CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1958/03/15

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06804268
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March 15, 1958
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pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 15 March 1958 Copy No. CENTRAL 137 INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN' DOCUMENT NO. / 3 NO CHANGE IN CLASS. :I DECLASSIFIED CLASS. CHANGED TO: NEXT REVIEW DATE: AUTH: JIR 72 DATE. REVIEWER: � "- TOP SECRET for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � 'I`OF'-SECRET- � -T01:0-SEGR'ET Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 15 MARCH 1958 I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC USSR holds two nuclear tests in same day at separate proving grounds. GMIC statement on Soviet 12 March attempt to launch ICBM/ESV; sea Daily Brief, Item 2. EIDER) Soviet Long Range Air Force may ba engaged in second phase of current Arctic training. II. ASIA-AFRICA Indonesia - Chief of staff's message indicates government troops will press operaticas against Sumatran dissidents, with west coast landing ssiblv imminent. dissident sympathizers may attdmpt uprising in North Su- matra. � TOP SECRET .77 0 Yemeni Imam may soon join Nasir's attack on Saud's efforts at subversion. (TOP SECRET EIDER); Saud apparent- ly seeking to eliminate Egyptian in- fluence in his army. 0 Sudanese premier, expecting further Egyptian action against Sudan, says he will resist with Ethiopian assistance. 1 0 Eritrean strikes may signal beginning 4 -1, of open defiance of Ethiopian rule. � Japan sends cabinet minister to Mos- cow to seek political basis for settle- ment of.ftshery technicalities. III. THE WEST 0 Greek confidence vote clears way for new electoral law and dissolution of parliament. Paris police demonstrations set off new crisis for Gaillard'a government. SECRE Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � � CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 15 March 1958 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC Soviet nuclear tests: The USSR conducted two nuclear tests of comparatively low yield approximately an hour 70 apart on 14 March at the widely separated Novaya Zemlya and Semipalatinsk nuclear proving grounds. For Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee statement see Page 1. iL 7L0 Soviet ICBM/ESV launching attempt: The Guided Mis- siles Intelligence Committee issued the following statement on 14 March 1958: It has been previously reported that the USSR conducted a valid countdown on the Tyura Tam mis- sile test range on 12 March, but failed to launch the ICBM/ESV. However, the missile could not have been seriously damaged by the attempt, since the delays announced thereafter indicate the USSR ex- pected to try again in a few hours. . Further analysis of the previously available information increases the likelihood that the mis- sile to be launched is a test ICBM. it is believed that the next scheduled attempt to launch this vehicle Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � �TOP-sEeRE-T � will involve the full 8-hour countdown, and may be preceded by practice activity of the rangehead and impact areas. Soviet Arctic air exercises: At least 10--and prob- ably 16--Soviet Long Range Air Force turboprop heavy bombers carried out extensive flights into the western and central Arctic areas on 12 and 13 March. These flights are the most extensive employment of heavy bomb- ers ever noted in the Arctic, and possibly represent a second phase of the current Long Range Aviation Arctic training program. The first phase apparently ended re- cently when about 20 jet medium bombers returned to home bases in western Russia and the Soviet Far E after about a month's operation from Arctic bases. (Page 2) (Map) II. ASIA-AFRICA Indonesia: Army Chief of Staff Nasution after visiting the captured oil center of Pakanbaru indicates that there will be no delay in pressing the military campaign against the dis- sidents. Nasution said that a "report on the western opera- tion is not yet in." This would tend to support the possibility that a landing on the west coast is near. Caltex has indicated that it intends to resume operations shortly. Reports continue of pro-dissident sentiments in the Medan area of North Sumatra and of the possibility of up- risings there against the Djakarta government. (Pages 3-4) (Map) Saudi Arabia: An exposure of Saudi subversive activity against the Imam of Yemen may be forthcoming soon. The Imam brusquely notified Saud on 12 March of reports he had received of Saudi "interference" in southern Yemen. Saud issued orders in early February which indicated that 15 Mar 58 DAILY BRIEF ii TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � TOP SECRET he had begun operations to stimulate opposition to the Imam's pro-Egyptian nolicies. (Page 5) that Faysal is remaining aloof from his brother's prob- lems. King Saud's continuing concern over internal