CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
T
Document Page Count: 
14
Document Creation Date: 
December 14, 2016
Document Release Date: 
January 31, 2003
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
August 8, 1968
Content Type: 
REPORT
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PDF icon CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3.pdf465.84 KB
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Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A0118 DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE Central Intelligence Bulletin Secret 50 8 August 1968 Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/8E0RcRDP79T00975A011800070001-3 No. 0229/68 8 August 1968 Central Intelligence Bulletin CONTENTS South Vietnam: Situation report. (Page 1) Czechoslovakia-USSR: Czechoslovak leaders continue efforts to return the atmosphere in the country to normal. (Page 2) Malaysia: Prospects improve for political stability in Sarawak . (Page 4) Indonesia-UN: UN representative taking a more re- laxed view over West Irian issue. (Page 5) Sierra Leone: Tribal discontent is increasing. Page 6) Mexico: Students are threatening a nationwide strike A (Page 8) Egypt-Israel: Suez Canal trouble (Page 9) Brazil: Student demonstrations (Page 9) Chile: Internal politics (Page 9) Approved For Release 2003/026MPP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/02'/1".ADP79T00975A011800070001-3 e 4 Demilitarized Zone I.fS ~J ) ..~~ r? Kontum- qui Nhon SOUTH VIETNAM 25X1 J 7s 50 75 IO0 Mies 0 25 SO 'S I 0 Kiometers 91642 8-68 CIA Approved For Release 200 3,(f,/ ]IA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/c =DP79T00975A011800070001-3 [South Vietnam: Indications of continuing enemy battle preparations have been noted in the northern provinces, in northwest III Corps, and in the delta. Small-scale clashes between allied and Communist forces south of Da Nang and in an area west of Chu Lai tend to confirm that the Communists have moved into these regions in considerable force. The most significant engagements on 6 August were patrol-sized skirmishes along the northern coast and two battles in the delta where South Vietnamese Army troops reported killing 65 Viet Cong. Allied losses were light. (Map) a 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/0S1. _R ` DP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/2'T`~1a-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Czechoslovakia-USSR: The Czechoslovak party presidium continues efforts to return the atmosphere within the country to normal. The presidium has issued a communique which terms the Bratislava meeting a success. The com- munique, however, is more guarded about Cierna, saying only that a comprehensive and fruitful ex- change of views, ending in important conclusions for further cooperation, had taken place there with the Soviets. The presidium expressed the expectation that news media would continue to exercise voluntary re- straint on domestic matters, but would be particu- larly careful when reporting on foreign affairs. The extent of such restraint on foreign affairs can be measured by Prague radio's neutral reporting, without commentary, of the communique on the Cierna and Bratislava talks issued on 6 August by the So- viet politburo. In the recent past, Prague radio might have chosen to reply to the Soviet implica- tion that events in Czechoslovakia would bear watch- ing. The Czechoslovaks are still interpreting var- ious statements they have made about the two con- ferences. Yesterday, for example, Defense Minister Dzur amplified Premier Cernik's earlier indication that Czechoslovakia would improve its defense po- tential. Dzur said that between now and 1970 no increase was planned in the army or in the military budget. This appears to be a concession which may lead to trouble with liberal politicians and econo- mists, many of whom have been pressing for reductions. The Czechs are also redirecting their attention to economic problems. Premier Cernik has acknowl- edged his nation's dependence on its CEMA partners for raw materials and food supplies and as a market 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 20(@LOEQ114-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/02 61k-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 for its machinery and equipment, but noted that CEMA remains in need of a substantial overhaul. Foreign Minister Hajek stressed in an interview on 6 August that strengthened trade ties within CEMA did not, however, preclude expanded trade with the West. If the top-level meeting of CEMA member countries called for in the Bratislava communique is held in the near future, Czechoslovakia may expect to dis- cuss new forms of assistance for its economic re- form. The perennial intra-CEMA issues of pricing, establishment of partial currency convertibility, and policy on trade with the West may also come under discussion. President Tito of Yugoslavia will visit Prague, in a show of support, from 9 to 11 August. Rumanian party boss Ceausescu is also widely rumored to have plans for a visit after Tito's for the purpose of signing a treaty of friendship and mutual assistance. The Rumanians appear to be disgruntled about the re- sults of the Bratislava meeting and the fact that 4-w.._ 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 200SJ1EA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/0 7C ffiDP79TO0975AO`l Malaysia: Recent developments in Sarawak im- prove prospects for political stability. Late last month the Privy Council in London dis- missed an appeal by the autonomy-minded ex - chief min- ister of Sarawak, Stephen Ningkan, to invalidate his ouster from office by Kuala Lumpur in 1966. This decision apparently ends Ningkan's legal fight to re- gain office, and weakens the political prospects of the opposition Sarawak National Party, which he heads. It also apparently increases the chances that his party, or elements thereof, will re-enter the govern- ment's Alliance coalition, which it bolted after Ningkan's ouster. Meanwhile, efforts by the Sarawak United People's Party, the predominantly Chinese- and Communist-pen- etrated opposition party, to achieve a coalition with Ningkan's party have been fruitless. As a result, the Alliance is now expected to win elections sched- uled for about May next year by a narrow margin. For its part, Kuala Lumpur has been attempting to mend its political fences in Sarawak. Senior of- ficials have made visits in recent months in efforts to heal rifts in the Alliance as well as to entice the support of the National Party. The government has also recently announced an ambitious land resettlement and development project which should draw some votes, particularly from the Chinese. Restrictions on land ownership by the Chi- nese in Sarawak are an important basis for their dis- content and susceptibility to Communist subversion. The Communist apparatus received a severe blow last month when some 75 were arrested in a government se- curity sweep. 