CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN - 1961/03/15

Document Type: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
03007380
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
21
Document Creation Date: 
August 14, 2020
Document Release Date: 
August 27, 2020
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
March 15, 1961
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Body: 
ammo. Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 sP3(h)(2) 3. 15 March 1961 5(c) L,Opy P40. ih CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN --TOP-SEC-RET- Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380M4 ZCURIG I 1'010-SECRET- Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 'Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 itid I or.),tt(t., I ii/ , � e Nior 15 March 1961 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN CONTENTS 1. 'Laos: Situation in Laos as of 0400 EST (Page t) 2. USSR: in Soviet anti-ballistic missile program. ;Page tt) 3. Congo: Hammarskjold worried over possible incidents following arrival of Indian UN contingent in the Congoo(Page tt) 4. Burma: Prime minister tells Khrushchev situation in Congo "calls for greater ratirr than lesser efforts" by UN. rage tt) 5. Belgium: Spaak critical of Belgian Government's policies in Congo. (Page ttt) 6. Communist China: Oil shipments received from USSR during February; i norts from nonhl7n sources appar- ently tapering off. (Page ttt) 7. India-Communist China: Minor border incident likely to generate further protests in New Delhi. (Page iv) 8. Morocco: Rabat to receive additional military equipment from USSR. (Page tv) 9. Saudi Arabia: King requests US agreement to abrogation of Dhahran Airfield pact. (Page ty) 10. Argentina: Army chief reported determined to oust Presi- dent Frondizi within the next 20 days. (Page v) TOP SECRET / A All 4 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 % Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 :n0FORiv �101 -T-OP�SECRET CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 15 March 1961 DAILY BRIEF *Laos: Government troops a few miles north of the Phou e Khoun road junction, consisting of four infantry battalions plus support elements, are encountering persistent artillery harass- ment and infiltration by Kong Le - Pathet Lao elements, and fr may be forced to retreat to new defensive positions. Intercepted4 enemy operational messages reveal that an effort is being made q (9 both north and south of the road junction to stampede the nu- merically stronger but confused government troops into a general rout. This would open the way to a possible attack on Luang Prabang, presently defended by eight battalions. At the same time, the messages indicate the extended nature of the enemy's effort in terms of both men and supplies; one mes- sage cautions against the danger of a sudden government counter- attack in the rear. To the south on route 13, three battalions of Kong Le - Pathet Lao forces have been ordered to press the battle_ toward yang Vieng. q_leports from the American country team in Vientiane raise the question whether military events are overtaking the political situation. The country team states that the Vientiane government, probably because of the deteriorating military situation, appears anxious for an early ceasefire and may even be thinking of some political compromise to win quick Communist agreement; the government also appears hopeful the US would go along with an international conference to ratify the actions of any international commission. General Phoumi has indicated he is no longer willing to press ahead with a reorganized govern- ment headed by the king. The many rumors circulating in Vien- tiane reflect growing fear over the trend in the military situatioq (Backup, Page 1) 1 TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 CO3007380 IWO SLCKL, USSR: An advance in the Soviet anti-ballistic missile ABM ram firingsof missiles on 2 and 4 March into the Sary Shagan complex. (Backup, Page 4 ) (Map) Congo: Hammarskjold is increasingly worried over the possibility of incidents in connection with the arrival of the Indian UN contingent, whose first units are to fly into Leopold- ville on 16 March. tie told American officials on 13 March that it was of great political importance that the Indian opera- tion be carried out, in view of the heavy prestige commitment of Nehru and the Indian military. According to a letter to Am- bassador Stevenson on 12 March, he also recognizes that the Congolese hostility toward the UN results from the Congolese belief that the 21 February Security Council resolution author- izes the disarmament of the Congolese army and the imposition of UN trusteeship. He apparently feels that this attitude, rein- forced by the anti-Asian feelings connected with Dayal, might focus on the Indian troops, Hammarskjold also believes, al- though