CITY OF BRAILA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2013
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: August 13, 1952
• Content Type: REPORT

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.,A R I r . . I W8 I T ECURITY I 'UttI AT`.t
CENT L INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
SUBJECT City of Braila
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE
ACQUIRED
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE MEANING OF TITLE IS, CTIONS 793
11 D 7 9 4 ' O P T H E U . S . C O N S , E S A M E N D E D . I T S T R A N S M I S S I O N O R BE
L A T I O N OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT BT AN U NAUTNORI050 PARSONV IS
PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE REPRODUCTION OP THIS FORM IS PROHIBITED.
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
Physical Characteristics
1. Most of the streets in Braila were surfaced with granite, the
sidewalks with concrete. The width of the streets (not to
include sidewalks) varied between eight and 12m.
the streets were in good condition.
All strets were lighted electrically, the light poles on the
sidewalks being located at-about 50 m intervals. The buildings
in thecity were ratter close together, about one to four
stories high and usually constructed of cement-covered brick
with sheet metal or tile roofs. The city was not damaged during
the last war and I didn't observe any new construction work.
Population
2. In 191L8, I believe that the population of Braila was between
60 and 80 thousand. The population decreased after the last
war because of emigration of Jews and Greeks and because
people sought employment elsewhere due to reduction of harbor
operations. I would estimate that in 19148 about 70 per cent
of t'-:e city's population was of Rumanian ethnic background;
the Greek ethnic group comprised about 20 per cent, and the
Jewish population-and other groups formed about 10 per cent.
For the most part, the Greek and Jewish minorities were
engaged in commercial'activities and the Greeks in Danube
navigation activities. Most of these minorities resided in the
central section of the city. The Rumanians were usually en-
gaged in a;ministration, industry, navigation) :?arbor operations,
agriculture and other trades. f never detected any tensions
between the different ethnic groups in Braila.
NO. OF ENCLS. 1
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
.REPORT NO.
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Administration
3. Braila was divided into four or five sectors for administrative
purposes. There was the Centrul Oras (Center Town), the
Brailitsa Lsee Point #40, Enclosure (c,.the Radu NegruS' ee.
Point #42, Enclosure(A~, and one or two more suburbs. There
was one city hail for the entire city, Each sector had its
own militia post and medical dispensary. I believe that there
was only one central fire station for the entire city. I have
no further details on the administrative setup.
Transportation
4. Braila had a trolley system which was operated by the Communal
Enterprises of Braila (Intreprinderile Communale Braila - ICB).
The ICB also administered the water works, and was concerned
with the electricity and sanitation of the city. I don't
know of any civil airport or military airfield located at Braila.
The Sovrom transport company operated passenger boats between
Braila and Galati and Braila and Cernavoda 420N-2803E~~7 On
the.Braila - Galati run, three or four passenger vessels operated)
each capable of carrying about 200 passengers, They departed
and arrived at Braila every two hours, operating daily between
0600 and 2000 hours. The Braila - Galati trip took about one.
hour. I have no information on the Braila - Cernavoda run.
Before 1944, Braila was the last Danube port which could be.
reached by sea going vessels. After World wai~ Ii.:.,, this port's
importance as a foreign trade shipping center became almost
negligible. In 1948, it served mostly as a transit point for
vessels operating between the USSR and other Cominform countries.
I believe that most of the cargo unloaded at the port was composed
of cereals and cement. Sugar from Czechoslovakia and cereals
from Czechoslovakia and Hungary were unloaded here; the final
destination of these products was probably the USSR.
Enterprises
5. I only know of the following enterprises in Braila:
(a) The wire factory (Industria Sarmei) LS'ee Point #30,
Enclosure ((
(b) The SOVROM shipyards See Point #33, Enclosure (q
(c) Two flour mills
(d) Marble processing factory
(e) Railroad repair shop See Point #1OA, Enclosure (p7
(f) The city power plant LSee Point #25, Enclosure
The electrical current used in Braila was 220 volts, alter-
nating current. There was no restriction on the use of
electricity, but the population was urged by the authorities
to conserve electricity.
