WEEKLY REPORT PREPARED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE SENIOR INTERDEPARTMENTAL GROUP

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00826A001500010047-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 20, 2004
• Sequence Number: 47
• Publication Date: December 27, 1966
• Content Type: IR

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DIRECTORATE OF
INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence Report
Weekly Report
Prepared Exclusively for the
Senior Interdepartmental Group
Secret
44
27 December 1966
No. 1882/66
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Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Bahamas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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Communist China
Food & Population
Food Years
(July-June)
Estimated
Grain Output
Gross
Imports
Net Grain Projected
Imports Population
Estimated Per
Capita Daily
k
l
i
C
I
Million
Million
Thousand
Milli
e
a
c
nta
or
Metric Tons
ons
Metri c Tons Metric Tons
1957-?58
180
700
649
2250
1958-59
200
1500
665
2200
1959-60.
165
2000
680
1700
1960-61
160
800
692
1650
1961--62
165
6.0
4900
703
1800
1962--63
180
5.4
4600
716
1900
1963-64
176
5.7
5000
730
1950
1964-65
175
5.6
4500
746
1950
1965-66
176
6.2
5500
763
2000
1966--67
171
*5.0
5500
780
1900
*Purchased to date for delivery through June 1967.
SECRET
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1. CHINA'S FOOD SITUATION
Peking's food problems in 1966 are an indication
of the extent to which China's ability to feed its
population has come to depend on the vagaries of the
weather. Although the current food shortage has not
approached that experienced in 1959-61, when millions
suffered severe malnutrition, calamitous weather for
a year or two would likely bring a similar crisis
situation.
The below-average arly harvest this year resulted
from poor but not disastrous weather. Rations in
widespread rural areas and for the first time in many
years in some cities have had to be cut by about one
third, or to 20-25 pounds of grain per adult each
month. The late crop just harvested also appears to
be below average and will not be large enough to en-
able restoration of the cut in rations. Total 1966
grain output will probably be at least five million
tons less than in 1965.
Reduced ration levels, grain imports, and con-
tinued tolerance of private plots have so far per-
mitted Peking to feed its rapidly growing population.
China's food problem can only worsen if the more or
less fixed food supply continues to be spread over
an ever-increasing population, as has been the case
since 1962.
The recent purchase of three million tons of chem-
ical fertilizers should help next year's crops, but
any long-range solution must include a reduction in
population growth. As yet, birth control programs
have hardly begun in rural areas, where 80 percent
of the population lives.
In the current situation, China should be seek-
ing more grain imports than the five to six million
tons purchased annually in recent years. For the
year beginning July 1966, China has already purchased
about five million tons and has canvassed Australia
and Argentina for more. Canada will probably be asked
for more and, as in the past, small quantities may be
sought from marginal suppliers such as Mexico and
France (see chart). 25X1
-1- 27 December 1966
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Prime Minister Souvanna's effort to elect a new
national assembly more amenable to his direction is
setting the stage for a new round of political in-
fighting in Laos.
In order to block the re-election of certain
obstreperous deputies, Souvanna has drawn up a list
of 34 candidates for the 59 assembly seats that will
be contested on 1 January. Each candidate on Sou-
vanna's "united front" list is committed to support-
ing Laos' neutrality, its tripartite form of govern-
ment, and Souvanna as prime minister.
This arrangement is almost certain to eliminate
some of the neutralists and "young nationalists"
who do not enjoy the support of military leaders.
Souvanna worked out his list in cooperation with
three regional commanders, who agreed to use their
influence on behalf of the approved candidates. These
deals have inspired strong criticism of Souvanna by
Leuam Insisiengmay, leader of the rightist faction
in the National Assembly, who wields considerable
power in southern Laos.
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Political grievances and labor unrest in the Ba-
hamas are causing concern to authorities in Nassau
I
The Bahamas will elect a new government on 10 Jan-
uary. The election was called following allegations
that ministers of the ruling United Bahamian Party had
been using their official positions to further their
private business interests, particularly in gambling
concessions. Feeling is running high over the is-
sue, and Governor Grey flew to London last week to
Last week's strike of construction and electrical
workers eased over the holiday weekend with the work-
ers agreeing to return to their jobs soon. Officials
in Nassau believe, however, that this improvement is
only temporary and that a real possibility of violence
exists in connection with the upcoming elections.
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A serious split apparently has developed within
the Ongania government over the handling of essen-
tial labor reforms, especially those proposed in
connection with the reorganization of the deficit-
ridden national railroads.
Strong disagreement over proposed strict work
rules and dismissals of redundant railroad employees
is developing into a major controversy over general
labor policy. The Ongania regime at first tried to
avoid antagonizing organized labor and thus prevent
crippling strikes and demonstrations while the re-
gime was consolidating its position. Lately, how-
ever, hard-liners in the government have begun to
urge that labor be given an ultimatum either to
obey new rules and regulations or face military
mobilization and possible government intervention
in the unions. They fear that any willingness to
compromise or negotiate would be taken as a sign
of weakness by the unions.
Moderates in the government have been working to
avoid a major confrontation with organized labor,
which is still dominated by the Peronists. While
moderate Peronist leader Augusto Vandor has urged
labor to negotiate with the government, a splinter
Peronist group headed by Jose Alonso favors a tougher
policy.
President Ongania seems to favor a firm hand
with labor but has not yet definitely committed him-
self to any position. However, he may soon be com-
pelled to take a clear stand. A recent incident
in which the leader of the Portworkers' Union was
arrested before he could complete steps to end the
two-month-old dock strike indicates that some gov-
ernment officials are moving to force the issue.
Should the government decide on a strong anti-
labor policy, militants in organized labor might be
strengthened in their demands for strikes and even
terrorism to combat government plans. This could, in
turn, force the authoritarian regime to ado t more
repressive measures against the unions.
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Secret
Secret
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