he admits he has no specific evidence, that the recent military incidents in the Congo and the outcome of the Tanana- rive conference resulted from a Belgian-inspired plan to build up a political and military basis of resistance to the UN. Burma-USSR: Prime Minister Nu's reply to a letter from Khrushchev of 22 February rejects the Soviet charges that Hammarskjold is responsible for what has hann ned in the Congo. Nu told Khru- shchev t it wnue ne agreea belgium ana ner p oteges" bore the major responsibility, he believes "the situation in the Congo calls for greater rather than lesser efforts on the part of the United Nations." Nu declared that Burma will support the Security Council resolution authorizing the UN to use force in the Congo "in any way open to us." He agreed with Khrushchev 15 Mar 61 DAILY BRIEF ii �TOP 3FClETh / Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 ;'�4 4, 4 'Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 U IO1 SECKL4' that the enlarged membership of the UN necessitated structural changes, but contended that such changes should not be dealt with in the context of the Congo problem. Nu's position on these issues is similar to that of Indian Prime Minister Nehru. (TOP 'Backup, Page 6) Belgium-Congo: Former NATO Secretary-General Spaak, in a conversation with the American charg�n Brussels, voiced strong criticism of the Congo policies of the Belgian Govern- ment and was very pessimistic regarding the role of the UN. While Spaak does not feel that all Belgian political advisers should be withdrawn from the Congo, he favors immediate re- moval of the military "adventurers" and tte progressive removal of paramilitary and military personnel. Recent reports indicate that of the 200-230 Belgian officers and NCOs serving in the ICatanga army, only 30 have so far been ordered back to Belgium. In addition, there are several hundred advisers and technicians in ICatanga and elsewhere. The embassy comments that Spaak, who is running for parliament on the Socialist ticket in the 26 March national elections, will remain cautious in voicing any public criticism of Prime Minister Eyskenes government because of Socialist participation in the original Brussels round-table conference which outlined plans for the independence of the Congo. As a member of a Social Christian - Socialist coalition govern- ment that may be formed following the elections, Spaak would exercise a more stringent influence over the control of African affairs. Comniunist China: Recenemessages indicate that Soviet deliveries of petroleum to China in February were at a level comparable to that of the same month last year. Although talks on 1961 trade and future economic relations are still underway, these deliveries from the USSR suggest that the Chinese have re- solved their indecision over petroleum imports and that they will continue to purchase large amounts of Soviet POLO Chinese im- ports of petroleum from nonbloc sources appear to be tapering off. (SECRET SABRE) (Backup, Page 8) 15 Mar 61 DAILY BRIEF iii �TOP-SfeRE-T- z Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 A , , 4,4 44.7" ?/- "Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 U iur India - Communist China: The border incident revealed by Defense Minister Krishna Menon on 14 March, while apparently only a minor skirmish between Indian and Chinese border guards, may set off new protests in the Indian Parliament and increase New Delhi's determination to remain unyield- ing. Menon said that a Chinese soldier had been captured by an Indian patrol four miles inside the Himalayan state of Sikkim. 'lie incident, probably resulting from Chinese re- connaissance activities, E� one of several along this sector of the Tibetan frontier reported since November,1 but the only one publicized by Indian officiag In view of the-deadlock in diplo- matic efforts to solve the border dispute, New Delhi may feel It expedient to keep Peiping under pressure by playing up its "aggressive" activities. Peining will Probably minimize the Incident, (I) ubDi-c-iviorocco: addiflonal military equipment destined for Morocco�of types and amounts not yet determined�is now being processed at the Soviets arms port of Nikolaev. In addition, Rabat has announced that two Soviet experts have arrived in Morocco "at the reqiest of his majesty's government" to examine the pos- sibilities for constructing a shipyard on the Mediterranean. Their arrival apparently is a result of economic aid discussions during the visit of Soviet President Brezhnev to Morocco in February. 