CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
T
Document Page Count: 
16
Document Creation Date: 
December 14, 2016
Document Release Date: 
February 21, 2003
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
February 24, 1969
Content Type: 
REPORT
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PDF icon CIA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2.pdf565.38 KB
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Approved For Release 2003/03/28: CIA-RDP79T00975A013100Sfwtel 25X1 DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE Central Intelligence Bulletin Secret 24 February 1969 Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2 SECRET Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 No. 0047/69 24 February 1969 Central Intelligence Bulletin CONTENTS Vietnam: Situation report. (Page 1) Laos: The Communists still threaten government positions, but there are few signs of a major push. (Page 5) Berlin: The Communists have initiated last-minute approaches to try to induce West Germany to move its presidential election from Berlin. (Page 6) .Western Europe: Britain seeks to present an image of itself as a champion of a united Europe with close ties to the US. (Page 8) Pakistan: The scramble to assume national leader- ship has begun. (Page 10) Nigeria: Interdiction of airlift (Page 12) Peru: Free elections demanded (Page 12) Approved For Release 2003/0:RBC- I1h-'bP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/Y/g~`AA RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 [Vietnam: Communist attacks tapered off some- what onebruary after the heavy action on 22- 23 February. Numerous indicators, however, suggest an enemy intention to sustain a period of offensive activity in many areas of the country. The Communists probably believe that the ef- fort of the last few days is unlikely to have the kind of lasting. impact on South Vietnam and the US which they are hoping to achieve. Action on 24 February: Preliminary reports indicate that Communist-initiated military action was sharply reduced on the second day of the of- fensive. Attacks on 24 February, however, included several new shellings of allied military installa- tions and South Vietnamese towns. The situation in and immediately around Saigon was reported.quiet but several attacks took place in nearby areas of III Corps. Enemy activity in Bien Hoa Province, to the east of the capital, was centered for the most part in the area of the Long Binh Army Post. Other in- cidents were reported in Tay Ninh and Hau Nghia provinces, including harassing shellings of the provincial capitals and some scattered district towns. The largest number of attacks on 24 February occurred in the IV Corps provinces south of Saigon where at least 30 attacks had been reported by 6 AM 24 February Saigon time. None of these attacks, however, involved enemy main force units or full- scale ground assaults on allied strong points or population centers. Developments on 23 February: The Communist post-Tet offensive was launched with scores of simultaneous hit-and-run attacks during the early 3 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/gMR RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79TOO975AO13100120001-2 SECRET Tonle Sap THAILAND NORTH \ .-,ViETNA SCAM BODJA \ KILN KIEN \ TUONC F HONG ~\ HAC EU / Demilitarized Zone PHUOC TUY QU ANG DUC BINH TUY UUC \ NINH \ THOAN SOUTH CHINA SEA SOUTH VIETNAM Approved For Release 2003/QR.PL.*j fDP79T00975A013100120001-2 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/~3/Z't3'ATRDP79T00975A013100120001-2 C morning hours of 23 February Saigon time. Most of these consisted of brief periods of rocket and mor- tar fire, sometimes accompanied by light ground probes and terrorist raids. In a few instances, notably in the outlying provinces around Saigon, Communist ground forces up to battalion strength launched limited follow-up ground attacks. There were over 130 attacks in the delta provinces of IV Corps during the night of 22-23 February. Many population centers throughout the coun- try were struck, including provincial capitals. About a dozen enemy rockets fell on Saigon for the first time since the full US bombing halt last No- vember. The main enemy effort, however, even in urban areas, was against military and government installations, including bases, field positions, special forces camps, and civil and military out- posts. Friendly casualties and damage to allied installations appear from first reports to be rel- atively light. (Map) ] Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 200 3 . 