(Classified)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83-00423R000301550001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 1, 1998
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 1, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

E1?L 16.UIt AA
'25X1X6
proved For Release 1999/09/10 : CIA-RDP83-0042
25X'3A4' 8 4
VENEZUELA GENERAL
Maracaibo Bar Project
Considerable amounts of equipment, to be employed in the dredging opera-
tions of the inner bar, have arrived in Maracaibo from the U.S. and Eastern Venezuela.
The same contracting firm has practically completed the dredging of the OOrinodo River
(CaNo Nacareo) for the U.S. Steel Company and is moving its heavy equipment
skilled personnel to the Maracaibo project. It is probable that dredging operations
on the north end of the channel will commence about April 15 although the official
inauguration is set for April 19, Anniversary of the Declaration of Venezuelan Inde-
pendence.
Bids for the construction of the eastern jetty have been requested by the
Institute of Canalizations,for March 31.
President's Messa6e to the Constitutional Assembles
On March 28 Provisional President Col. Marcos Perez Jimenez delivered his
annual message to the Constitutionalsembly. Only indirect reference was made to
the operations of the petroleum industry wherein he spoke of the governrimentfs plan
for effective conservation measures to assure maximum returns and minimum waste.
According to a newspaper report the Government is preparing a five year
plan for railroad construction, setting up a steel industry and a vast electrifica-
tion program utilizing the falls of the Caroni River, a tributary of the Orinoco.
Official notice of such a plan, it is said, will be announced shoorrtlg. oSuch~ cpno-
gram will entail enormous expenditures which may expedite
cessions in order to obtain funds for such a project. 25X1A2g
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test-~`of
 Approved For Release 1999/09/10 : CI ?RJ~P83,-00423R00030JW9%6
Constituent Assembly
All the Articles of the proposed new Constitution have been approved
in their second reading. A third reading is still required but no major changes
are anticipated and it is expected that it will be totally approved before April
19.
Creole's Second Ule/Amuay Pipeline
A second 2611 Ule/Amuay pipeline running parallel to the first one has
been tested by Creole. Present capacity of the new line is around 180 to 200,000
barrels daily, giving a total capacity for both lines of approximately 500,000
barrels daily. This line will be put into service within the next few weeks.
Week ending March 23, 1953 1,713,335 barrels daily
Month of March (approximate) 1,700,000 u "
COLOMBIA GEN iAL
Elections for Representatives took place as scheduled. Both the Liberal
party and the Alzate wing of the Conservative party boycotted the election; how-
ever, over a million votes were polled which is an increase over former Conserva-
tive highs. Since the House is an all Conservative body, the Government may be
expected to receive complete support.
Acting President Urdaneta and the President of Venezuela, Col. Perez
Jimenez, held an interview at the international boundary. This meeting is of
interest as indicating a trend toward closer relations between the two countries.
A joint official report on matters discussed has been promised.
PERSONNEL STR1 NGTH
Venezuela
ar
Do
Monthly
Daily
Total
March 31, 1953
ll
'
74
296
230
600
Colombia
March 31, 1953
3
18
99
120
OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Western Venezuela
Active in Western Venezuela were 19 exploratory rigs, 11 surface, 6
reflection seismograph and 4 gravity meter parties.
Eastern Venezuela
Active in Eastern Venezuela were 51 exploratory rigs, 6 surface, 9
seismic and 4 structure drill parties.
Approved For Release 1999/09/10: CIA-BpP 301550001-6
 A Approved For Release 1999/09/10 : CIA-RDP83-00423R000301550001-6
ION
Colombia
25X1A2g
Active in Colombia during March were 20 exploratory rigs and 7
surface, 5 seismic, and 2 gravity parties*
w a h1O,T ac/:l,
Approved For Release 1999/09/10 : CIA-RDP83-00423R000301550001-6