4 WI aa,uai Aram: c4ing ba,uct, casting about tor a "success" to bolster his administration against supporters of Crown Prince Faysal, has asked that the US agree to his announcing immediately abrogation of the Dhahran Airfield agreement. Prior to his dis- issal as prime minister by the King last December, Faysal had asked the US to "study" changing the status of the airfield. Saud's emissary to the American ambassador asserted that members of the pro-Faysal faction are preparing to attack the King through propaganda releases in other Arab states alleging that Faysal was dismissed because he wanted to abrogate the airfield agreemeng 15 Mar 61 DAILY BRIEF iv TOP SECRET Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 A\Ns\ \ Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 CO3007380' ---4-(diiv---laMItrr- Su, rab propagandists will seize upon any adjustments made by the ITS on the Dhahran agreement as an opportunity tn citpn nn thpir attacks on base rights in Libya and Moroccq (Backup, Page 9) *Argentina: [Army Commander-in-Chief General Carlos Toranzo Montero told a close associate on 11 March that he has decided to oust President Frondizi within 20 days, No reason was reported, although Toranzo Montero has been bitterly critical of Argentina's recent offer of "good offices" to ease US-Cuban tensions. The Army .e_# chief, recently conferred with Army commana posts outside of Buenos Aires and decided, after putting a few uncooperative officers under house arrest, that he had sufficient support for a coup. Army promotions late in 1960 placed his supporters in key positions. Frondizi reportedly is aware of Toranzo Montero's plotting through a line tap on the lat- ter's telephone, and the army chief who has now been informed of this tat). may have tn ehanceP hi g n1anQ-1 15 Mar 61 DAILY BRIEF _T-CLP-SEGRE-T-- Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Mo.chutne C H I Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380it N A /Namll .. � ."-t ( r H�ti ni . I SKI, Lap� ., � 4-� , (,. I' 1 /long Pa 0mA, A AS %.,.... ..,...,...,,,,..),2 tA. i, 44;;Nhaqs / i \ �.....�.,y^ / -rs 11) � i t. / ... % I NAM TI, A ,... Muong S;rop'''''. ,/ .! / Muang Nan?' Muang Phrae Wang Phetsanolo LUANG cggirti.=1" Itassy ,1 Nong ithai Dan So LAOS Government forces Government Antigovernment Antigovernment concentrations Kong Le/Pathet Lao forces 0 Main route number Road � � Trail A Chinese Nationalist Irregulars 25 50 7,5 105 Mlles l� � 7.1 " 0 25 50 75 100 Kilometers 10.315 3 855e 26716,1 5-58 ' *Mu.pien Xheo-Pre� Chong-h: \ - ���\ job. Kay -1� coo Bang 7J� *Nrng ming Lang Son� e.. Oho Nguyen� �Phu Lang Thuong l'eng Khouan � nth 8inhn Thanh N �Fht Tint, ploloang Yasothon Muang �Warm Charnra ,,,Str0n f H .-,1 C A M'I30 DIA' 4;'': Stung Treng Boundarres and nomes ore not necessarily iPory recOgniced by the U.S Government ILK CAC BA AI / N ear A Mon Ckyl'h ,-� TLYDE BK BAO ,,,ir,DEMARCA T ION LINE SO UT/4 ,f (Vitti\IAM A SSA K5 ,, A 130 Khans� 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Map Page Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 'Nee Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 I \-11 h.J1-114-.4 Via Situation in Laos Reports reaching Vientiane from Laotian military sources emphasize the role of North Vietnamese personnel in the current fighting, These reports, while not claiming that regular units as such are involved, do indicate the presence of such personnel in sizeable numbers, with the North Vietnamese troops acting as shock troops and the Pathet Lao taking over for exploitation. Although Laotian sources are prone to exaggerate the scope of Vietnamese involvement, it is probable that North Vietnamese are lending at least some tactical direction. a Soviet general seeking a meeting with Kong Le. This is the first indication of the presence of a Soviet military figure in Laos. [-Soviet airlift operations into Laos have recently been stepped p. Soviet IL-14's continue to average about eight flights per day o the Plaine des Jarres area, but since 9 March there has been n increase in the number of Soviet LI-2's flying to Xieng Khouang. The last of the Soviet AN-12's which arrived in North Vietnam on 3 March returned to the USSR on 11 Marclp [According to the chief, PEO, the Communists have stepped up their logistical support to the highest daily rate reported during the past three months. On 12 March PEO estimates that 150 tons of supplies were brought in overland from North Vietnam and about 70 tons were brought in by air. eight Soviet IL-14s, four oviet ana one ortn Vietnamese AN-2 to Xieng Khouang. Although this is an increase in aid activity, the number of planes involved could not have brought more than 28 tons of supplies and there is no evidence that any other routes were flown3 The three-man cabinet level delegation from Vientiane which arrived in Phnom Penh on 14 March for additional talks with TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 1 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Souvanna Phouma reportedly is empowered to agree to a later conference between representatives of the Boun Oum govern- ment, Souvanna Phouma, and the Pathet Lao. The delegation's immediate concern is to discuss with Souvanna different