1 -RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 SECRET LAOS: Current Situation Government-held location Communist-controlled territory Contested territory ttopeiaj 1 09 Approved For Release 200gEM CAA-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 C H I N A Na Khan Pmine des. T H A I L A N D SECRET Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2 Laos: The Communists are still threatening government positions in widely separated areas of the country, but so far there are few signs that a major push is in the works. Although they have not chanced any ground as- saults in recent weeks, North Vietnamese are still dug in around the government base at Thateng in southern Laos. Government efforts to relieve the pressure against the garrison have met with some early success, although the tactical situation there is basically unchanged. The government defenders, whose numbers have been substantially reduced through casualties and'withdrawals, are getting increasingly restive over their plight. The Communists, meanwhile, are still maintain- ing pressure against other government positions in the Bolovens Plateau area, including the provincial capitals of Attopeu and Saravane. Recent enemy troop movements suggest that the base at Paksong, some 15 miles southwest of Thateng, may be the Communists' next major target in this area. A few minor :bases in northern Laos have changed hands, otherwise the military situation there con- tinues to be quiet. The anticipated enemy push against the key base at Na Khang has still not mate- rialized, although there are fresh reports of enemy ground reconnaissance around the base's defensive perimeter. In addition, substantial numbers of North Vietnamese troops, some of whom have only been in Laos for a few months and have not yet seen ac- tion, are still located in the northeast. The Pathet Lao, meanwhile, continue to make plans to step up activity in Vientiane Province. Re- ports of small numbers of advanced Pathet Lao guer- rillas filtering into isolated villages and increased terrorism suggest the Communists hope to re-estab- lish their presence in areas north of the capital from which they were driven several years ago. The Communists may also ho a to increase terrorism in the capital itself. (Map) 24 Feb 69 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/0A ~ ]6It-R DP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/03~'-DP79T00975A013100120001-2 Berlin: The Communists have initiated a series of last-minute consultations in an effort to induce the West Germans to move their presidential election from Berlin. East German party boss Ulbricht proposed in a letter delivered on 21 February that Bonn change the venue of the election in return for a lessening of tensions and for the issuance of passes at Easter- time that would permit West Berliners to visit their relatives on the other side of the wall. On 22 Feb- ruary the chief of the West Berlin Communist Party issued a statement saying he was "convinced" that the East Germans would react positively if the elec- tion were shifted. West German Chancellor Kiesinger met twice with Soviet Ambassador Tsarapkin over the weekend. In the second meeting yesterday, Tsarapkin reportedly endorsed Ulbricht's proposal of 21 February and Mos- cow would probably welcome a compromise acceptable to East Germany. During a talk with West Berlin Mayor Schuetz on 31 January, the Soviet ambassador to East Germany had linked a change in the site of the election with Easter passes. Despite signs of wavering in Bonn, the pressures for holding to its decision on the site of the presi- dential election remain strong. Bonn's prestige has become heavily engaged, and with the campaign for the Bundestag election in September already getting under way, Kiesinger can ill afford to appear as yielding to Communist pressure. In Bonn's view, a compromise at this stage must grant more substantial benefits for West Berlin than the East German offer of 21 February provides. The East Germans may be willing to negotiate with the West Berlin Senat about more permanent pass arrangements to sweeten their part of the deal. 24 Feb 69 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/0 NCRIE-IIDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/" A RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 The Senat met yesterday to consider a reply to Ul- bricht, and exploratory talks between the East Ger- mans and the Senat reportedly will be held during the :next few days.. Serious negotiations are un- likely, however, until Bonn and Moscow have sorted out their positions. There are no firm indications of major troop moves that might be connected with the joint Soviet/ East German exerci.ses.around Berlin which Moscow announced would take place in early March. I 25X1 Approved For Release 20031% ,1OR . RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 24 Feb 69 Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 20038B4RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Western Europe: London's strategy in the Anglo-French dispute apparently is to portray Brit- ain as the champion of a Europe united on the prin- ciples of the European Communities and with close ties to the US. The French admit that in the conversation be- tween De Gaulle and British Ambassador Soames in early February they brought up the possibility of bilateral talks with the British on the "political and economic future of Europe." The British have stated publicly, however, that Paris