WEEKLY SUMMARY

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
23
Document Creation Date: 
December 21, 2016
Document Release Date: 
December 10, 2007
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
July 18, 1975
Content Type: 
SUMMARY
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9.pdf2.87 MB
Body: 
Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied State Dept. review completed DIA review completed. Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Secret Weekly Summary Secret No. 0029/75 July 18, 1975 Copy N2 60 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 CONTENTS (jury 18, 1975) Y St.JMMARY. Issued evegyFrittlev morning by the oprnertts of the week through ninon on T ursday. It fre_ tlvt ?ncludes material coordinated with or prepared by the f l canomic Research, the Offtce of Strategic afore l ub!4shed separately as So?dial fif er-,orts are listed MIDDLE EAST AFRICA 1 Italy: Fanfani Under Fire 2 CSCE: Nearing Agreement 3 Portugal: Political Crisis Mounts 4 USSR-US: Criticism of Schlesinger 4 USSR-France: Chill in Relations 6 Eastern Europe: Floods and Harvest 7 Middle East: Pressuring Israel 9 Angola: Another Round 10 Israel-Fedayeen: Retribution 11 Comoro Islands: Independence Declared WESTERN HEMISPHERE 12 Argentina: Crisis Continuing 13 Peru: Nonaligned Conference 14 Panama: Impatience Over Delay EAST ASIA PACIFIC 15 Philippines: Unfinished Business 16 Australia: Weathering the Storm 16 Laos: Little Progress 17 China-Thailand: Playing Down Problems 18 Vietnam: Recovery Unspectacular Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET Italy's Christian Democratic Party is about to begin an internal debate that could determine whether the party can maintain its position as Italy's dominant political force. The Christian Democratic national council meeting tomorrow will discuss how to halt the erosion of the party's strength that was revealed by the outcome of the regional, provincial, and municipal elections last month. The Com- munists came close to outpolling the Christian Democrats for the first time. Sentiment in the 120-member council has been building against party leader Fanfani, and a move to revise his conservative political line is likely. Fanfani says he will not give up his job unless he is voted out by the council. There are signs that more than a majority of the council members are inclined to do just that. Prime Minister Moro is one key Christian Democrat who has yet to break publicly with Fanfani. Moro is still the party's most pres- tigious left-of-center leader, and his alliance with Fanfani helped protect the latter from the attacks of the left wing as the Christian Demo- crats suffered successive defeats during the last two years. Moro will probably soon withdraw his support and that would ensure Fanfani's departure. The Socialist Party, meanwhile, is follow- ing a line at the regional and local levels that differs only in phrasing from Communist chief Berlinguer's "historic compromise" concept. Berlinguer has argued since late 1973 that the solution to the country's problems lies in cooperation among the "popular and demo- cratic" forces, mainly Communists, Socialists, and Christian Democrats. The Socialists are now calling for "open governments" at the regional and local levels, in which all parties except the neo-fascists are invited to participate. The invitation, however, seems mainly to be a way of justifying the Socialists' apparent preference for alliances with the Communists at the local level. The moderate gains made by the Socialists in the elections gave them the option of linking up with the Communists or the Amintore Fanfani Christian Democrats in many areas. In one such area, the northeastern region of Liguria, the Socialists chose last week to join a Communist- led government rather than a center-left coali- tion with the Christian Democrats. The Socialists' preference for a government with the Communists in the larger and more industrialized region of Piedmont, however, is more likely to provoke trouble than the Page 1 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET Ligurian arrangement. Unlike Liguria, the two parties do not quite have a majority in Piedmont. The Socialists are inclined to set up a minority government with the Communists in Piedmont, despite the fact that a center-left coalition with the Christian Democrats would have a comfortable majority. Two members of the Moro cabinet, whose home base is Piedmont, are threatening to bring down the government by resigning if the Socialists abandon the center-left formula in that region. In their post-election policies, the Com- munists are sticking to the moderate line they emphasized in the campaign. Communist labor leaders, for example, were mainly responsible for the decision last week by Italy's top labor federation to seek maximum employment rather than excessive wage demands in major contract negotiations this fall. The federation's strategy should encourage calmer and less protracted bargaining in the fall, unless some of the militant constituent unions refuse to go along. Deputy Prime Minister La Malfa, a frequent critic of labor's policies, praised the Communist- sponsored proposals as eminently sensible. CSCE: NEARING AGREEMENT S lp~ Participants at the European security con- ference agreed on Monday to accept July 30 as the opening date for a three-day summit in Helsinki, provided that differences on all out- standing issues are resolved by July 18. Nego- tiators have been working furiously in Geneva throughout the week to reach agreement on more than a dozen issues, including military- related confidence-building measures. Final acceptance of the July 30 date is expected this weekend. On July 14, NATO members and the Warsaw Pact states bowed to Malta's demand that the final conference document include a call for the eventual reduction of armed forces in the Mediterranean region. Prime Minister Mintoff of Malta, after dropping an earlier demand for a phased withdrawal of the US and Soviet fleets from the Mediterranean, forced acceptance of a Mediterranean declaration by refusing-for four days-to agree on a summit date. Agreement was also reached during the week on several major issues, including follow- on procedures for the conference, principles governing relations among states, and a clause protecting Allied rights in Germany and Berlin. Little progress was made, however, in meeting Turkey's demands for a clause exempting it from certain aspects of military-related con- fidence-building measures. Agreement had not been reached by mid- week on more than a dozen other less weighty issues, including the order of speakers at Helsinki, trade reciprocity, and a clause extend- ing the benefits of CSCE throughout Europe- especially to Berlin. The EC is also insisting that Italian Premier Moro be allowed to sign the final act twice-acting on behalf of the EC as well as Italy. The Turkish demands are the only major stumbling block to a final agreement. Influenced by strong demarches from several NATO states, Ankara is now showing more flexibility and has muted its call for Turkish Cypriot representa- tion at Helsinki. On confidence-building meas- ures, Ankara appears willing to give advance notification of manuevers within a 250-kilo- meter zone along its borders if the conferees will make concessions on separate notification of amphibious and airborne troop movements. This compromise would include language stating that notification need not be given in areas adjacent to borders with non-participating states-thus exempting manuevers in eastern and southern Turkey. In Helsinki, meanwhile, preparations for the summit are proceeding at a hectic pace. The Finns are expecting 900 delegates, accompanied 25X1 by thousands of support personnel, to attend the 35-nation summit and have begun elaborate security preparations. 