UPRISINGS IN MADAGASCAR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00809A000500730014-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 10, 2003
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: November 11, 1998
• Content Type: IR

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP
INTELLIGENCE REPORT
COUNTRY Madagascar
SUB.$ECT Uprisings in Madagascar
25X1 I
STATE WAR NAVY
DIST. 27 May 194?
PAGES 12
SUPPLEMENT
A revolt, consisting of simultaneous attacks on French garrisons and arms depots
at widely separated points, occurred during the weekend of March 30-April l
Incidents centered in Diego Suarez, naval base in the north; Moramanga, in the
center near Tananarive; and a eroup of southeastern coastal villages (Manakara,
Vohipena, Farajangana).
1. Ts ,ej:
Reports indicate that the revolt was directed from Paris by a new national poli-
tical party, the Democratic Movement for Madagascar Renovation (the Movement
Democratique de Renovation Malagache). (Pages 3, 4, 6) This party was formed in
1946 by the native Madagascar Deputy in the French National Assembly, Dr? Ravorhangy
aided by fellow-deputies Raseta~and Rahemananjara. (Pages, 5, 7) These three
deputies have demanded autonomy within the French Union.,
President of the Council Ramadiarl(April 3) said that". "there had been some
distant, ocgasional contacts" betireen Viet Nam and the Madagascan Restoration
Movement, but he indicated that this was not serious. (Page 2)
Early reports indicated that French Communists favored the movement, but they later
reversed themselves rather than cause the fall of the Government and thus lose
their seats in the Cabinet. (Pages 7, 8)
2. Forces inXSL~vedt
From the day of the outbreak to the present the French have been sending in reinforc
ments by air and by ship. On Nay 18 the vessel "Sontag" arrived in Tananarive from
France with troops, but there is,no indication of the numerical strength of the Frene
forces. Rebel strength has been assessed at 6,000 troops., (Page 10)
3.314
The French National Assembly has,dissolved the Madagascan Renovation Party and
legal proceedings have been instituted against the leaders of the movement. After
a three-weeks tour of inspection in the area,, General Pellet and the High Commission
have recommended certain mea.:uresto restore order. There is still active and wide-
spread guerrilla warfare, however. (Page 10)
CLASSIFICATION 1; SECRYT
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Paris, French Home L]ervice, Apr. 5, 1 47, 1:30 a.m. EST-..L
(Text)
"Iadagascar--The situation has remained substantially the same during; the
past 24 hours. Every clay the high Commissioner receives many messages from
the native population expressing its 'attachment' to France and her insti-
tutions. It has also expressed its indignation at the events which have
occurred in 'r:adaC.rscar.
"iIn Antanarivo a curfew has been ordered between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.,
and the big market held weekly has been canceled.
"The air mission wr ch had to supply the Sur Ipea.n population. in '.iahanoro
on the' east coast ?; th arras and ammunition has reported that it had to
^machine-gun a conce tration of 300 mutioneers (mutins) 20 kilometers to
the north of that t an."
Paris, ,iFP, French ;:mess Service, in French iorse to Latin America and
Canada, Apr. 3, 194? . 10:29 a.m. EST--W
Text Y
"Regarding the incid, nts in Madagascar, the President of the Council stated
that one should not c caggerate the military significance of these revolts,
in the course of whi.cs no firearms were used at all. On the other hand, he
stated, order has al:sady been reestablished in certain areas without the
French, troops having `tad to take recourse to their arms.
In a general sort ?f way, the state of siege was not at all necessary,'
Rama.dber stated, add ng however that, 'French) officers and i,adagascans had
been killed. Basic ecessary measures and order for arrest were sent
out.' Ramadier sire sed that the French policy in i+4adaga3car was lnaL".
of the French Union, for we must not forget that we established local
Assemblies there and that Madagascar is represented in the National Assembly,
as well as at the Council of the Republic.'
"Questioned on relations between Viet Nam and the Madagascan restoration
movement, the President observed that there had been some distant, occasional
contacts, but that the Viet Namese Government now sees its contacts being
cut off or. nearly all sides.'