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Social Life
6. The housing problem was less acute than in Constanta or Galati...
Communist arty members received better housing.i.n more advanta-
geous locations. In the suburbs, four to five rooms could be
assigned to a family, while in the central section on the
average only two rooms were assigned to a family.
Besides the comercial, schools (Yee Point #14, gnclosure( ,
there was a school for. girls, an industrial high school ter
boys, and a girl's high school (the former Santa Maria Lyceum)..
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(b) One infantry regiment
(a) Frontier troops unit
(d) Fire company
Soviet Military Units
Rumanian Milit Units in Braila
$. Danube frontier troops (patrol boats) unit "Grupul de Nave
Graniceri" sure v7, was of battalion
strength These troops were naval
personnel, dressed exactly .1 a other Rumanian naval personnel,
except that on the hatband there was the inscription Grupul
de Nave Granieeri". The mission of this unit was to patrol the
Danube. The craft assigned were motorboats. These boats
were equipped with one machine gun two searchlights (effective
up to a distance of one thousand ml and could accommodate a
maximum of eight persons. As a rule only four men were assigned
to each craft, the driver, the mechanic and two observers
Maximum speed was approximately 30 pmts per hour. These craft
did not have any radio sets. The crew were armed with rifles.
This patrol unit, besides enforcing the navigation rules on
the Danube river, were also charged with apprehending smugglers
and other persons approaching the Danube shore at unauthorized
places. I also know of the following units:
(a) The pontonier regiment See Point #28, Enclosure
9. Soviet ground forces units wee Point 29 and X32,
1946. I a6 not. able to-give any further information concerning.
these units. I did not observe air force personnel in Braila
nor did I Pies or hear of any airfields in this area. burin
World. War. Ili - the ~ GAP (German Air Force) had an emergency landing
field about halfway between Braila and Lacul Sarat Lacul Sarat
was located approximately seven lane South of Braila). I an
not able to give further information about this field except
that I believe that there were no hangars on this field. In
my opinion, this field was not in use after :W4. WIr
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Climatic Conditions
10. The climate in the Braila area was rather temperate. Main.
temperature in summertime was 250C. The summers were rather
dry with short rains (one to two days) three to"four times,.a
month. The autumns were rainy, Snow started to fall around
the middle of December and lasted till the end of March or
the beginning of April. The winters were mostly damp with,
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a little fog and moderate winds. The minimum temperature,'
in winter was - 20?C. The springs were rather rainy and"foggy,
Security
11.
The militia had fixed posts at the main intersections ee Paint. 1
and Point #22, Enclosure c, at the railroad-station and in
the harbor area, The main streets were patrolled by militia-
men (singly or in pairs), both day and night, All public"
buildings were guarded by militiamen. They were also used f:or' ''
traffic direction at the main intersections. The traffic. "
militiamen were located in the middle of the intersection oil'
a small wooden stand, They had elbow high, white gauntlets,,.
were armed with a pistol and directed traffic with a 50 cm;
long red stick with a round plate at the end rhtch was whi"te''
with a red circle in the center. Their visor-type caps were
covered with a white cloth.
12.. Any new arrival in Braila had to register first at the militia
office and then report to the rent office. to be assigned lodgings.
Travel authorization was not necessary to visit Braila.: As in
the rest of the country any person over 16 had to have his
identity booklet with him at all times, in order to avoid
questioning and arrest by the militia, There were no`curfe'w
restrictions for the inhabitants in 1948-and no special papers
were required for being on the streets after dark. The mi14ta. '.
personnel were more often checked for documents than the
civilians. Only the military police checked the-military
personnel, The lower grade enlisted Jaen had to be off the
streets after 2100 hours. The military police were drawnn.farom
the different units in the city. They were recognized by 4 yellow band on the left arm which had the initials CF in red,
CF stands for Comenduirea Fietii (the . market s or square's" rimmandantura), The military police.'were armed with rifles
with fixed' bayonets or with' submachine guns; the officers .-and
CC's had pistols. I do not believe that any documents were .
necessary when rchasing a railroad or boat ticket except .When ,
going to a frontier zone locality.