25X1 Page 2 WEEKLY SUMMARY Jul 18, 75 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET A crisis atmosphere continued in Lisbon this week as the Revolutionary Council was con- fronted with the need to form a new cabinet and with a rising storm of protest over its efforts to bypass the political parties. The resolution of these questions may be largely determined by the outcome of a power struggle now reportedly taking place among its leading members. The cabinet crisis was precipitated when the Socialist Party pulled out of the coalition government last week because of the seizure of the newspaper Republica. The Socialists were followed by the center-left Popular Democratic Party on July 16 when the Armed Forces Move- ment failed to meet the party's demands for a free press, a pledge not to dissolve the popularly elected constituent assembly, and a promise of prompt municipal and trade union elections. The Popular Democrats also demanded an end to the present divisions within the Movement leadership and the urgent adoption of measures to deal with the rapidly deteriorating economic situation. The withdrawal of the Popular Democrats has effectively dissolved the coalition and paves the way for the formation of a new government. Prime Minister Goncalves has been charged with naming a new cabinet, and a Movement spokes- man has said it will not be composed exclusively of military officers. There is speculation that non-party civilian technical experts will join the military in the new body. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Council is being subjected to increasing pressure from all sides. At a large demonstration in Aviero last weekend, Catholics demanded the return of the church radio, which is occupied by pro-com- munist workers. In Rio Maior, just north of Lisbon, local offices of the Communist, and a fellow-traveling party, were sacked and burned by local farmers. On July 16, a pro-communist demonstration-one of several held this week- was joined by soldiers from a leftist military unit. l2, The firm stand taken by the non-com- munist parties against the proposed formation of popular councils has been reinforced by sizable demonstrations by the Socialist Party, which is openly moving toward direct opposi- tion to the Armed Forces Movement. The Socialists have publicly denounced security chief Otelo de Carvalho over his role in the Republica affair and are demanding Goncalves' resignation. Party leader Mario Soares has also denounced the popular councils concept as a tactic by the military to establish a communist dictatorship and has threatened a "symbolic paralysis" of the country if the voice of the parties is not heeded. There are increasing signs that these and other vital issues-notably the threatening economic collapse, the resumption of fighting in Angola, and the growing impatience of the Portuguese people and even members of the Movement itself-may at last bring to a head the disagreements and divisions among principal members of the Revolutionary Council. In its public statements the Movement has already begun to temporize on its plans to bypass the parties. It has suggested that the proposals on the popular councils do not con- stitute an immutable law and, in any case, are to be established over a Ion eriod however, another lurch to the left appears likely. Already apprehensive, militant Socialists have requested arms and other assistance from the US to offset the strength of the Communist militia and other armed radical groups. Should the Revolutionary Council not succeed in re-establishing its authority soon, it is possible the situation could deteriorate into armed con- flict. Page 3 WEEKLY SUMMARY 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 The Soviet media have reacted sharply to Defense Secretary Schlesinger's recent remarks on US nuclear employment policy, con- centrating on the political rather than the mili- tary significance of his statements. The most definitive response appeared in Pravda on July 12 under the authoritative "Observer" by-line. The article condemned the Secretary's comments as "bellicose state- ments... in sharp contradiction" to US-Soviet security negotiations and to detente in general. It said he was reverting to the "bankrupt" strategies of the Cold War and flouting the intent of the bilateral agreement on prevention of nuclear war by raising the possibility that nuclear weapons would be used in any crisis situation. These points recall similar Soviet criticism of the Secretary since early 1974 for his comments on US targeting doctrine. Soviet commentators have attempted to explain the recent statements in terms of an internal debate in the US over foreign policy following the withdrawal from Southeast Asia. The Pravda article accused the Secretary of being a spokesman for those hewing to the "militarist dogmas of the past." It and other Soviet commentaries have said that his remarks were part of a Pentagon effort to win approval for the US military budget. The media have drawn liberally from US critics of Schlesinger's comments in an effort to show that they are counter to the mainstream of US opinion. Nevertheless, the Soviets betrayed some concern over the implications of his state- ments for administration policy. Noting that the Secretary is a prominent member of the US government, one commentator asked why this moment was chosen for a discussion which "certainly doesn't facilitate the course Wash- ington professes to follow." While clearly peeved, the Soviets have not used the Secretary's statements to call publicly for greater defense efforts of their own. One correspondent mildly observed that the best reply to opponents of detente is "concrete deeds" to improve international understanding. Moscow's support for a successful CSCE summit and its campaign to play up the prospect of moving from political to military detente sug- gest a continuing desire to pursue better rela- French Foreign Ministry officials believe that the USSR is disappointed with President Giscard's foreign policy, but are optimistic that his trip to Moscow in October