EASTERN EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 16, 2010
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: June 10, 1968
• Content Type: REPORT

I I
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
25X1
127 :EASTERN EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCER
Back to Classes in Belgrade
Many striking Belgrade university students promised
to return to classes on 10 June after jubilantly greeting
Tito's vow to solve their problems or resign. A rally of
10,000 students chanting, "we are Tito's, Tito is ours,"
gathered last night after his speech on TV to savor their
victory. The speech was generally conciliatory, recognizing
the legitimacy of the students' demands for educational
reform, more state financial aid, and jobs after graduation.
It is questionable, however, whether Tito will satisfy
wider student demands for the firing of leading security
officials, the curtailment of economic privilege among
party members, and a more open press.
Czechoslovak Deputy Premier to Moscow
Lubomir Strougal arrived in Moscow today for a continua-
tion of talks on long term economic cooperation, which were
begun on 4 May by Dubcek and Brezhnev.
The Czechoslovak announcement suggests that Strougal
will be negotiating with Soviet Deputy Premier Baybakov on
the Czechoslovak $400 million loan request, which the Soviets
have apparently been using as a means of extracting political
concessions'. A Czechoslovak specialist on".intra-bloc rela-
tions has said that the Soviets will probably continue to
study-Prague's economic requests in order to influence the
forthcoming party congress.
Strougal will not be without leverage, however. The
West German Socialist Democratic Party (SPD) reportedly
has offered to arrange approval by the Federal Government
of a credit up to the amount of $400 million, without the
establishment of diplomatic relations. The SPD representative
apparently urged, however, that in return Czechoslovakia
should lower its military expenditures. Under such conditions,
Prague'is looking for part of the $400 million elsewhere;
the Italian party is said to be encouraging the government
in Rome to Join with Bonn's offer.
GROUP I
EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWN-
GRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
East European Reaction to the Kennedy Assassination
East European press commentary has portrayed the late
Senator Kennedy as one of the few members of the US
leadership with a positive, realistic approach to the problems
of the world. Kennedy's position on Vietnam, racism,
lawlessness and his compassion for the poor have been
repeatedly emphasized.
Press treatment of Sirhan, however, is causing some
defensive embarrassment. The Arab nationality of the alleged
assassin directly conflicts with the "world Zionist conspiracy=
painted by Polish and other East European propaganda
machines. Nationality or religion of "murderers like Sirhan
and Oswald" are absolutely secondary, according to a
Czechoslovak editorial. Avoiding this aspect of the case,
news coverage from most of Eastern Europe make strong
efforts to suggest direct links between the assassination
of the Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, while
dwelling on the strains of violence in American society.
The US embassies in Prague and Belgrade report
numerous telegrams and letters from individuals and groups
plus a moderate but steady stream of visitors to sign the
condolence book. Many of the Yugoslav visitors showed
asen emotional reaction, according to embassy officers.
Albania Gloats Over Student Unrest in Yugoslavia
Tirana has lost no time in reporting that "millions"
of Yugoslav students are demonstrating against the Titoist
educational system, for better living conditions, and against
police repressions.
The Hoxha regime is always anxious to point out failings
--real or not--in Yugoslavia, but this time they are taking
special delight in reporting the appearance of Peking-style
wall posters bearing slogans similar to their own propa-
ganda--"enough with the red bourgeoisie" and "four million
Yugoslavs are suffering from lack of their daily bread."
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
Prospects for Improved US-East German Relations
The US Mission in Berlin views the release of the two
American citizens held by the East Germans as cause for
removing the restrictive visa policy invoked earlier
as a means of pressuring Pankow. Furthermore, the Mission
thinks that contacts between the US and the GDR could be
increased in order to establish "more normal commerical
relations."
The Mission has suggested private contacts between
US and East German scholars, scientists and artists; ex-
changes of scientific and technical publications; contacts
between USIS personnel and East German journalists; and a
more liberal commercial policy. Such steps, the Mission
hopes,would contribute to improved East-West relations.
The Mission, however, may be placing to much emphasis
on the importance of visa restrictions in the release of
the prisoners. While the East Germans certainly appeared
eager to get certain commercial visas their current
propaganda line does not reveal a desire to become chummy
with the US.
Overtures from Washington toward the GDR probably would
stand a less-than-even chance of being accepted. Moreover,
if accepted the East Germans would almost certainly try to
exploit them far beyond their worth to us.
Czechoslovak Bishop Returns to his See
Roman Catholic Bishop Josef Hlouch returned to his
South Bohemian diocese on 9 June after an absence of nearly
twenty years.
The 66 year-old bishop was reinstated in Ceske Budejovice
in a colorful ceremony attended by thousands of people,
including governemnt officials. Bishop Hlouch was removed
from his post in 1949, later was arrested, and then released
from jail. He has been prevented up to now from carrying
on his pastoral work, however.
The regime will watch carefully to see that this
staunch anti-Communist prelate does not engage in political
activity.
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7
NOTE: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ABOVE REPRESENT
ONLY THE ANALYSIS OF THE EE DIVISION
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/12/15: CIA-RDP79B00864A000800010015-7