security and Egyptian influence in the army is indicated by army staff changes which have brought young, English-speaking, relatively pro-Western officers to top posts. A former Aramco adviser, who has had considerable experience in the area but is inclined to take an alarmist view, believes that Saud is" or 'cken" and that the Saudi dynasty is "doomed." (Page 6) Sudan - Egypt: Prime Minister Khalil apparently antici- pates further Egyptian action against the Sudan. He states he will resist and has informed the Saudi representative in Khartoum that Ethiopia has agreed to come to his aid "until such time as the forces of friendly states arrive." Mean- while, Egypt continues its efforts to buy up parliamentary deputies with the hope of expanding its political influence. (Page 7) Ethiopia: The well-organized general strike in the capi- tal of Eritrea on 10-11 March appears to be the beginning of open defiance by the Eritreans of the Ethiopian Government. Additional disorders are expected to occur because of the partial strike taking place in the seaport city of Massaua and the tense atmosphere in Asmara. Japan - USSR: Japan is sending the minister of agri- culture and forestry to Moscow to attempt a top-level "polit- ical" settlement of the present stalemate over vital fishing rights in the northwest Pacific. While the Japanese Govern- ment has stated the minister's authority is limited to the fishery problem, past experience would indicate he might negotiate on other issues. He might possibly agree to the 15 Mar 58 DAILY BRIEF iii TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Pe-- � opening of peace treaty discussions in the near future should the USSR demand this as a price for fishing rights. (Page 9) (Map) III. THE WEST Greek political situation: Following a vote of confi- dence on 13 March, the caretaker government of Premier Georgakopoulos is now pressing for passage of a new elec- toral law, to be followed by dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies, and national elections in early May. Prospects for passage of the electoral law, originally proposed by former Prime Minister ICaramanlis and designed to favor the two largest political parties in Greece, appear good despite criticism from smaller party leaders who warn that Its enactment will force them into electoral coalitions with the left. In preparation for elections, frantic political maneuvering continues. (Page 10) France: The position of the Gaillard government has beenz-r. damaged by the 13 March demonstrations by the Paris police. The principal effect is to weaken the gov- ernment's prospects in the series of confidence votes begin- ning 18 March and to give a new pretext to those deputies who are already inclined to vote against the government. (Page 11) 15 Mar 58 DAILY BRIEF iv T-015-SECRET Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � TOP SECRET � HOWLi3ING RANGE -00 Olenya Archangel zln Moscow/Lybertsy Chepel Saratov/Engels �������1 Mis Shm\ Ostrov Galina= Mys Molotova Anadyr � Novosibirsk &rnialie am are ace* dem Rowan, lry 4. US Gemawarg. Mal c KIP� twig* MS SOVIET LONG RANGE AIR EXERCISES IN ARCTIC 27 JANUARY-13 MARCH 1958 TU-95 FLIGHT ROUTES (schematic) BASES INVOLVED IN TU-16 ROUND ROBIN ACTIVITY .111.11k 15 MARCH 1958 80315 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � TOP SECRET I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC USSR Holds Nuclear Tests at Two Proving Grounds on same Day The Soviet Union on 14 March conducted nuclear tests of comparatively low yield both in the vicinity of Novaya Zemlya and at the Semipalatinsk proving ground. The Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee issued the following statement at 1630 hours: Two explosions on 14 March 1958 have been re- ported on the acoustic network of the Atomic Energy Detection System. The first occurred at about 0830 hours GMT, in the vicinity of Novaya Zemlya. A preliminary estimate establishes the yield in the range of 10 to 100 kilotons, with a most probable value of 25 KT. The .second explosion occurred at about 0930 hours GMT in the vicinity of Semipalatinsk (50�N, 78�E). A preliminary estimate establishes the yield in the range of 20 to 200 KT, with a most probable yield of 60 KT. Air activity at Semipalatinsk in the past week has been indicative of imminent nuclear testing. Events in the Novaya Zemlya area suggestive of further nuclear testing have in- cluded the disappearance of two weather stations from the Dikson collective on 7 March. and an increase of naval transport flights into Belushya between 1 and 10 March. TOP SECRET 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN page 1 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 -TOP SECRET Soviet Long Range Exercises in Arctic � at least ten and probably 16 BEAR turboprop heavy bombers flew long-distance round-robins from bases in the Ukraine and Volga Basin into the Soviet Arctic, some possibly as far north as 84 degrees. This is the largest number of turboprop