will clear the air. They are not worried about adverse effects on bilateral relations. The most recent manifestation of a "chill" in French-Soviet relations is the vitriolic attack by the Soviet news agency, Tass, on French Minister of the Interior Poniatowski earlier this month. Poniatowski was condemned for asserting that the "Ponomarev document" recently published in a French newspaper was not a fraud, as claimed by the French Com- munist Party, but a Soviet guideline for seizure of power by communist parties. Moscow could hardly have ignored Poniatowski's remarks, in view of strong Soviet protestations that the document was a forgery trumped up by the Portuguese Socialists to discredit the Soviets and the Portuguese Com- munists. The French nevertheless assume that the Soviet attack on Giscard's closest political associate was also a thinly veiled signal to the French president on other issues. One high- ranking Foreign Ministry official believes that the Soviets consider Giscard too European and too Atlanticist. The official contends that Moscow is particularly concerned about the possibility of a Page Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET secret agreement between Paris and Bonn that would allow French Pluton tactical nuclear missiles to be stationed in West Germany. The Soviets fear that an agreement on Pluton could enhance the prospects for an independent European defense, which Moscow strongly opposes. Moscow may have viewed its blast at Poniatowski as an opportunity to weigh in with Giscard prior to the French - West German summit meeting at the end of this month. Paris and Bonn continue to deny that there are plans for stationing Plutons in West Germany, although the French and West German military planners are probably making contingency plans to use the Pluton in the event of hostilities. Giscard has already shown he is aware of Soviet concerns in this area. Last May, he sympathized with Soviet fears of an independent European defense arrangement and suggested the problem not be addressed until more political unification has been achieved. His statement was widely criticized in France as a concession to the Soviets. French-Soviet relations have suffered other, more minor irritants in the past two months. According to French officials, the irritants include Giscard's termination of V-E Day celebrations in France and his visit to Poland in mid-June. The Soviets were also annoyed by the several strong attacks on the USSR made by Chinese Vice Premier Teng Hsiao-Ping during his visit to Paris in mid-May. Pravda took French Prime Minister Chirac to task for expressinq satisfaction with the visit. Pluton missile passes review stand during Bastille Day parade SECRET Page 5 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 rj. EASTERN EUROPE: FLOODS AND HARVEST Early this month, heavy rains and flooding hit Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia at the start of the harvest season, causing major losses of grains and other crops. By contrast, the grain crop in East Germany is in trouble because of severe drought. Eastern Europe had been headed for an excellent harvest. In mid-June, grain output, including that of Yugoslavia, was forecast at about 95 million tons, almost 6 percent greater than in 1974. Based on early weather damage reports, grain losses of roughly 9 million tons are now likely. Losses may run higher if the rising Danube causes more flooding in Romania. Flood waters have receded in Czechoslo- vakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia. So far, the number of fatalities is unknown; Romania reported that 60 persons died. Although thousands of persons were evacuated in rural areas, major urban centers reportedly sustained little damage, and the floods caused only minor disruption to industry. Romania Hardest Hit According to the minister of agriculture total grain loss is expected to reach about 1.5 million tons-equal to more than 10 percent of last year's harvest. In addition, significant losses of sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, and livestock have occurred. Romania has appealed for emergency US disaster relief. At least 200,000 tons of feed grain is needed, much of which Bucharest hopes to receive as an outright grant. Requests for construction and industrial raw materials also were made, although the need for them is less acute. In the longer term, Bucharest wants low- interest credits to finance necessary imports and to expand exports. As in 1970, Bucharest may be exaggerating its claims of destruction in hopes of getting as much assistance as possible. Requests also have been made to world food agencies. Bucharest, in fact, appears to be looking mainly to the West-and not to its East European allies-to supply the bulk of materials needed for recovery. In addition to the US, Romania has approached West Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Belgium for debt rescheduling, credits, and assistance in easing EC import quotas, as well as outright grants. Romania's CEMA partners are unlikely to provide aid. Five years ago, Peking was the most generous benefactor and Moscow provided only belated token assistance. Other Countries Less Damaged Other than in Romania, damage from storms and localized flooding was probably the most severe in Yugoslavia. In Vojvodina and Slavonia--Yugoslavia's bread basket, flanking the Danube and Drava rivers-emergency har- vesting has been delayed by rain and strong winds. Early estimates project wheat losses at 1 million tons, about one fifth of the expected crop. Losses of other crops may also be high. The level of the Danube has fallen in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Although flooding caused some crop losses in Czechoslovakia, most damage to grains will come from lodging. In Hungary, the harvest had just begun when the rains came. About one quarter of a million acres were reported flooded by July 8, mainly along the Danube and Tisza rivers. Over one half of the flooded land was sown to corn. In stark contrast to flooding elsewhere, a two-month-old drought endangers the grain crop in East Germany. The northern and central countries have suffered the most with only trace amounts of rain falling in some areas. Weather data for the first 10 days of July indicate that the major grain producing area in the south is also drying up. Emergency harvesting has started Page 6 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 V{.VI IL- I The Arabs this week underlined their im- patience with what they believe are Israel's stalling tactics in negotiations. An announce- ment by Egypt denying further approval for the presence of UN troops in the Sinai Peninsula coincided with the start-at a conference of Islamic foreign ministers in Jidda-of a campaign to threaten Israel's expulsion from the UN. Israel has taken the developments in stride, re- affirming its refusal to act under pressure. Egypt Forces the Pace Obviously displeased with the slow pace of