YUGOSLAV INTERPRETATION OF BERIA'S ARREST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A001700830001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 17, 2009
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: July 14, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/17 :CIA-RDP80-00810A001700830001-1
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
This Document contsins laformation asectiasg the 14a
tional Defense of the IInited States, within Lhe mean-
ing of Title 18, Seotione 793 and 704, of the U.B. Code, as
ameaded. Its tmnemt~sion or rsvelatloa of itr contents
to or receipt by an unsuthor!$ed person fs prohibited
by law. Ths repraiuction of this form 9s plghlblted.
SECRET f C ~iTROL - U. S . CE~FIC.IALS ONLY
5lCURITY INfORMATiON
Yugos]avia~tTSSR
SUBJECT Yugoslav Interpretation
of Beria's Arrest
REPORT
DATE DISTR.
J 25X1
~_4 auly 1953
NO. OF PAGES 2
.REQUIREMENT NO. RD
~,, LJ/~ I
8
25X1
THE SOURCE EVAIUATlONS IN 1N15 REPORT ARE DEFlNITlVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT 15 TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY. SEE REVERSE)
1. The removal of Beria is but the first of many. It is amazing that Nlalenkov
was able to purge Beria in view of the fact that Beria had years in whieYi
to place-his ~o1l.owers in strategic positions. However, it is highly
improbable tPiat Soviet security forces will attempt to help Beria.
2. Beria's purge tl~y foreshadow a vast and basic shift in Soviet policy which
the West should be prepared to meet with friendship and encouragement.
3. The Soviet military will not side with Beria. Soviet military leaders have
been sa placed that men mutually antagonistic are face-to-face thus ne~itralizing
each others effectiveness and leaving Malenkov with a free hand.
~. The reaction in the Satellites will probably be to speed up "democratization
and liberalization." Recent-changes in Hungary indicate a "true demoerati~ation."
Pressure. against Jews in the Satellites will .soon be relaxed.
5. Reports from Sofia state that shortly before the removal of Beria, Premier
Chervenkov was so highly disturbed over the political situation that it was
necessary to remind him to be cheerful at a recent reception..
6. The only Satellite not showing reaction is Albania; part of the Albanian
psychology is to admit no change. Premier Hoxha cannot alter his course
without dangerously exposing himself.
SECRET~C ON7:ROL - U. S . OFFICIALS ONLY
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/17 :CIA-RDP80-00810A001700830001-1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/17 :CIA-RDP80-00810A001700830001-1
SECRET~CONTROL _ U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
7. The ouster oP Beria took Yugoslav of'fieials by surprise.
SECRET~CONTROL - U,S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2009/12/17 :CIA-RDP80-00810A001700830001-1