heavy bombers yet to be noted in any one operation, and the first major operation by heavy aircraft in the Arctic re- gions. The flights apparently were carried out by three or four groups of aircraft, and total distances covered ranged from about 5,800 nautical miles to about 6,200 nautical miles. On the return flights, some of the aircraft were sched- uled to fly over bombing, ranges, indicating the operations probably were navigation - practice bombing operations. It Is not possible to determine whether scheduled routes were followed exactly, although it is certain the aircraft were operating over the Novaya Zemlya - Barents Sea region. It is possible that this flight will be followed by similar operations involving heavy bombers, in a second phase of the current Soviet Long Range Aviation Arctic training pro- grant The recent activity by BADGER jet medium bombers from Arctic bases probably constituted the first phase. In the period 27 January - 13 March, .23 BADGERS were deployed from the .western USSR and Soviet Far East to Arctic bases at Tiksi and Anadyr, and carried out navigation-familiariza- tion flights�somewhat hampered by bad weather�before re- turning to home bases. In the same time period, at least six other jet medium bombers operated from Olenya, in the Kola Peninsula, in support of nuclear tests in the Novaya Zemlya area on 23 and 27 February. 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A OCEAN IA' � r I ' ' ����� 5 1 naing ..**,,t.i.i � � . � � .". ... ( � ,......... ...,.....c!......�.7._:,,,z. /MST/ALIA �126 1 0 105 80310,1 -SEGREF Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � SECRET II. ASIA-AFRICA Situation in Indonesia � Army Chief of Staff Nasution, after inspecting captured areas in Central Sumatra, informed President Sukarno on 12 March that government actions had been successful and that some troops of the Central Sumatran regime had surrendered. He said operations were being continued, cooperation among the three services was good, and sea-borne troops were mov- ing into the interior, presumably referring to forces that are moving up the Siak River. Nasution stated that a "report on the western operation is not yet in," a reference which would appear to reinforce reports that a landing on the west coast-- probably in the Padang area--is imminent. The dissidents are reliably reported to be maintaining a main line of resistance on the road between the Caltex oil center of Pakanbaru and their own stronghold at Bukittinggi. They have sent two companies to reinforce troops who have withdrawn along that road from the east coast areas now held by the government. Dissident leader Hussein has told the revolutionary cabinet withdrawal from west coast positions may also be necessary. The rebel cabinet has ordered the dismissal of the Bukittinggi police chief, who appeared to be a central government informer. The entire Caltex operating area is now under central government control, and Caltex officials reported on 13 March that all facilities are intact although some equipment is in the hands of the military. Barring unforeseen develop- ments, Caltex expected to resume production as soon as its tankers could be put back on the Siak River. In North Sumatra, an area of chronic tension and mixed sympathies, one faction has tentative plans for a coup against the local army commander in the near future, and at the same time leaders of the long-standing Atjehnese dissi- dent movement in northernmost Sumatra may make another military attempt to take over the area. Both groups probably wo4d cooperate with the Central Sumatran dissidents although a..elrual military assistance would not necessarily follow. 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN page 3 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � SEC � The Bukittinggi radio has claimed that the progovern- ment commander in the Tapanuli region on the northwest coast of Sumatra has been overthrown and that the new lead- er has declared his support of the dissident movement. In Manila, President Garcia has announced that the Philippines will recognize whichever side wins in Indonesia. SECRET 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 4 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � --TOP-SEC-RE Worsening Saudi Relations With Yemen Attacks by UAR authorities against King Saud may soon be broadened to expose Saud's recent moves to cultivate support among Yemeni tribes and undermine the Imam. The Imam on 12 March told Saud he had received numerous reports of Saudi "interference" in South Yemen, that Saud had sent agents with funds to contact tribes in southern Yemen, and that these agents had offered the tribes Saudi protection against Yemeni government forces. The Imam's charges are of unprecedented bluntness and may reflect assurances of Egyptian support resulting from recent affiliation with the UAR. The Imam has long harbored suspicions of Saud, to whom he unsuccessfully appealed last fall for return of political refugees who, the Imam was con- vinced, were plotting against him. In early February Saud became apprehensive over the threat to Saudi Arabia posed by Yemen's association with the Sino-Soviet bloc and with Nash.