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin 4 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/01T2c' A-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/02 &C .I bP79T00975A011800070001-3 Indonesia-UN: The UN special representative on West Irian New Guinea) appears to be taking a more relaxed view of his responsibilities for over- seeing the "act of self-determination" which must be carried out there next year. The representative had earlier appeared critical of Indonesia's plans for carrying out the agreement. The US United Nations mission reports that he now seems disposed to accept Indonesia's good faith in carrying out the commitment made when the Dutch re- linquished control over New Guinea in 1962. He has also expressed his awareness of the difficulties in- volved, especially in working with isolated tribes who have had little contact with the outside world. The UN representative is expected to arrive in Djakarta on 12 August and will probably proceed to West Irian shortly thereafter. The Indonesian Gov- ernment must balance its intention to retain West Irian with a sufficiently representative expression of popular sentiment. 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/0~fa IBPP79T00975A011800070001-3 PUB Approved For Release 20(/REC&IA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Sierra Leone: The regime's heavy-handed treat- ment of its political opposition has sharpened tribal divisions in the country. The harsh campaign of the northern-based govern- ment of Prime Minister Stevens to crush the opposi- tion Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), composed largely of southern, Mende tribesmen, has brought the rumblings of discontent among the Mendes to the sur- face. A planned protest march and demonstration in Freetown by several hundred Mendes was cut short by the army and police on 3 August, and several arrests were made. A pro-SLPP newspaper has appeared, warn- ing in its first edition of the dangers of a one- party system, and even Stevens' foreign minister, a Mende opposed to the SLPP faction, is chafing over what he considers persecution of his tribe. The government, dominated by left-leaning Temne tribesmen, shows no signs of easing its efforts to neutralize the SLPP as a political force. It has drastically reduced SLPP representation in Parliament by successfully challenging in the courts the seating of most SLPP members elected in 1967. The regime has also arrested and filed treason charges against several prominent Mendes, and harassment of Mendes for a variety of minor political offenses is con- tinuing. The Mendes are disorganized and lack strong leadership, but they could resort to force if inten- sive pressure by the northerners continues. One Mende source claims that acts of violence are being planned, including the freeing of Mende army and po- lice officers imprisoned in the April mutiny and the burning of buildings in Freetown. Stevens, heavily influenced by authoritarian- minded radicals in his party, could bring matters to 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/02/27 GIARDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003II2?`'&ARDP79T00975A011800070001-3 a head by refusing to call or attempting to rig by- elections for the vacant seats in Parliament. The responsiveness of Mende rank and file in the army and police would be crucial in any attempt by the southerners to unseat the Stevens regime. 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/0282F,P79T00975A011800070001-3 Approved For Release 2003/02'c&A DP79T00975A011800070001-3 Mexico: Students are threatening to call a nationwide strike if their demands are not met today. Student demands have been expanded beyond imme- diate grievances such as disbanding the riot police and indemnification for injuries. They now include the release of all political prisoners and repeal of the constitutional article on "social dissolu- tion"--a vaguely defined crime for which many polit- ical extremists are held. The issue of student deaths is being revived with the formation of a teachers' committee to in- vestigate the alleged disappearance of 30 students. The reassertion of the perennial demand for the re- lease of jailed Communists has gained the support of leftist former president Lazaro Cardenas, who personally pressed the matter with President Diaz Ordaz. Although the students have little apparent po- tential to carry through on their threat to bring teachers, workers, and peasants into a general strike, the government may be moved to some concession that would quiet the students at least through the Olym- pics this fall. A disruption of its large tourist industry would be a severe hardship for Mexico. President Diaz Ordaz may, on the other hand, decide to seek public support for a tough line by appealing to Mexican nationalism. The government has already stretched the truth considerably in its effort to pin sole blame for the disorders on Commu- 1 :1 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25Xl Approved For Release 200CSf ]EtqA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 SECRET Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 25X1 NOTES Egypt-Israel: New trouble may be developing along the Suez Canal. Local UN observers report in- creased Egyptian activity in and along the waterway. This most recently included brief stops on the east bank by Egyptian soldiers and Egyptian antiaircraft fire directed at an Israeli reconnaissance plane flying east of the canal. There is no evidence that the Egyptians intend to initiate large-scale hostil- ities, but their activities obviously invite an ag- gressive Israeli reaction. 25X1 Brazil: A massive show of force by army and police units in Rio de Janeiro has so far prevented any significant student demonstrations. The state governor called for army assistance on 6 August, and as long as federal forces remain in evidence, student protests will probably be restricted to harassing "lightning" demonstrations. Students are unlikely to be quiescent for long, however. In addition to their pleas for needed educational reforms, they can now exploit such new issues as the arrest of key leaders and the death this week of a student wounded in the June riots. Chile: The national assembly of President Frei's Christian Democratic Party took a step to the left in its election of a president and leadership council on 3-4 August. The new group is associated with presidential hopeful Radomiro Tomic, and its election gives him a strong push toward nomination for the presidential election in 1970. Tomic hopes to bring his party into an electoral alliance with a broad leftist grouping, resumably including the Commu- nists. 8 Aug 68 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 25X1 25X1 Se ,ved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3 Secret Approved For Release 2003/02/27 : CIA-RDP79T00975A011800070001-3