13 I believe that the telephone conversations (especially 'of er-,'..
sons suspected of anti-Communist feelings) were being monitored
by the security service (secret police). I beard that in saie
:oases the telephone and radio sets of persons. considered un-
reliable were being taken away. Telegrams could be sent only
from the post office building. At that time, the identification.
booklet had to be presented and its number was entered in a. .'
register. in June 1948 no measures were being taken in Braila.
to train the civilian population for a war emergency.
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Miscellaneous Information
14.
one to two thousand Korean orphans were brought to. Braila 'or'
sheltering. I have no further details,
15. The points listed hereunder refer to Overlay of Braila,'
nclosure (A]
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Point #1. REPUBLICEI STREET, FORMERLY NAMED R.EGALA. It extended
from the Park 5oint #5 to the outskirts of the, town.
This street was approximately 10 m wide, surfaced with
granite, and had concrete sidewalks. It also had a
subterranean drainage system. It appeared to be'in:
good condition. This street had electric lights and
had two streetcar tracks along the center. The
buildings built on both aides of this street were
generally constructed of cement-covered brick, were
three - four stories high and the roofs were.
generally covered with sheet metal. These buildings
were adjoining. The majority of its inhabitants were
Rumanian with Jewish and Greek in the minority. This
was the main street of Braila. No new construction.
work was observed,
#2. THE CITY PARK. I do not know whether the park had
any special name. Its area measured approximately
50 by 20 in, It had deciduous trees approximately
15 m high. There was a newspaper and cigarette,
kiosk in this park. All the city's streetcar lines
converged in the immediate vicinity of. the park area..
The Orthodox cathedral was located in this park., and
known as the city's cathedral (catedrale orasUlui),.
It was square; about 10 m high, with two towers
rising approximately six m above the roof. The
building was constructed of cement-covered brick
and had a sheet metal roof. The towers were
rounded with sheet metal conical roofs
# AREA WHERE PROBABLY THE SECURITY SERVICE (SECRET,
POLICE)BUILDING WAS LOCATED. The ARLUS (Asociatta.
Romana Pentru Legaturile cu Uniunea Sovietelor''-
The Rumanian Association for Relationship with the'
Soviet Union) building was located in this area.
The buildings constructed of cement-covered brick
were-four stories high and had a low, gabled tile
roof. These buildings were adjacent to the side.
walks and adjoining. A hotel and a state bank v~e'ra'
also located in this area, note,: All 50X1
the government emvloyees we re memvers or MUS$
which was a national organization. The fees deducted
from salaries for membership amounted to about 10 let '
per month. Details about this organization were
unknown
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THEATER. Constructed of cement-covered brick, three stories 50X1
high and had a tile roof. On the ground floor was located
the Communal movie theater (Teatrul Cinematograf Comunal).
its name was changed to State Theater w..
Braila (Teatrul de at Braila). This theater had a seating
capacity of approximately 1100, It was open daily from 11130
to 2400 hours. Entrance fees were 25 to 30 lei.. The films
shown were mostly of Soviet production with German and French
films shown only occasionally. Attendance was rather low
especially when Soviet films were being shown.
#5. THE REPUBLICEI HOTEL. Formerly called the Regal. Constructed
of cement-covered brick, four stories high and had a tile root .
This hotel was adjacent to the sidewalk along which it extended
approximately eight in.
#6. THE FORMER REGALA MARILET PLACE. It was probably renamed the
Republicei Market Place. Its area measured approximately 60
by 50 m and was surfaced with granite. It was bisected by a
street. This area was circumscribed by grocery and haber,
dashery stores. Within this area were wooden shacks for..
merchandise (which consisted of vegetables, fruits and meat)
.sold by the state. The farmers were allowed to sell only
fruits. The market was open daily from 0500 to 1600 or 1700
hours. On Sundays it was open until 14o0 hours. .