% antimonarchical state. He ordered his governors on the Yemeni frontier to chltivate the favor of Yemeni tribal leaders who had previously sought Saud's support against the Imam. TOP SECRET 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 5 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 TOP SECRET � King Saud's Problems King Saud is continuing his effort to minimize the furor over his conspiracies against Egypt and Syria. Al- though foreign journals are banned from Saudi Arabia, most Saudis are well informed of Nasir's charges as a result of Cairo and Damascus radio broadcasts. Neverthe- less, the atmosphere in the west coast trade center of Jidda is reported to be remarkably calm. Crown Prince Faysales estrangement from the King is evident On 11 March, Saud informed Faysal that he would not respond to Egyptian and Syrian lies, arguments, and insults. Faysal, who ap- pears to have been virtually excluded from policy matters since his return from abroad in January, professed ig- norance of Egyptian charges against Saud. Faysal has been warned by a Saudi confidant in Cairo that in the interest of his country's future he should cease sulking in his tent and effect reconciliation with the King. Saud has acted further to strengthen internal security and reduce Egyptian influence in his country. The Saudi Ministry of Defense: has been reorganized, and the King's son, Defense Minister Fahad3 has received added authority as inspector general of all services. Young, English-speak- ing officers have been placed in key positions. Saud was sending heavy arms and ammunition to the loyal governor of eastern Arabia. 4. 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN page 6 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 TOP SECRET Sudanese Prime Minister Prepares for Egyptian "Attack" Prime Minister Khalil said on 10 March that the Sudan expects an "attack" by President Nasir and is prepared to meet it The Saudi ambassador in Khartoum was told the Sudanese preparations include a military aid agreement with Ethiopia and discussions with Western ambassadors. Khalil reportedly said he expected Nasir to act when the consequences of the recent Sudanese elections become apparent. Egyptian aggression would be met by Sudanese and Ethiopian forces in a holding operation, awaiting the arrival of the "forces of friendly states." Nasir's reaction to the setback of Egyptian influence in the elections has been to initiate a program of bribery among Sudanese representatives, including a plan to pay "monthly salaries" to those oftlie.Soutffern Liberal party. Khalil, who used Egyptian belligerence in the recent border dispute to considerable political advantage, probably in- tends to continue countering the significant influence which Egypt exercises in Sudanese politics, playing up the Egyptian threat as much as possible to secure both external and do- meyi .support for his government. -TOP SECRET 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 7 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � � IRITRIA RED SEA ch.r.% IlIfIUlI Agda4lana�Sia YEMEN � oF MAULAND Gti kilboatl Area with Chrietien Majority Area with Moslem Majority Area with Payee Majority 'TATUM WILCO $OO � *Old Ababa Ethiopia t KENYA SOMALILAND SOMALIA INDIAN OCEAN 24234 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 -ee-ArHDENT4AL � Political Discontent Growing in Eritrea A well-organized general strike on 10-11 March in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, may mark the turning point in Eritrean-Ethiopian relations and the beginning of open political defiance against the Ethiopian Government's abuse of the terms of the 1952 UN-sponsored federation agree- ment. While the Moslem half of the Eritrean population has ineffectively protested domination by Christian Ethi- opia for several years, the local Coptic Christian sup- port of this general strike reflects a significant broaden- ing of the Eritrean political opposition. Despite the careful organization, there is no real evidence of foreign involvement in the Asmara strike. if Egypt, the foreign power most likely to meddle in Eritrea, had been involved, Moslem activity would have been predominant. The latest strikes in both Asmara and Massaua, however, have had largely Christian participation. The most recent evidence of widespread political discontent among Moslems came in earlier popular demonstrations in Cheren and Agordat. Further disorders in Eritrea are probable, but an effective. Eritrean revolt seems unlikely at this time. -COMIDEN11-AL- 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 8 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 . IP= du CHINA 24446 ,20 1.:10 160 180 U S CAST CPIMA SEA 4:7 Yskuhli isortek SEA OF JAPAN ORRA SEA OF OKHOTSK JAPAN Proved.' 