negotiations on an interim agreement with Israel, Egypt increased its pressure for more rapid movement by declaring on July 15 that it cannot now agree to renew the UN mandate in the Sinai. The mandate expires on July 24. Beyond this announcement-which was itself qualified-the Egyptians have left their inten- tions deliberately vague. In a letter to UN Secre- tary General Waldheim and at a press confer- ence, Foreign Minister Fahmi said that Egypt does not oppose "the proper use" of the UN force, implying that Cairo might not object if the UN Security Council proceeded to renew the mandate without express Egyptian consent. Later statements by Egyptian officials, however, suggest that Cairo might not give even its tacit consent unless Israel reaches agreement on a disengagement before the mandate deadline or the Security Council adopts a resolution that does more than merely call for an Israeli with- drawal. =Egypt could agree to an extension of the force mandate if the Security Council "could arrange for an Israeli withdrawal." Waldheim has also announced it is his understanding that the Egyptians want a resolution that will assist in "implementing" previous Security Council deci- sions on Israeli withdrawal. Fahmi has hinted that Egypt might press for imposition of economic or other sanctions on Israel. He may be suggesting that sanctions- which the Egyptians could interpret as tangible 7Z - pressure on Israel to "implement" a with- drawal-constitute the only Security Council action that would induce Egypt to permit con- tinuation of the UN presence in Sinai. An Al- Ahram editor who is close to Fahmi declared in an editorial in mid-week that the Egyptians "do not want appeals and calls for restraint; we want firm and useful action" from the UN. In justifying Egypt's case for withholding approval at this time of a UN mandate ex- tension, Fahmi has argued that Israel is using the UN force to perpetuate its occupation of Arab territory. All Security Council resolutions estab- lishing and extending the UN mandate, Fahmi contends, had envisioned the UN force as a factor assisting in the search for peace, but in- stead, Israel has exploited the quiet brought by the UN troops in order to stall on negotiations. UN observation post in the Sinai Page 7 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 The timing of the announcement is clearly designed to signal the limits of Egypt's patience and to put more steam into the negotiating process. Fahmi has made it clear that Egypt still welcomes US efforts to mediate an interim agreement. As an added means of pressure, the Egyp- tians placed their armed forces on alert imme- diately after the announcement and made a point of informing the US of the move. The alert, according to Egyptian officials, is a pre- cautionary measure against the possibility of an Israeli military reaction. Ja clash between Egyptian and Israeli forces is very probable" if the UN force is evacuated from the buffer zone, because the Egyptians would have to patrol a vacated zone to obtain warning of a possible Israeli attack.LI Egypt's present intention is to avoid large- scale military movements except in response to Israeli movements. Fahmi has announced that "for the time being" Egypt will not change force levels in the restricted zone east of the Suez Canal. Tel Aviv's reaction to the Egyptian state- ments has been low-key so far. Government officials, in commenting to the press, stressed that Israel still will not be pressured into an agreement with Egypt under the threat of deadlines. Prime Minister Rabin's handling of the issue in a speech to the Knesset was restrained, and he reiterated his determination to continue to seek another interim agreement with Egypt. He warned, however, that Cairo must respect the disengagement agreement now in effect-of which the UN forces are an "integral" part-if it expects Israel to honor its end of the bargain. Rabin added that "whoever" wishes the nego- tiations for another agreement with Egypt to continue "in an approprate atmosphere" should refrain from any action that might increase ten- sions. Israel has already asked for another six- month extension of the UN forces mandate in the Sinai. Israeli press treatment reflected a strong undercurrent of doubt in Israel that Cairo is in fact prepared to carry out its threat not to ask for a renewal of the UN forces mandate. Com- mentators implied that the government should call the Egyptians' bluff. Meanwhile, the ability of those Israelis who oppose a more flexible negotiating position to mobilize large segments of the population in support of their stand was demonstrated again this week. A crowd of approximately 15,000 gathered in Tel Aviv on July 15 to protest any further Israeli territorial concessions in the Sinai in the absence of a clear Egyptian commitment to non-belligerency. Syrian Moves An Arab campaign to exclude Israel from the UN appears to be gaining momentum. With Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam in the lead, the Islamic foreign ministers' conference this week adopted a resolution calling for the re- moval of Israel from the General Assembly, from UN specialized bodies, and from any con- ference held under UN auspices. A similar resolution is expected to be offered at the Organization of African Unity summit meeting to be held in Kampala from July 28 to August 3. In recent years, the Afri- cans have given strong backing to the Arabs in return for Arab support for the termination of white minority rule in southern Africa. The Palestine Liberation Organization has been invited to address the summit and can be ex- pected to use the meeting to solicit support for the anti-Israeli campaign. The Syrians will not be present so the Algerians will probably spon- Page 8 WEEKLY SUMMARY DIA 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 wim Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A01110010000 After almost a week of intense fighting in Luanda, the Popular Movement for the Libera- tion of Angola forced the rival National Front for the Liberation of Angola to withdraw from the city. The latest round of clashes may also have destroyed the territory's fragile six-month- old transitional government-a development that could seriously disrupt Lisbon's decolonization program for Angola. With the fighting in the capital going against the Front, its senior representative in the transitional government, Johnny Eduardo Pinnock, and a number of other Front officials fled to the organization's headquarters in Zaire. In a subsequent press conference in Kinshasa, Pinnock announced that he was resigning from his position. He also claimed that the Popular Movement is now controlled by "extremists" who have pushed aside the group's long-time leader, Agostinho Neto. Pinnock's resignation, which carried an assertion that the National Front is mobilizing for full-scale war, was probably designed in large part to prod the Portuguese into imposing a truce through force