#7. GALATI S T R E E T , This street prolongation led to Galati 5528N
28o1V, it was approximately eight in wide and surfaced-"with
granite and had concrete sidewalks. It. had a subterranean water
drainage system which was in good condition. There was a .
double streetcar track along this street, The buildings were
mostly,residential. These buildings, constructed of cement
covered?brick, were two to three stories high and had sheet
metal and tile roofs. These buildings adjoined each other..
#8. THE PASALAQUA MOVIE THEATER. The name was probably changed
after 1948. This building was constructed of cement-covered
brick, was two stories high and had a tile roof. It was
approximately 14 by eight in, and connected on either .side
with other structures. This theater had a seating eapaeity.
of approximmately 300 persons,
#9. GAREI STREET. I am not certain of the name of this street,'
I estimate its length as two kms, approximately eight m wide
surfaced with granite, It had concrete sidewalks. This
street was in good condition and had a subterranean drainage-_'
systemm. There was a double streetcar track in the center,:
The buildings on both sides of this street were constructed
of cement-covered brick, were one to two stories high (with
a three story building interspersed) and had sheet metal roofs..
Those buildings were adjacent to the sidewalk. They served
as private residences.
#10. THE RAILROAD STATION. t'nnstructed of brick, was two stories
h4gh and had a high gabled tile roof, It measured approximately
2 by 10 m.. On the ground floor were located the waiting
room, the militia office, a restaurant, the red cross canteen
(where soldiers received free meals), the red cross first aid
station, the station's telegraph office and the ticket office.
On the second floor were the station's offices. The entrance
to the station was not guarded, although there were militiemrn
in the station at all times. The passengers were identified,
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only during general check-ups - (razia) . I estimate that
there was eight rail tracks (normal gauge) in this`'area.
I did not observe any repair or new construction work in
progress. I believe that during a 24 hour period four
passenger (normal speed personale) trains and two fast
accelerate) trains passed through from Bucharest towards
Galati. The same number of trains passed through in the
opposite direction during the same period of time. On the
Braila-Galati run one train departed and'one arrived every
two hours. Two trains departed for and two. arrived from
Faurei ff5O4N-27158 during a 24 hour period. I have no
details on freight trains. The third class ticket (in 1948)
from Braila to Bucharest on normal speed (personal) trains
was 750 lei; for second class 850 lei. On the fast (accelerat)
train over the same distance a second class ticket was
approximately 1200 lei. The third class ticket on normal
speed trains from Braila to Galati was about 100 lei. The
Bucharest-Galati normal speed trains arrived with a delay of
about 30 minutes during summer. and was probably two hours
late during winter "time
1OA. WAREHOUSE AND REPAIR SHOPS. There were three buildings in
this area, constructed of cement-covered brick, one story
and with a low gabled sheet metal roof. They measured
approximately 16 by eight,m. They were parallel. to each
other and located between the rail tracks.
#11 AREA CONTAINING A MILITARY INSTALLATION. This area extended
about 20 in along the street. It was surrounded by a wooden
lattice fence approximately two m high topped with barbed
wire strands. I estimate that there were four or five
barrack buildings in this area, constructed of cement-
covered brick, one story with a low gabled tile roof. They
measured approximately 20 by eight m. Trees were planted,
between these buildings and had a fence facing the sidewalk.
The gate was guarded by a Rumanian infantry soldier armed with
a submachine gun. At night the public had to keep off the
sidewalk surrounding this installation. I heard that it was
the base of a Rumanian Infantry Regiment. It must have been
a training center because there was a large sign at the
entrance, which read, "Welcome Young Sons of the Rumanian.
Popular Republic". Usually such signs are seen at instruction
centers where recruits were sent after induction. I did not
observe any new construction work going on at this installa-
tion. It was occupied by a Rumanian Infantry Regiment
during 1943 - 1946.