1Vorerla RERIN O SEA Flahthgtree iabl�Ct 10 tenne SovI�t-/ePonAge trod? 4544 PACIFI C Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � -CONFIDENTIAL- � Japan Plans High-Level Talks to Break Fishery Impasse With USSR Two months of negotiations have failed to break the Soviet-Japanese stalemate over fishing rights in the north- west Pacific Ocean for 1958. Tokyo, believing that a political rather than a technical approach Win be neces- sary to obtain_ relaxation of the restrictive Soviet posi- tion, has decided to send Agriculture-Forestry Minister Akagi to Moscow. The USSR has refused to discuss certain aspects of the fishery problem unless Japan agrees to resume nego- tiations for a peace treaty. Tokyo may be willing to meet this demand if it is made a price for a fisheries settlement. The Kishi government, however, has insisted that the USSR must acknowledge Japanese claims to the southern Kuril Islands before a peace treaty can be concluded. Mos- cow insists just as firmly that these islands are Soviet ter- ritory and refuses to discuss further disposition of them. Present Soviet proposals in the talks, which are held annually to establish rules for the coming fishing season, would severely limit Japanese salmon fishing in northern waters and ban Japanese fishing in broad expanses of So- viet-claimed offshore waters and the Sea of Okhotsk. The Foreign Ministry has told the American Embassy that Akagi's instructions are limited to fishery problems, but he is reported to be carrying a personal letter from Prime Minister Kishi to Premier Bulganin, as well as sible proposals for a cultural agreement. -CONFIDENTIAL- 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 9 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 _ � -CONFtDENTIAL- I II. THE WEST Greek Caretaker Government Receives Vote of Confidence The vote of confidence given the caretaker government of Prime Minister Georgakopoulos by the Greek Chamber of Deputies on 13 March clears the way for probable passage of a new electoral law, dissolution of the Chamber of Depu- ties, and national elections early in May. The government received the support of the two largest parties in Greece, the National Radical Union (ERE) and the Liberal party, which together account for over two thirds of the votes in the 300-member chamber. Spokesmen for the ERE and the Liberals also indicate that the proposed electoral law prob- ably will be passed without significant change. Other pont- ibal. leaders regard it as designed to eliminate the smaller parties and predict that it will force them into coalitions with the leftists. Debate on the proposed law is expected to last from a week to ten days. Meanwhile, the frantic political maneuvering which began with the resignation of the Karamanlis government on 2 March continues. The ERE appears to be a strong co- hesive political party, and its leader, former Premier Constantine Karamanlis, is confident of victory in the forth- coming elections. Leaders of the Liberals and the other parties, representing all shades of the political spectrum, fear possible fragmentation of existing parties. The pro- posed electoral law will virtually ensure, coalitions of par- ties or "electoral fronts," but alignment .of the various pa ies remains uncertain. -CONFIDENTIAL 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN .?age 10 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 pproved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 � SECRET � \ Police Demonstrations Further Weaken French Premier French Premier Gaillard's coalition has been further shaken by demands for the dismissal of Interior Minister Bourges-Maunoury on the grounds that the 13 March police demonstrations in Paris showed his incapacity. Most polit- ical leaders probably are still reluctant at a time so near the April local elections, to precipitate a crisis during the confidence vote on constitutional reform due 18 March, but they face increasingly grudging support, and hostile minor- ities are growing in all the coalition parties. Three of these parties are meeting this week end, and conflicting demands on Gaillard may result. Guy Mollet ex- pects to be able to control opposition from within the So- cialist part5ibut if he is unsuccessful, he may be obliged to call a special party congress to avoid a showdown in the as- sembly on 18 March. Independent leader Duchet believes his party's congress may decide to pull out of the government. At the Popular Republican party's directing committee meet- ing two factions intend to attack Gaillard. Meanwhile, De- fense Minister Chaban-Delmas is under pressure from his Social Republican party to resign. Both the police demonstrations and the mounting con- troversy over the government's North African policy will in- crease speculation on the return of General de Gaulle, who seems increasingly willing to come back. The deputies' re- luctance to face this alternative and the nationalistic reaction to Bourguibat continued intransigence may enable Gaillard to survive the crisis. 