of arms. Such a truce may be the Front's only chance to pull itself together. With the exception of a few small garrisons scattered around the environs of Luanda, the Front is now isolated in its tribal base in northwestern Angola, separated from the capital by territory controlled by the Popular Movement. It is probably low on arms and sup- plies and in no position to wage sustained war at the present time. The military rulers in Lisbon, who have considerable prestige invested in their effort to lead Angola to independence next November, will probably try to convince the National Front to return to the government. The Front is unlikely to return unless the Portuguese can guarantee peace in the territory, at least until national elections can be held. It is probably too late for that, however. Although some 24,000 Portuguese troops remain in the territory, there is a real danger they would refuse to intervene between the two hostile liberation groups. Agostinho Neto Is 'A Moreover, troops in ortugal ight well refuse to go to Angola at this juncture. Portuguese Foreign Minister Antunes, who made a quick visit to Luanda during the height of the fighting, was unable to arrange a cease- fire. He subsequently informed UN Secretary General Waldheim that Lisbon may have to take "emergency measures" in the territory. Antunes hinted last Sunday night prior to his departure for Luanda that Lisbon might have to appeal to the UN in order to protect the decolonization process. Whatever the Portuguese and the National Front may have in mind, the Popular Movement appears determined to score a military victory against its competitors, including the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, the smallest of the three liberation groups. The National Union has refused to take sides in thE25X1 fighting between its larger rivals but on several occasions has been attacked by the Popular Page 9 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 ISRAEL-FEDAYEEN: RETRIBUTION Tel Aviv conducted two attacks a week apart on fedayeen bases in southern Lebanon in retaliation for the terrorist bombing in Jeru- salem on July 4. Fourteen Israelis were killed and some 70 people wounded in that incident. Israeli air, naval, and ground forces first attacked on July 6, concentrating on guerrilla bases near the coastal city of Tyre. Tel Aviv announced that all of its forces returned safely, and press reports indicated that at least 13 Arabs were killed and some 20 were wounded. In the second attack on July a3, Israeli planes struck what Tel Aviv termed a terrorist workshop producing war materials. The shop serves a fedayeen base, which has been attacked previously. The base is in or near Ayn al Hilweh, the largest Palestinian camp in Lebanon. Press reports indicated that four persons were killed and some 20 wounded in the raid. The fedayeen and Lebanese said that one Israeli jet was downed and the crew captured. Israel disputed fedayeen and Lebanese announcements and claimed that all Israeli air- craft had returned safely. The fedayeen dis- played a parachute as proof that the Israeli pilot had bailed out over Lebanon, but it actually is a drag chute used to slow down aircraft during landing. The chute apparently was dislodged from the Israeli aircraft by an SA-7, and the plane probably returned to base, even though damaged. SA-7 and other antiaircraft fire from the fedayeen may prompt the Israelis to change their ground attack procedures but will not deter them from more raids. Foreign Minister Allon last week defended Israeli raids on the fedayeen during a conversa- tion with members of a US congressional delega- tion. He pointed out that there had been a series of terrorist incidents in Israel to which Tel Aviv had not responded. This, he said, might have encouraged the perpetrators of the terrorist bombing in Jerusalem on July 4. That incident, he stressed, had reaffirmed Tel Aviv's conviction that the terrorists could not be allowed to operate with impunity. Nevertheless, he went on, the raid on July 7 was ordered only after a lengthy discussion within the government and after it was decided that every effort would be made to select targets with a view to minimizing civilian casualties. East peace negotiations would be seriously Although Tel Aviv may have decided that it must again step up its anti-terrorist activities both for the reasons Allon cited as well as to counter widespread domestic criticism of its previous forbearance, it probably will try not to inflame the situation to the point where Middle SECRET Page 10 WEEKLY SUMMARY Jul 18, 75 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Independence Declared One of the final rounds in the breakup of France's once extensive overseas empire is being played out on the Comoro archipelago in the Mozambique channel. The legislature of the Comoro Islands declared the islands inde- pendent on July 6. The status of one island- Mayotte-is still in doubt, however; its inhabi- tants want to remain part of France. The islands are a major source of the base essence used by the French perfume industry and have had a large measure of internal self- government since 1961. Independence was abruptly declared by the Comorian government to counter the effect of a bill passed in late June by the French National Assembly. The bill pro- vided for the independence of the archipelago later this year, but allowed each of the islands to vote separately on a proposed independence constitution. This would have permitted the Mahorais-the inhabitants of Mayotte to end their association with the other islands and make Mayotte a French department. In a referendum last December, over 60 percent of the Mahorais opted to retain links with France, while the people on the other three islands voted overwhelmingly in favor of inde- pendence. There is heavy French and Christian influence in the Mahorais' culture, in contrast to the Muslim culture that is predominant on the other islands. Mayotte political leaders de- nounced the independence declaration as illegal, and are demanding that France maintain its authority on the island. Ahmed Abdallah, the new chief of state, has vowed to keep Mayotte a part of the Comoros. Paris is willing to accept the Comoros' in- dependence, but it is keeping its options open regarding Mayotte. The government issued a communique this week saying it would "take into account" the wishes of the Mahorais, but it did not explicitly support Mayotte separatism. France has agreed to withdraw its troops and civil servants from all the islands except May- Moroni miles 200 Page 11 WEEKLY SUMMARY otte. Paris is trying to locate a middle ground between Moroni-the Comorian capital-and Mayotte, but it will not be easy. France is concerned that retaining Mayotte will subject Paris to charges of attempting to perpetuate a colonial arrangement, in order to ensure France a military presence in the Indian Ocean. France is already under increasing criti- cism from African and Arab countries because of its continuing hold on the French Territory of Afars and Issas. Relations between the Comorian govern- ment and France will be strained if Paris finally agrees to retain Mayotte. The Comorians might refrain from an open break because of their reliance on French aid. A cooling of relations, however, would probably encourage the Co- morians to seek assistance from Muslim countries. Libya has shown an interest in the islands; several delegations have visited the Comoros, and Abdallah visited Tripoli in March. Saudi Arabia may provide some aid to prevent the islands from falling under radical Arab influ- ence. Iran may also be willing to help. 