulged in reckless criticism of
America and has published a rumor that the bombing was designed
to prevent distribution of certain "tendentious publications:'
Comment: Anti-Americanism is on the
rise throughout French North Africa. In Tunisia, it flared up
sharply in late May and early June when General Gruenther's con-
cern over the removal of NATO troops to Algeria was widely
criticized. Even the formerly friendly resident general has
charged that American consuls were abetting North African na-
tionalism.
1 July 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 5
rr rik T", 7"1r. Pr,
Approved for Release: 2019/09/16 C03448312