"On the question of bread, iiamudicr stated that 'there is no question of
a' reduction in the bread ration for this month, and next month vie wi]l add
up the balance sheet of .?rha',~ has been reaped and what has bee:: imported.'
"The President corcluded by asking that no more such alarming questions on
such serious problems be asked in advance."
Paris, French Home Service, Apr. 10, 1947, 12!norn EST--L
(Text)'
"Ramadier devoted his weekly press conferenceltoday to the general situation
in Madagascar. After recalling the recent incidents and confirming that
the situation was developing satisfactorily, he defined the causes of these
incidents. !Then in 1~~42 detachments of Free France arrived in Madagascar,
then occupied by the British, French authority over the Island had been
contested. 'No longer feeling that links existed with Metropolitan France,
the local elements lost their unity and various parties were gradually fo..aed.
There is "i.:alagasy Renovation Party," which prevails in the center of t' e
Island and constitutes a kind of feudalism. There are also tao small parties,
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the "'.'alagasy Democratic Farty,'t and the " 'a] agasy Soda] '. over cnt," which,
although different from the rel.i;;ious point of vie:;, both advocute autonomy
but without any specific )rogram.
"A new party was recently formed, namely, the "Party of '.llagasy Disinherited,"
consisting of descendants of slaves of the plateau district and of descendants
of the populations of the coastal districts who ?aere ensl ,vex: by the conquest
of the .1Z:;'?;..5, and who ntill bear a grudge against their conquerors. Thay
are less coherent and organized that are the D.V.n.S. but their social Claims
are more acute and the conception of the French Union prevails strongly among
them. It is the Malagasy Renovbtion ?.;ovement which dominates the political
situation.9
"Ramadier then pointed to the obvious links between the recent incidents
'_ and the action of the latter movement. 'A legal investigation has been
opened. and several arrests have been made among the leaders of the cklagasy
Renovation Committee. Jules Ranevo, elected Councilor of the Republic, was
arrested before his election. It is possible that the Council of the Republic
will be called upon to take a decision regarding the matter.'
T.Vith reference to military steps, Itasadier said that they consisted of
the garrisons being reinforced by airborne units, but only in small cumbers.
He then furnished details proving that France had fulfilled all the obliga-
tions to which she had committed herself concerning '4adagascar."
Paris, in French to Guiana and the Antilles, Apr. 9, 1S:47, 5:30 P.m. EST--W
(Text)
"The high Commissioner of '.:adagascar convoked the Council of the Government.
.'. Dimpault was present at this conference. The Council examined the
situation on the i3land and heard the report of the Iiig:: Commissiorer on the
considerable roinforce.nents who are arriving from the mother country by
special plane.
"The High Commissioner like-wiee announced that the Island of Reunion, the
French Coast of Somaliland are placing at the disposal of :.adagascar
considerable reinforcements. Moreover, the high Commissioner receives every
day numerous telegrams in which the natives confirm their loyalty and their
devotion to France and disap;orove of the attacks which are shedding blood
on r.1aAagascar."
Paris, French Home service, Apr. 3, 1c47, 5:45 p.m. ;ST--L
, (Text )
"The :4inister of France Overseas has entrusted Gen. liornil Desbordes, former
General Officer Commanding the Levant] with investigating; events in .".adagas-
car. The situation in Madagascar is considered satisfactory, and a return
to peaceful conditions is indicated. Certain extremist elements of the
Malagasy Renovation :'over-ent are considered as responsible for the regret-
table incidents, and not the movement as a whole. The parliamentary group
of the Democratic :Jovement for ;,:ala? asy Renovation has published a state-
ment warning the public against reports that the movement is at the root of
the (Madagascar trouble."
Brazzaville, in French to ::urope, africa, anc: the ::oar !'ast, Apr. 2, 1947,
4:00 p.m. i3T--.