was informed such talks would be possible only if the French understood Britain's rejection of De Gaulle's views on NATO and its continued desire to enter the Com- munities. British Foreign Secretary Stewart has said further that if General de Gaulle believes there is a better way to European unity than en- largment of the Common Market, he must convince not only the UK but France's five Common Market partners as well. London clearly wants to show that France, not Britain, threatens the balance between large and small states which the Community system is designed to maintain. The British position could, however, be weak- ened by harsh criticism expected in Parliament this week of the government's handling of the Anglo- French dispute. There are elements in Britain that have been sympathetic to the idea of a "deal" with De Gaulle. In this regard, suspicions still arise on the Continent over London's aims. The Germans, meanwhile, have told the British that they still intend to participate in a scheduled Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003 We a-RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/c . t DP79T00975AO13100120001-2 Q 15 meeting of the WEU permanent representatives on 26 February unless the French agree to attend a meeting of WEU ministers that Bonn has proposed for 5 March. Paris has previously stated it would not return to WEU sessions unless France's partners accepted its views on the necessity of unanimous consent to the holding of such meetings. Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/ CJDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/03& P79T00975A013100120001-2 Pakistan: The political situation remains very fluid, and the scramble to assume national leadership has begun. The enthusiasm generated by President Ayub Khan's decision to step down after presiding over constitutional reforms and new elections appears tempered by the opposition's appreciation that it must now share responsibility with Ayub. Public statements by the major opposition leaders have been moderate in tone, and even Ayub's declared enemies have publicly refrained from gloating. Former foreign minister Bhutto arrived in East Pakistan yesterday and met with East Pakistan opposition leaders. Asghar Khan, the moderate former air force commander, has proposed formation of a United National Party that apparently would be a coalition of several major parties. He also appears to be making a bid for East Pakistani sup- port. Ayub still plans to convene a conference to decide on mutually acceptable constitutional changes. The meeting could get under way this week after the popular East Pakistani leader Muj- ibur Rahman--now unconditionally freed from con- spiracy charges--arrives in West Pakistan and has a chance to meet with other opposition leaders. Now that Ayub has removed himself from contention, it may be even more difficult for the splintered opposition to develop a consensus. Although the opposition demands a sovereign parliament, Ayub apparently favors retention of a strong presiden- tial system. The situation in East Pakistan is still cha- otic. Dacca has been celebrating Ayub's promised Central Intelligence Bulletin Approved For Release 2003/0 CSI BPP79T00975A013100120001-2 SECRET Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2 departure and the release of Mujibur Rahman. De- structive violence stemming from separatist senti- ments broke out again over the weekend in Dacca and some smaller cities. Now that Ayub as the symbol of West Pakistani authority has been beaten, it seems likely that clashes will occur between moderates and radicals. I Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/03? 8l -WDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Approved For Release 2003/0YYBF-'DP79T00975A013100120001-2 Nigeria: Federal leader Gowon, under intense pressure to interdict Biafra's one operating and relief supply airstrip, is examining several courses, including t e pos- sibility of acquiring Soviet surface-to-air missiles from the UAR. Such missiles would have to be op- erated by either Soviet or UAR personnel, both un- likely possibilities at present. Gowon is expected actively to pursue the acquisition of additional capability against the airlift, such as more air- craft, transport aircraft fitted as "gunships," or antiaircraft guns. Peru: At a rally on 21 February, opposition party leader Haya de la Torre publicly demanded free elections. The rally, one held annually to celebrate the party leader's birthday, went off without incident, although the crowd was somewhat smaller than expected. Haya's speech was generally moderate in tone and obviously designed to avoid provoking the military government. students are now p anning to step up their opposition to the gov- ernment. 24 Feb 69 Central Intelligence Bulletin 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/ , RCL"RDP79T00975A013100120001-2 Secreiproved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2 Secret Approved For Release 2003/03/28 : CIA-RDP79T00975AO13100120001-2