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 President Peron has been seriously weak- ened by political and economic setbacks during the past two weeks, and there are no indications that anyone within the government is capable of halting her deteriorating position. even in an unofficial capacity. Three of the newly appointed cabinet ministers reportedly accepted their posts on the condition that Lopez Rega would have no role whatsoever in the government. Lopez Rega has been ousted from his offi- cial posts and has moved out of the presidential residence, but it is widely believed that he is still advising Mrs. Peron. Military, labor, and Peronist political leaders will continue to urge the Presi- dent to end his influence. The crisis is likely to be protracted. Lopez Rega's opponents still would prefer that Mrs. Peron remain in the presidency, and they seem content for the time being to wait for her to make the next move. They now appear prepared to accept her resignation, or even force her ouster, however, if she insists on retaining him- President Peron swears in Carlos Villone as Social Welfare Minister, replacing Lopez Rega. Page 12 WEEKLY SUMMARY Jul 18, 75 The prospects for an orderly transfer of power, in the event that Mrs. Peron does step aside, improved considerably this week with the election of a moderate Peronist, Italo Luder, to fill the Senate's provisional presidency. Luder, who is first in the line of succession, is a re- spected constitutional lawyer and academician and is well regarded in most political circles. The government has not been able to form- ulate proposals for dealing with the worsening economic situation that are politically accept- able to labor. Minister of Economy Rodrigo, a protege of Lopez Rega, is continuing to push Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET most of the economic austerity program he out- lined on June 30. He is totally discredited, how- ever, and may soon be forced to resign. Strikes and work stoppages are occurring daily in vari- ous cities as concern grows that even the recent, massive wage hikes soon will be eaten up by soaring inflation. Moreover, leftists within the labor movement are seeking to exploit the cur- rent tension and widen the gulf between workers and their top leaders. Some unions are jealous because their wage increases did not match those of other unions. Though there is no evidence of active plot- ting against the government, the likelihood of Mrs. Peron remaining in office until the election in 1977 has diminished considerably. By cling- ing to the hated Lopez Rega, the President has alienated labor and Peronist political leaders at a time when economic problems have reached crisis proportions. The economy alone would have severely taxed the skills of a strong, charis- matic leader. Since Mrs. Peron is neither, the added problems caused by her association with Lopez Rega may be more than she can handle. Latin America will provide the dais for the next rhetorical attack on imperialism by the nonaligned conference. As the region has shifted away from the US toward the Third World, it has produced a rotating leadership among the more aggressive proponents of an international reformation. Venezuela, Mexico, and Peru en- gage in an active but friendly competition for the global spotlight as spokesmen for the area. The first two will share stardom as launchers of a new regional organization, a Latin American Economic System, probably at the beginning of August. Then Peru will take its turn, as host for the foreign ministers conference of the non- aligned on August 25-29. The Lima site for the meeting underlines the growing ease with which the Latins play the Third World role. Only a few years ago, the Latins saw little common ground with the gen- erally less developed Asian and African regions and shied away from communist regimes. In 1970, Cuba was the sole full-fledged member of the nonaligned conference. By 1973,seven Latin and Caribbean nations attended the summit at Algiers as full members; eight went as observers; one was "present." Now the Latins are often instigators of Third World issues in the UN and other world forums, especially on economic matters. Venezuela and Mexico have been particu- larly agile at maintaining an ambidextrous for- eign policy that allows for a productive and cordial relationship with the US and at the same time strengthens their place with the lesser de- veloped. Peru had begun to bend somewhat away from its more clearly adversary role vis-a- vis the US, but the interest of moderates in the Peruvian leadership in easing tensions with Washington will not put a brake on Lima's in- dulgence in Third Worldism. The minority of Latin states that hew un- abashedly to a pro-US position continues to shrink. Even the Somoza government in Nicara- gua has begun to examine ways to exhibit dif- ferences with Washington in order to avoid isola- tion from the mainstream of Latin America. The Lima conference, coming immediately prior to the opening of the 7th Special Session of the United Nations, will be the major point of coordination for the Third World positions at New York. Many contentious issues will be topical, and sources of friction and division among the nonaligned continue to be many. Cuba, for example, has already attacked the oil producers as a budding new privileged minority. The pressure for unity nevertheless remains powerful, and will probably be further strength- ened as the group begins to react to recent warnings from Washington about its role in the Page 13 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 i PANAMA: IMPATIENCE OVER DELAY Panamanian leader General Omar Torrijos is laying the groundwork for a campaign to demonstrate his frustration about the delay in negotiations on a new canal treaty. Torrijos told student leaders on July 9 that he no longer felt bound to preserve the confidentiality of the talks because the US government had breached the secrecy agreement. He thus left the door open to release those facts that would increase public support of his canal stand. The briefing for the students, the first in a series of meetings Torrijos intends to hold with various groups, is probably intended to signal his annoyance at the lack of recent progress in the talks, the indications of opposition