#12. THE INDUCTION CENTER FOR BRAILA COUNTRY (Cercul De Recrutare -
The Recruiting Circle). This building was constructed of
brick, was two stories high and had a gabled tile roof, It
measured approximately 16 by eight m and was located in the
interior of a courtyard covered with trees. This area was
surrounded by a wooden lattice fence (probably topped with
barbed wire strands). The gate was guarded by a Rumanian
infantry soldier. The sign above the gate reads "Ceroul de
Recrutare - Braila" A colonel Jame unknown7 was in r_hgrge
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13 PLEVNEI STREET. This street extended over an , approximate
distance of 2.5 kms. It was surfaced with granite, was
.
approximately eight in wide and .had concrete sidewalks*
was electrically lighted and had a subterranean drainage
system built beneath it. This street was considered td^be
in good condition. The buildings on either_side.were usually
connected to.each other And adjacent to the sidewalks. They
were constructed of cement-covered brick one story (inter-
spersed with two - three story buildingsi and had sheet metal.
and tile roofs. Most of,the buildings served as private
residences, although a few stores were located there. The
majority of its residents were of Rumanian ethnic background.
#14. CUZA BOULEVARD. Constructed of granite, was 14 m wide and had
concrete sidewalks. A strip approximately two m wide ran down
the center of this boulevard. Trees and grass were planted
here. The trees were approximately' 10 to 15 1 high and spaced
about 10 to 15 in intervals. It was electrically lighted and
had a subterranean drainage system. This boulevard was in
good condition. A double street car track ran along this
boulevard. -The buildings on each side of this boulevard'were
constructed of cement-covered brick, were one - three stories
high (with one story buildings interspersed) and had sheet
metal and tile roofs. These buildings were adjoining, adjacent
..to the sidewalk and used as private dwellings. Two high schools
(commercial) for boys and girls were located on this street.
The military police head u,arters (Comenduirea'Pietii) was also
located on this street out half-way between streets Point #1
and Point #19.7 Severa hotels were also located on this
street. One o3` them was the Europa.
.#15. GOLESTI STREET. Constructed of granite, was approximately six m
wide and had concrete sidewalks. The street was in fairly
good condition and had electric lights. The buildings on both
sides were constructed of cement-e?vered brick, were one - two
them) and had sheet metal and -tile roofs. These buildings
were adjoining, adjacent to the sidewalks and used as private
dwellings. Stores, restaurants and two hotels were also
located along this street. 50X1
#16. STREET. ame unknown A continuation of street,
Point #15Labove, and had the same construction] The bnildings
on both sides of this street were two - three stories higgh.
#17. BUILDING HOUSING THE PRINTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF
.THE INAINTE (FORWARD) NEWSPAPER. Constructed of cement-
covered brick, was two stories high and had a tile roof It
measured approximately lO by 15 in. It adjoined another
building.on the southern side, On the northern side there
was a space of about four m between it and the next building.
This space was used as an entrance for vehicles and pedestrians.
This building was adjaoent'to the sidewalk. The sign over
the entrance read, "Aiaru,l Inainte Organ al Partidului
Muncitoresc Roman, Regionala Braila" (Forward Daily Organ...of
the Rumanian Workers Party, Regional Braila). This news-
'paper consisted of two sheets and cost 10 lei.
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#18. THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE WORKERS (COMMUNIST) PARTY IN BRAILIL
Constructed of cement-covered brick, was three stories high
and had a hip tile covered roof. This building adjoined
other buildings, was adjacent to the sidewalk and extended
approximately 10 in. The sign above the entrance read, "Partidul
?-Munictoresc Roman, Judeteana Braila" (The Rumanian Workers
Party, Braila County).
#19. ST CONSTANTIN STREET. Surfaced with granite, approximately
six in wide and had concrete sidewalks. A double street ear
track ran along this street. The buildings on both sides of
this street were constructed of cement-covered brick, one
story structures (interspersed with a few two story buildings)
and had either tile or sheet metal roofs. In general, the
buildings were joined to each other and adjacent to the side-
walk. A grammar school and several stores were also located
on this street. It was colloquially called the Deads way
(Calea Mortilor).