15 Mar 58 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 11 Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 15 March 1958 DAILY BRIEF I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC Soviet nuclear tests: The USSR conducted two nuclear tests of comparatively low yield approximately an hour apart on 14 March at the widely separated Novaya Zemlya and Semipalatinsk nuclear proving grounds. For Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee statement see page 1. Soviet ICBM/ESV launching attempt: The Guided Mis- siles Intelligence Committee issued the following statement on 14 March 1958: It has been previously reported that the USSR conducted a valid countdown on the Tyura Tam mis- sile test range on 12 March, but failed to launch the ICBM/ESV. However, the missile could not have been seriously damaged by the attempt, since the delays announced thereafter indicate the USSR ex- pected to try again in a few hours. � Further analysis of the previously available information increases the likelihood that the mis- sile to be launched is a test ICBM it is believed that the next scheduled attempt to launch this vehicle will involve the full 8-hour countdown, and may be preceded by practice activity of the rangehead and impact areas. Soviet Arctic air exercises: At least 10--and prob- ably 16--Soviet Long Range Air Force turboprop heavy bombers carried out extensive flights into the western and central Arctic areas on 12 and 13 March. These flights are the most extensive employment of heavy bomb- ers ever noted in the Arctic, and possibly represent a second phase of the current Long Range Aviation Arctic training program. The first phase apparently ended re- cently when about 20 jet medium bombers returned to home bases in western Russia and the Soviet Far East after about a month's operation from Arctic bases. (Page 2) (Map) Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 jrr--Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268 Imam brusquely notified Saud on 12 March of reports he Saud issued orders in early February which indicated that against the Imam of Yemen may be forthcoming soon. The had received of Saudi "interference" in southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia: An exposure of Saudi subversive activity he had begun operations to stimulate opposition to tile imam's pro-Egyptian nolicies. (Page 5) message from Crown Prince Faysal to the King indi- cates that Faysa1 is remaining aloof from his brother' prob- lems. King Saud's continuing concern over internal security and Egyptian influence in the army is indicated by army staff changes which have brought young, English-speaking, relatively pro-Western officers to top posts. A former Aramco adviser, who has had considerable experience in the area but is inclined to take an alarmist view, believes that Saud is "terror stricken" and that the Saudi dynasty is "doomed." (Page 6) Sudan - Egypt: Prime Minister Khalil apparently antici- pates further Egyptian action against the Sudan. He states he will resist and has informed the Saudi representative in Khartoum that Ethiopia has agreed to come to his aid "until such time as the forces of friendly states arrive." Mean- while, Egypt continues its efforts to buy up parliamentary deputies with the hope of expanding its political influence. Ethiopia: The well-organized general strike in the capi- tal of Eritrea on 10-11 March appears to be the beginning of open defiance by the Eritreans of the Ethiopian Government. Additional disorders are expected to occur because of the partial strike taking place in the seaport city of Massaua and the tense atmosphere in Asmara. (Page 8) (Map) Japan - USSR: Japan is sending the minister of agri- culture and forestry to Moscow to attempt a top-level "polit- ical" settlement of the present stalemate over vital fishing rights in the northwest Pacific. While the Japanese Govern- ment has stated the minister's authority is limited to the fishery problem, past experience would indicate he might negotiate on other issues. He might possibly agree to the opening of peace treaty discussions in the near future should the USSR demand this as a price for fishing rights. (Page 9) (Map) III. THE WEST Greek political situation: Following a vote of confi- dence on 13 March, the caretaker government of Premier Georgakopoulos is now pressing for passage of a new elec- toral law, to be followed by dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies, and national elections in early May. Prospects for passage of the electoral law, originally proposed by former Prime Minister Karamanlis and designed to favor the two largest political parties in Greece, appear good despite criticism from smaller party leaders who warn that its enactment will force them into electoral coalitions with the left. In preparation for elections, frantic political maneuvering continues. Pa .e 10) Approved for Release: 2019/08/20 C06804268