SHIP MOVEMENTS TO IRON CURTAIN PORTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A001100090009-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 10, 2009
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: May 1, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001100090009-1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001100090009-1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001100090009-1
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
This Document contains information affecting the Na-
tional Defense of the United States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, sections 793 and 794, of the U.S. Code, as
amended. Its transmission or revelation of its contents
to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form is prohibited.
SECRET/CONTROL ? U. S. OFFICIALS ONLY
SECURITY INFORMATION
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRED
Effect of Stalin's Death
REPORT
DATE DISTR.
1 May'O~'
25X1
NO. OF PAGES 2
REQUIREMENT NO. RD
REFERENCES
THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
3
ltox.sts whom Mehmet onenu's police have not been able to identify..
25X1
The death of Stalin caused a state of near panic among the leaders of the Albanian
Government, Mehmet Shehu, Minister of Interior., has setup even more rigorous
police measures which highlight the sense of insecurity among Albanian officials.
Moreover, Shehu was able to place Enver Hoxha (.whose star has long since begun
to pale) further into the background.l-
Heretofore., the present Tirana Government had felt fairly secure, in the thought
that Albania held an important position in the Soviet Union's Mediterranean
strategy, The military and naval construction projects undertaken at Vlone
and the Island of Saseno were tangible. evidence in the eyes of Albanian officials
of Soviet interest in Albania.2 Even when Bulgarian officers began to replace
Soviet officers in the Albanian Army., Albanian officials continued to feel that
the Soviet military authorities considered Albania as fulfilling a position of
importance. The arrival of Bulgarian officers was interpreted as a joint Bulgar-
Soviet plan for the protective occupation of Albania in the event of hostilities.3
Stalin's death, however, leaves the Albanians suddenly aware of their isolated25X1
position. Haunted by Titoism., they realize that they do not possess the means
for guaranteeing their common frontier with Yugoslavia, should the Soviet Union
fail to support Albania. They also realize that they have a cold war within
Albania itself even if an organizaed revolt never materializes.
Stalin?s .death, however, does not mean that Albania is going to fall into the
laps of the Western Powers like a ripe fruit. Resistance activities in northern
Albania are not properly coordinated. Moreover, General Petri Duine, Deputy Chief
of the Albanian General Staff believes himself capable of controlling rebel bands.
Nevertheless., there are some officials in Tirana who fear a Putsch by those
T
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001100090009-1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-00810A001100090009-1
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The present Albanian Government also puts some hope in the rivalries of their im-
mediate neighbors. demands in Southern Albania displease Belgrade. Tit25X1
intentions toward Albanian territory and the share he would reserve for himself
should the occasion arise, would certainly disturb 25X1
Adriatic powers. Hence, the Albanian Governmer25X1
hopes that the mutual suspicions and difficulties among the neighboring states
will delay any threat to the Hoxha Regime.
SECRET/CONTROL U. S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/10: CIA-RDP80-00810A001100090009-1