#20. ST CONSTANTIN CEMETERY.
#21. UNDEVELOPED GRASS COVERED AREA.
#22.. CALARASI STREET. Its extension led to Calarasi 5411N-27197.
This street was surfaced with granite, was approximately
e ht m wide and had concrete sidewalks. From the street,
`rolnti #L , it was a presses gravel covered nignwa . The
section-0 this street up to the street, LFoint #4 had a
double street car track line. The buildings on either side
of this street were constructed of cement-covered brick,
were two - three stories high and had sheet metal roofs.
These buildings were joined to each other and adjacent to
the sidewalk. There were public buildings, stores, restaurants
and private dwellings along this street. Southwest of ffoiht #457
were military installations, and several dwellings. The city
hall, the-prefecture and probably the militia headquarters
were, located on this street near the center of to.
#23. THE MAIN POST OFFICE, PUBLIC TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH BUILDING..
This building was constructed of brick, three stories high,
and had a hip tile covered roof. It was joined to other
buildings and extended approximately 10 m along the sidewalk.
The sign over the entrance read, "Ponta Telegraf - Telefoane".
The post office was open from 0700 to 1200 hours and from
1500 to 1800 hours. The telephone and telegraph section was
open permanently. This installation had a radio transmitter'
and probably a Hughes teletype.
#24,. PUBLIC HOSPITAL, SPITALUL COMUNAL BRAILA (Communal Hospital
Braila). This building was constructed of cement-covered
brick, four stories high and had a low hip tile roof. It
was isolated from other structures, located in a courtyard,
was approximately eight in from the sidewalk and was
surrounded by an iron-lattice fence. In the rear were several
other buildings which were a part of this hospital.
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#25. THE ICB (Intreprinderile Comunale Braila - Braila Com?unal
Enterprises). This installation was the only power station
in Braila. It was located approximately 20 m from the street,
Point #27, from which a single streetcar track led. The
surrounding area was an overnight parking place for street-
cars. The power plant was enclosed by a wooden board fence
approximately two m high. One or two brick smoke stacks
rose approximately 10 m above the surrounding buildings.
This power plant was first seen in 1945 or 1946.
#26. RUMANIAN MILITARY HOSPITAL. Constructed of cement-covered
brick, was three stories high and had a gabled tile roof,
There were several buildings in its mediate vicinity which
were constructed of cement-covered brick, one story with
gabled, tile roofs. The hospital area was surrounded by
an iron lattice fence topped with barbed wire strands. The
ground was sparsely covered with trees. It was located in
an undeve ed area, A red cross f a was flying over the
gate. The gate on the
street, /Point , was guarded by a Human an infantry
soldier armed wit a rifle.
#27, SOVIET MILITARY HOSPITAL. This hospital was adjacent to the
Rumanian Military Hospital, but was separated by a wire fence.
The buildings of this hos ital were of similar construction
as mentioned in Point #2 with the exception that there
were several more buildings. A Soviet army guard with a
submachine gun-was at the gate.
area of this military ins allation extended to the Danube
chore. The area that was seen from the street was fenced off
by barbed wire, approximately two m high. There were approxi-
mately five or six buildings within this area. These
buildings were barracks, constructed of cement-covered brick,
one. story and had tile roofs. The grounds were sparsely
covered with trees. The gate was guarded by one Rumanian
pontonier soldier.
#29. SOVIET MILITARY INSTALLATION. This installation was
occupied up to the end of December 1945 by a Rumanian naval
.engineer battalion (Batalion de Geniu Marina). Its area
measured approximately 400 by 800 m. In December 1945 there
were eight one story wooden barrao2s and two one story brick
barracks At that time, the wooden barracks caught fire
and burned down completely. There were 42 :i.nes (ship) of
German and English manufacture stored in one of the wooden
buildings, Tee of the mines which were fused exploded
during the fire and did a groat deal of damage. The casualties
consisted of about six Soviet soldiers and four Rumanian
military,firemen , The two remaining 1 t2il,din s (of brick
construction) were later occupied by a Soviet infantry unit.