to the negotiations by members of the US Congress, and the pessimistic articles in the US press about the future of the talks. In statements to the press in early July, Torrijos declared: "When all peaceful solutions are closed to a country, then it must resort to solutions that are not peace- ful. " The Panamanian leader is also concerned about rising criticism at home of his handling of the negotiations. He has raised expectations for an advantageous treaty within a fairly short time frame and feels compelled to produce concrete results. A prolonged delay, he fears, will provide ammunition to critics and weaken popular sup- port for his regime. According to the pro-government Panamanian Student Federation, the administra- tion is already taking several steps to bolster its canal negotiating position. The opening of a dialogue with various sectors of the society is the first move. In the international arena, there will be even more emphasis on establishing diplomatic relations with all countries (the USSR and China could come soon) and strengthening ties with Third World countries. At the UN, efforts will be increased to assure Panama a seat on the Security Council, and the canal issue will be submitted to the General Assembly. Although for the present Torrijos may be leaning toward this fairly moderate course, he may decide relatively soon that he should give Washington a preview of what to expect if a new treaty is not signed. He could choose to use carefully controlled student demonstrations, perhaps involving minor harassment of US citizens, to demonstrate Panama's unhappiness with the present situation. At least initially, Torrijos would consider such actions a necessary tactical move and not a reversal of his view that negotiation is the best way to achieve Panama's canal goals. If these actions failed to produce forward movement, he could rapidly marshal students and other groups for more serious demonstrations that could eventually lead to a confrontation.E Page 14 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SECRET PHILIPPINES: UNFINISHED BUSINESS Buoyed by his successful visit to China, President Marcos is now turning his attention to two other foreign policy issues: recognition of the Soviet Union and renegotiation of the US military bases agreement. He considers resolu- tion of these matters an integral part of his drive for more balanced international relations. Some time ago, Marcos said he would establish diplomatic ties with China and the Soviet Union concurrently, and Moscow will undoubtedly press him to keep to this schedule. Marcos recently told a graduating class of the Philippine defense college that relations with the Soviets will be established soon. Most of the preliminary negotiations for diplomatic ties and a trade agreement were completed over a year ago, but Marcos wanted to postpone taking the final steps until he had things wrapped up with Peking. On the Philippine-US base issue, Marcos' staff recently submitted a proposal that calls for Philippine management and use of the bases for a commercial as well as for military purposes. This is probably one of a range of options that Marcos will consider prior to entering negotia- tions. In recent public statements on the bases, Marcos and his advisers have taken a more moderate tone than they did before his trip to China in early June. Marcos is now publicly stressing that whatever arrangements are eventually worked out must allow the US to maintain an effective presence in the western Pacific. Manila's controlled press is also now parroting this line, a marked change from its flamboyant anti-US style of some weeks ago. The Philippine negotiating position on a future base agreement is likely to be heavily influenced by the course of current US-Spanish base negotiations. Marcos is closely monitoring the talks with Madrid, particularly discussions about compensation for the bases and joint use President Marcos (1) meets with his Foreign Policy Council Page 15 WEEKLY SUMMARY 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 AUSTRALIA: WEATHERING THE STORM Prime Minister Whitlam scored a qualified victory Monday when the Labor Party caucus supported his firing of former deputy prime minister Cairns two weeks ago. There was, how- ever, considerable criticism of Whitlam's tendency to act without consulting the caucus. Whitlam probably had some anxiety about the outcome of the caucus vote, since only a year ago the caucus selected Cairns as deputy leader over Whitlam's chosen candidate. Even though only about 15 of the 95 caucus members are regarded as part of Cairns' left wing, many more have a high personal regard for the former deputy. -f he caucus tempered its backing of the dismissal, however, by selecting Overseas Trade Minister Frank Crean to replace Cairns as deputy prime minister. Although Crean, like Whitlam, is a party moderate, relations between the two men soured last November when Whit- lam fired Crean as federal treasurer. The move was widely criticized in Australia as an attempt by the Prime Minister to make Crean the scape- goat for the government's ineffective economic policies. Although Whitlam has survived the party crisis, he still faces intense parliamentary ques- tioning on the circumstances of Cairns' dis- missal. The opposition Liberal-Country coalition is pressing for creation of a royal commission to look into allegations that Cairns or his associates stood to make huge profits from foreign loan deals and that they had misrepresented private ventures as government business. The opposi- tion-controlled Senate has also called for testi- mony Trom public service officials who might be able to shed some light on the loans con- troversv. Whitlam's resistance to this move could bring additional trouble in the Senate. For the moment, the opposition seems content to spotlight the government's alleged misdeeds through parliamentary investigation. It probabiv feels that this will provide campaign grist foi the national election that could come later thls year. Lzbor's narrow win last weekend in state parliamentary elections in South Australia, fol- lowing a series of electoral reverses, gives some comfor to the beleaguered Whitlam admin- istration. Had Labor lost the state, one of the two it controls, opposition pressures to force early national elections would have intensi- fied. 25X1 25X1 LAOS: LITTLE PROGRESS lI Lao have committed no new mischief against US facilities in Vientiane since demon- strators.. and troops moved into several USIS facilities nearly three weeks ago. Little progress, however, is being made toward resolving several difficult problems. Students and police still occupy two US compounds in the capital, and government 1-6 WEEKLY SUMMARY Jul 18, 75 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 officials refused to return non-USAID property seized by the demonstrators. Efforts to resolve demands for termination salary by national air- line employees affected by the