(Text)
"According to FE C1 -P b:SS , circles close to the ::inistry for France Over-
seas point out that reports received from Tan:;narive seem to implicate the
responsibility of the Democratic :.%ove:::ent for :1adagascar 1 enovatior.. ;~t
least there does not sees; to be any doubt that this unrest has been coordi-
nated and `.hat it co;-.cs from a carefully drawn up plan and technique."
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Paris,IA.FP,French Press Service, in French Morse to Latin America and
Canadal. Apr. 10, 147,,.7:29 a.m. .ST-4i
(Text)
'!Tananarive--Searches made in Tananarive permitted the discovery of
important docu.:nents. -Madagascan officials belonging to a terrorist or-
ganization were arrested. The attack against Farefanana which took
place late,y''esterday afternoon was repulsed .vith considerable losses
for the attackers. The night seems to have been calm over all the
territory."
Paris, AFP,Frerch Pr- -,s Service, in French i,'orse to Latin American and
Carada,! Apr.'i 16, 1 47, 10:43 a.m. 'HST--1.
(Excerpt)
"From the report :nac'e by' ::arius 'outet, Overseas :.'inister, on the events
in :,:adagascar, it stands out clearly that the responsibility of the L'?R:Z
(Democratic .nvement for :?adagascan Renovation) is incontestably involved.
Jurists I have shown that' in cases brought against the ::adagascan parliamen-
tarians'rrho have been arrested a case of flagrant crime can be uphold."
Paris, AFP, French Press Service, in French :'oroe to Latin ...erica and Canada,
Apr. 6, 1c47,'1:30 p.m. EST-=?
(Article" by APP Correspondent Andre Ramboqu)
(Text)
"Tananarive--Madagascar is more calm following the agitation of these past
days. It seems that it is more due to the firm and just attitude of the
authorities rather than to-struggle.
"However, the entire native population of the big island should not be -
blamed; in effect the majority of the falagasy were not influenced by
the propaganda inciting them to fight France.
"However it, must be noted that the recent disturbances did not constitute
isolated and! loosely formed actions. 'e face a coordinated movement,
planned at length by persons perfectly aware of their aims. None of those
who were 'arrested think of denying the facts of which they are accused.
It is said that in any case, the uprisings of recent days can in no way
comprdmise the! continuation of a frank and lo-al collaboration, for which
the French of 'adagascar and the r:ajority of the native population will
never cease to!hope."
Paris, AF?, French Press service, in French 'orse tc Latin :.erica and
Canada, 'pr. 4 147, 12:48 p.m. ?...?T--
(Text)
"Giving assurance of their 'loyal devotion to France and its institutions,'
the Provincial Assemblies of Tulear, Fianarantsoa, Tarmatave, :::a jun_-a, on
the occasion of their first meeting, each addressed a telegram of rcooperation)
to the French high Commissioner in Tananarive, announces the :.:inister of.
France Overseas. These messages emphasize that they express the (sentiments
of the totality, c' the members of the i.ssemblies.' These Assemblies are
composed of two, sections, the first grouping citiz ens frith a French status;
the lsecond, aborigines having maintained their personal status, and who
have the Majority."
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Paris, 4FP, French Press Service, in French :+orse to Latin America and
Canada, Apr, 4, ix47, 5:52 a.m. EST--iVi
(Text)
"Tananarive--In 'connection 'pith events in 'adagascar, it is learned that
on Apr. 21, a military supply truck was attacked near :.:oramanga by the rebels.
The occupants o: the truck, after killing two of the enemy, were able to
escape. On the other hand, an air mission. carried out on the same' day
reported that the railroad bet.voen F ianarantsoa and .:anakara was held by
the rebels. A military operation is in progress in this region. In
addition'',Vatomardry, located on the eastern coast of the island, .was
attacked, by armed bands, who wore repulsed. A few ?;risorero -tore taken.
" 'o other alarming report came from the territory during the day. The
High Coir"issioner appealed to everyone to keep calm in order to avoid the
spreading of rumors and unconfirmed news which night create unnecessary
panic among the t:uropean and L'alagasy population."
Paris, French Home Service, Apr. 15, 1947p 11:00 a.m. EST--L
(Text)
!'At today's Cabinet meeting the situation in Madagascar was examined.