The fire was ascribed',to sabotage1and a Rumanian sailor of
German ethnic origin was arrested, found guilty and sentenced
to 10 years in prison.
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
This installation was located approximately 300 m from the
Soviet Military Hospital floint 27. I believe that the
was still there
pontonieri). I am not certain but believe that this unit
There was a Rumanian pontoniers
#28. RUMANIAN MILITARY INSTALLATION.
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 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
50X1
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
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50X1
#30. THE INDUSTRIA SARMEI ENTERPRISE. Located approximately 200 in
from the Soviet Military Installation point #2. Its area
extended about 200 m along the street ,Point #3 and wan
about 150 in wide. It was ro dtd , by a wire mesh fence
approximately two m high. A sign above the main entrance read,
Industria Sarmel - Braila (The Wire Industry - Braila). This
entrance was guarded by a factory guard (without any
visible weapons). five or six buildings
.within its area. These buildings were constructed of sheet
metal, were one story and had a gabled sheet metal roof.
These buildings were painted a dark color. Two brick smoke
stacks extending approximately 15 in above the building roofs
The smoke emitted was black and smelled
0A Cruue three thousand workers were
employed here;. n ere was ree working shifts. Various kinds
of, wire (including barbed. and electrical), cables for ships,
electrical cables and various kinds of hardware were produced
at this installation. There was probably a rail spur entering
this Installation.
#31. STREET. This street extended from,
the street Point to the Danube shore. It was surfaced
with stone, was approximately 10 m wide and had no sidewalks.
There were electrical lights running along this street. It
appeared to be in good condition.
#32. SOVIET MILITARY INSTALLATION. The unit stationed here was an
infantry regiment~mearsay inform,, yicc. There were eight
barrack type buii ngs within this installation. A barbed-
wire fence surrounded this Installation. One of the buildings
(probably- the administration building) was constructed of
cement-covered brick, two - three stories high with a low
gabled tile roof. The rest of the buildings were constructed
of cement-covered brick, one story with low gabled tile covered
roofs.,. The size of these buildings was estimated at approxi-
mately 14 by eight in. The ground was sparsely covered with
trees. The entrance was guarded by one Soviet soldier armed
with a submachine gun.
#33. THE SOVROM TRANSPORT SHIPYARDS. Santierele Sovrom Transport 50X1
Braila. Before 1944 it was known as the Franco - Roanana Ship-
yards. Construction of vessels and repairs were done here.
s nsta a on was ocae nas
sprees on two earth mounds rising approximately
six in, both north and so'' th from, the installation. Only one
building from the Danube shore. This
building was oca e a ou rive m from the shore. The
building was constructed of sheet metal, approximately 10 in
high, one story and had a barrel vault sheet metal roof.
It was about 15 m wide. The roof had camouflage paint
(probably since the last war) and the walls were painted a
dark color. I believe that the area of this installation
was located approximately 50 m from the street Pint #327,
and that it was serviced by a rail line.
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
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SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
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#34,, THE SOVROM TRANSPORT
Transport - Braila) .
50X1 This bu ng was rorwriy xnown as t
N'FR Navigatia Fluviala - Roniana), The. NFR
was the former State Danube Transport Company (Rumanian Fluvial
Navigation), This building was constructed of cement-
covered brick, three stories high and had a hip tile roof.
It measured approximately 20 by 10 in and was located about'
10 in from the river. No other building was located nearby,
On the ground floor was the waiting room, the ticket office
and a restaurant. The upper floors housed the SOVROM offices.
The SOVROM headquarters was equipped with a radio transmitter.
Passenger vessels tied up at the quay in front of this
building, which was guarded by Rumanian frontier troops and
militiamen. The SOVROM passenger vessels operated between
Braila - Galati and Braila - Cernavoda 5420N:-287
The harbor area extended from. the bend of street p oint 39
towards the basin Zfoint #389.
#35. PORTULUI STREET. This street extended along the harbor area
towards the basin5oint #3_q,, It was surfaced with granite,
was approximately eight in wide and had concrete sidewalks.