end of AID con- tracts remain deadlocked, despite talks between the US charge and Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma as well as other ranking officials. In a relatively minor concession, Lao troops on July 15 turned over the USIS warehouse to US con- trol. All USIS installations have now been re- turned to the US. Three hard-line communist ministers, recently arrived from Sam Neua, have taken up their duties in Vientiane to replace relatively moderate communist ministers placed on sick leave. Phoune Sipraseuth, who is by far the highest ranking of the trio as acting deputy prime minister and foreign minister, will pre- sumably have direct charge of all future nego- tiations with the US. Phoune proved tough and inflexible during the lengthy talks that led to the Lao peace agreements. The Lao are just beginning to realize- apparently with some shock-that they will not receive further aid. The communists so far have offered no signs on whether they will accept continued diplomatic relations in the absence of new US aid. On July 11 the Lao government formally asked for a beginning of negotiations on a new aid agreement. benign policies in Southeast Asia with what they describe as nefarious Soviet and Vietnamese intentions, China's leaders made a clear appeal for Thai support against Moscow and Hanoi. In discussions with Khukrit and Foreign Minister Chatchai, Chairman Mao Tse-tung disparaged Thailand's communist rebels. In an unprecedented gesture, Mao offered Khukrit advice on how to deal with the rebels, drawing on his own experience during China's civil war. Mao told Khukrit that the most important step was to negotiate with the insurgents while the government was still the stronger party. Mao asserted that the insurgents will only become stronger if the government attempts to suppress them militarily. Anti-Soviet Campaign Peking has almost certainly not ruled out continuing low-level support to Thailand's in- surgents, but Mao's comments reflect the higher priority the Chinese have placed on winning Southeast Asian allies for their anti-Soviet cam- paign. In this regard, Vice Premier Teng Hsiao- ping warned the Thai visitors that Moscow would probably use its assistance to the North Vietnamese to "make demands" on Hanoi, such as the establishment of Soviet bases in Vietnam and transit rights for Soviet personnel and equipment. Playing Down Problems comments of Chinese leaders during Thai Prime Minister Khukrit's visit to China earlier this month point up the great importance Peking attaches to improving rela- tions with Bangkok. The Chinese went to some length to play down problems between the two countries, such as Chinese support for the Thai communists. Moreover, by contrasting China's self-professed Thai officials, especially Khukrit, un- doubtedly have put the best possible face on their discussions with the Chinese, but these reports, taken as a whole, reflect the unusual stress the Chinese put on their desire for Sino- Thai cooperation. Page 17 WEEKLY SUMMARY 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 SL LHtr Hanoi has had better than two years since the signing of the cease-fire arrangements in South Vietnam to rebuild the economy of North Vietnam. Overall growth during 1973 and 1974 was unspectacular, and clearly less than Hanoi had hoped. Moreover, the take-over of South Vietnam is comolicating plans for development of the North over the next few years. of investment and muddled policies. Rice yields are still among the lowest in Asia, attributable to insufficient irrigation, water-control facilities, farm machinery, and high quality fertilizers. Rice output stagnated in 1973 as adverse weather damaged the autumn harvest, but last year output was up 10 percent under favorable growing conditions. After the cease-fire, Hanoi rapidly restored the bomb-damaged transportation, electric power, and small modern industrial sectors, its priority objectives. Transport activity increased as roads and bridges were repaired. Reconstruc- tion of the Thac Ba hydroelectric power plant, the Uong Bi and Thai Nguyen thermal power plants and construction of a new thermal plant at Ninh Binh restored nearly all of the electric power capacity that existed before the bomb- ings; 75 percent had been knocked out in 1972. The reconstruction effort as a whole, however, was makeshift and shoddy. There were some gains in production in 1974, but attempts to restore output to pre-war levels in iron and steel, cement, chemical fertilizers, and coal were only partially success- ful. Extensive damage surveys and shortages of electric power, fuel, and raw materials and technical skills combined to delay the start of reconstruction. Output from light industry and handi- crafts-which except for textiles emerged from the bombing relatively free of direct damage- grew moderately with the improvement in transportation facilities, raw material supplies, and electric power availability. Repairs to damaged textile plants, including those at Nam Dinh and Haiphong, and construction of new ones probably restored most of the country's textile production capacity. Agriculture still dominates the economy, accounting for 35-40 percent of national output and employing 70 percent of the civilian labor force, but this sector has lagged because of lack Hanoi has leaned heavily on its communist allies for commodity and capital assistance. Aid jumped from $425 million in 1972 to about $600 million in 1973 and then to $1.2 billion in 1974. Last December, Hanoi adopted an ambitious 20-percent target for economic growth in 1975, but this now appears unattain- able even though substantial industrial growth can be expected as restoration and expansion of large plants are completed. Hanoi simply did not anticipate the military take-over of the South in April, which has forced the North to focus attention on improving security, administering the government, and reviving the economy in the South. Growth prospects beyond the next year or so are likely to get worse before they get better, despite a large labor force and relatively abundant natural resources. North Vietnam lacks the management skills, technical compe- tence, and incentives to grow quickly. The transition to economic integration of the North with the South will require major adjustments in Hanoi's investment, production, and distribu- tion plans. For this reason, Hanoi scrapped its earlier 1976-80 five-year plan and will probably replace it with a new one that will scale down economic targets in the North in order to devote some resources to socialization of the South's economy. Finally, Hanoi probably cannot count on receiving as much foreign aid as in the past, 25X1 since the USSR and East European countries are insisting on closer supervision of aid flows in the future than they did during the war. Page 18 WEEKLY SUMMARY Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9 Secret Secret Approved For Release 2007/12/10: CIA-RDP79-00927A011100100001-9