CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00975A002100270001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 18, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
TOP SECRET
X1/
5 Au t 1955
25X10
CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NO. J8 V
NO CHANGE IN CLASS.
I ! DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANGED TO: TS S C
NEXT 0E`,/;EW DATE: _.2010-
AWTH: FIR 70-2
DATE:
REVIEWER:
Office of Current Intelligence
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
State Dept. review completed
TOP SECRET
0or
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
 Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
SUMMARY
SOUTHEAST ASIA
2. Sizable reduction of French troops in Indochina expected by
November (page 3).
3. Thai premier attempts to strengthen position by cabinet changes
age 4).
5 Aug 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 2
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
 Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
SOUTHEAST ASIA
2. Sizable reduction of French troops in Indochina expected by
As a result of a conversation with French
premier Faure on 30 July, Ambassador
Dillon estimates that the French Expedi-
tionary Corps in South Vietnam will prob-
ably be reduced to 30,000 before November.
Faure said that before this figure is
reached, he plans to review the situation In consultation with the
5 Aug 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 3
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
 United States. The premier noted that he had agreed in May to
support South Vietnam Premier Diem in return for an understand-
ing that France would be free to withdraw at a reasonable rate
the entire Expeditionary Corps.
Comment: This is the first official policy
statement on current French planning for the Expeditionary Corps.
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975A002100270001-7
On 2 July, Paris offered to reduce its
forces to the minimum required to service such bases as may be
granted by Vietnam.
? 3. Thai premier attempts to strengthen position by cabinet changes:
The changes in the Thai cabinet announced
on 2 August appear to be a move on the part
of Premier Phibun. to limit the power of
Police Director General Phao, according
to the American embassy in Bangkok. Phi-
bun's intention is evident in the premier's
personal assumption of the Ministry of the
Interior, over which Phao has been de
facto chief as deputy minister. The cabinet changes were made af-
ter Phao left for the United States on 1 August, and the embassy
comments that. it remains to be seen whether Phibunb encroach-
ment will be successful.
With regard to these maneuverings, C
the majority of the governing military
oligarchy have become bitter toward Phibun as a result of his re-
cent activities.
Comment: Phao's ambition to succeed
Phibun is. well, known and recently he has clearly indicated his im-
patience to assume control of the government.
5 Aug 55 CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 4
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975A002100270001-7
 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7
Approved For Release 2008/03/03: CIA-RDP79T00975AO02100270001-7