It. Fariun(;7, 8:42 a.m. EST--W
(Text)
"Tananarive--It is reported that rebel uprisings took place in the
district of Be#otaka and near the ,r:arolambo post. Several villages
were set on fire northwest of l:.ahanoro, chiefly the village of Ianakolona
on the Vokipeno road. During the past 24 hours rseveral patrols were made
near :ibranaga and L?armele':bo.
"Reconnaissance flights were mace over the regions of I::nhanoro, Nosyvari.ka,
Mahamoro, Nosyvarika, and 'uanarathara. :.t Nanakara concessions were
ravaged, and many colonists were killed.
"Finally, in ;Tanajary, which is threatened, all the Europeans, officials,
militia, and colorists art together and are showing excel]cnt morale."
Paris, :tFP, French Press Service, in French ::rrse to Latin America and
Canada, :.'ay 1, 1`:47, 7:30 a.m. E T--?7
(Text)
"Tananarive--Last night the rebels attacked the :.:oramanga camp. The post
office was sacked and four Madagascan post office workers were killed.
Ft,^thermore, it is reported that they broke down the doors of the prison
and took out a number of 1-4:1ggascans with their families.
"Details are lacking for the moment from :it. Denis, Reunion. A general
strike is scheduled for Jay 2?"
Paris, French Home Service, Apr. 20,,,1~-47t 1:30 a.m. EST--L
(Text)
"Madagascar--The French:ligh Commissioner, M De. Coppet, yesterday opened
the first session of the Representative Assembly of ",Iadgascar at Ar.tirabe
which *as attended by all the authorities. The French High Commissioner
paid a tribute to the victims in the recent events and those who died to
safeguard 'France's presence' in :3dgascar.
"He made a speech in which he said: 'The fact that the rising broke out
at the same morent at various points goes to show that there was a huge
plot, with ramifications throughout the Island. L:any people have been
arrested, and there is no doubt that the insurrection ;:as prevented from
spreading because speedy measures were taken to cope vith it at the
outset. ?iarrants for the arrest of the parliamentary leaders of the
Renovation ::algachc, I?ovement were issued only after an inquiry had been
opened and it had been established that they were )ersonal.ly responsible
and implicate -33 in the crimes committed.
"'Justice is following its course, and the facts divined by the inquiry
will be made public.
A re are now in a position to state that t:.ere was a plot in the form of
a paramilitary rising organized in the minutest detail. The rebels had
at their disposal cells and local agitators throughout the island to put
their plot into execution. I asked the Governr;ent to grant no the necessary
political and administrative poners to insure order. I asked 'oletropolitan
France to send out large military forces and these are now on the way.'
"According to the latest information. received from Madagascar, the situation
in the Island can be summarized as follows: ISopping-up operations are
proceeding in the .'.ndapa area. Now units of parachutists were ...Idanan jary.
Eleven planes carrying semen and children evacuated from the latter place
arrived yesterday afternoon at Tanananariva."
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Paris, French home Service, 23, I47, 1:30 a,m; EST--L
(Text)
"D:kadaoascar--The local Repre:;entative Assembly has adopted tNo motions.
The first, after stressing the ~r vit f *1-
a
o
Y o e situation on the lsland
demands, trio disso] i~.tion of the Democratic 1 ovement l of Malagasy Reno Jation
and the death Sentence for those mainly responaiblol'for the rising.
"The second expresses the hope of closer coo
p ration between the elected
representatives of ::adagascar and r roach Goverr.mont official s in order to
safeguard French soverei ty, while 'at the same tine having regard for the
progress achieved by the local population. The le re'sentative .;Ssembly of
Madagascar is conpos cd of 15 metropolitan Councilors! and 21 native members.
"Latest cables from the Island speak of rebel concentrations
in the Mananjary
district. The 'administrative center' of Violava hasbeen occupied by the
rebels, who have killed the Governor and native guards and set fire to
several European concessions in the area."
Paris, AFP, French
Press service, in french Morse toy Latin America and
Canada, Apr. 21, 1