A double streetcar track extended along this street. The
? buildings on both sides of this street were constructed of
cement-covered brick, generally two - three stories high with
sheet metal roofs. They were for the most part joined and
adjacent to the sidewalk. Before 1944, Danube navi+t&on
agencies, commercial banks, hotels and restaurants, were
located on this street. By 1948 the banks were taken over
by the state and the buildings of the former navigation
companies put to other uses, Within the harbor area, which
extended approximately 30 m from the street to the river,
were warehouses and loading areas. The harbor railroad
area which extended south of the basin is not familiar to me.
#36. TM M MICA SI LUMINA MOVIE THEATER (The Work and Light Movie
Theater). This building was constructed of cement-covered
brick, two stories high with a low gabled tile roof. It was
joined to other buildings and located on the corner 5oint #22
and #3V. it extended approximately eight in. The seating
capacity was approximately 200. This theater we open from
1430 - 2400 hours daily. Entrance fees were 25 and 30 lei.
#37. PARK AREA. This park was called Gradina Orasului (The City
Garden). I cannot estimate its size. This park was covered
with deciduous trees and had a small restaurant, which was
only open during the summer.
#38. THE BASIN. (Bazinul Docurilor - The Docks Basin). This
basin was used in the winter time as a mooring place for
Danube veosels. 50X1
#39. GENERAL LOCATION OF DANUBE PRO
(Grupul de Nave -- Graniceri). 7M 50X1
heard. (rain Rumanian sailors in June 1948 that this naval frontier
troop unit was located in the block formed by Militarilor
Street (exterl ng in a north - south direction) and
Dorobantilor Street (extending in a east - west direction).
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
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SECRET/SEcUIR1TY INFORMATION
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#40. THE BRAILITSA SUBURB. Extended west and southwest of the rail
lines and north of street point #1 . The majority of the
inhabitants were Rumanians althou a small number of gypsies
also lived there. The occupations of these inhabitants were
dock workers, railroad workers and farmers. This suburb had
Me mad cal dispensary, a militia ost and a grammar school.
This suburb was
notorious and known as a rough place'. A number of Soviet
soldiers and Rumanian Communists were killed there during
1944 - 1945.
#41. BRIDGE. Constructed of metal, was approximately two m wide
with wooden boards. There were three pairs of concrete pillars
supporting this bridge, approximately five m high. This
bridge was used only by pedestrians.
#42. THE RADU NEGRU SUBURB. Extended west of the rail tracks.
had the same characteristics as the Brailitsa suburb.
/n,rth of atrppt _ Pn9 nt #l and northwest of street. Point 1'22/
50X1 note: The railroad tracks crossed the street,
Point #7 an the branch-off of street, Point #9 and the
street Point #1 and Point #22 at ground level.
X43. MONUMENT PARK. Within this park were located two or three
restaurants, one hotel and one soccer field. The streets were
surfaced with granite. The terminal of Monument streetcar
route was located there. The streetcar tracks to Lacul Sarat
(Salt take) turned south from the eastern border of the park
area. Rumanian and Soviet military units were stationed
in the north - east section of this park.
X44. DOUBLE TRACK STREETCAR LINE. One track turned south, leading
to Lacul Sarat recreation area. This recreation area was
located approximately seven kms south of the center of town
and four ktns from the park ,Point #47. There were baths,
villas, hotels and restaurants in the recreation area. A
railroad and probably a highway led from Braila to the recre-
ation area.
#45 a
in _ good condition. There wasy s a ._ h
STREET. Probably called the Monumentului. It was surfaced
with granite was approximately 12 m wide and had no side-
walks. This street had electrical ii ts and appeared to be.
Enclosure (4: Overlay of Braila City Plan
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2
Enc.iosure (A) 0,ierlay cf Braila (4516N-2758E) City Plan
(publist ed in Rumania in 1928)
SECRET/SECURITY INFORMATION
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2013/06/05: CIA-RDP82-00047R000100490004-2