methods for bringing about a cessation of foreign interference in Laos. If a decision can be reached on this, it will be brought to the attention of "the great powers" through their ambassadors in Phnom Penh. Souvanna Phouma, meanwhile, has sent for Quinim Pholsena --minister of defense, finance, and foreign affairs in the rump government at Xieng Khouang--to join him in Phnom Penh to re- ceive unspecified directives to be carried out during Souvanna's absence on his upcoming world tour. This request was sent on 11 March following Souvanna's talks with Phoumi but before he had learned of the impending visit of a second Vientiane delegation. It was forwarded on Souvanna's behalf by the North Vietnamese commercial delegation in Phnom Penh to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi for further relay to Quinim. North Vietnam and the Xieng Kliouang "government" have moved to put their relations on a more formal basis. Hanoi an- nounced the appointment of a "economic and cultural representa- tive at the Laotian Kingdom" on 13 March and reported that a Laotian economic and cultural representative had presented his credentials in North Vietnam. Claiming to represent Souvanna Phouma as the "lawful government of Laos," the Xieng Khouang group is consolidating Communist political control over northern Laos. Recently it agreed to exchange economic and cultural missions with Communist China as well as North Vietnam. Be- fore he fled Vientiane last December, Souvanna agreed to cross- border trade with North Vietnam. Probably to support their professions of "neutrality," however, neither Souvanna nor his Xieng nouang "representatives" have formally recognized Hanoi or Peiping. North Vietnam and Peiping can circumvent this technicality with the exchange of economic and cultural officials. 5n 14 March, Hanoi announced that rallies will be held through- t North Vietnam between 15 March and 30 March to condemn "US7 TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 2 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 I 10315 2 Stalingrad Rangehead Kapustin Yar Vladimiravka. POSSIBLE SOVIET ANTIBALLISTIC MISSILE ACTIVITY: TEST RANGE FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH MISSILE FIRINGS OF 2 AND 4 MARCH. Kapustin Yar missile test range Down range launch points associated with Sony Shagan test complex operations Tyura Tam. ICBM/Space launching facilities Impact Area 1-1 Sary Shagan test complex Sary Shagan TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Map Page Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Nis!i kir i./E.L.IXE, 1 q. nterference in Laos and South Vietnam." In late January, the ro-Asian Solidarity Council passed a resolution calling on embers to observe 15 March as a day of anti-American demon- strations to mark the "Afro-Asian peoples' solidarity with people of Laos) TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 3 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 'welp# bLL,Ixt, Possible Advance in Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile *Test Program suggests that they were not launched from Kapustin Yar rangehead. It is possible that they were launched from an unidentified site 300 n.m. down range from Kapustin vnr Thp launch was confirmed in each case Anti-missile research activity has been under way in the Sary Shagan area since 1957. Missiles fired from the Kapustin Yar rangehead, (1,100 n.m. distant) SP-2 (350 n.m. away), and SP-5 (500 n.m.) have been used as targets for the collection of re-entry data and the testing of equipment. TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN page 4 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 �Wr JEL.1-(11., 1 11101 the missiles fired in March are believed to have traveled. 15 Mar 61 TOP SECRET CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 5 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Nue 01 3LILA(L / Burma Supports the United Nations' Action in the Congo Prime Minister Nu told the Burmese parliament on 13 March that the Union Government believes that the United Nations, "with all its shortcomings," offers the only hope of restoring stability and security to an independent Congo. While Nu's answer to Khrushchev on 11 March was less specific than Nehru's�failing to defend Hammarskjold by name or to offer reinforcements to the United Nations Congo Command--it reiterated Burma's consistent support for the United Nations. In 1950 Burma backed UN intervention in Korea, and, unable to spare troops, sent token tonnages of rice as its contribution; in 1956 it supported the UN resolu- tions against both the Soviet Union in Hungary and the United Kingdom, France, and Israel in Suez; in 1960, it sent a small unit to serve with the UN in the Congo. The unit was withdrawn in early 1961. Although Burma was disappointed in 1953 when the United Nations failed to brand Nationalist China an aggres- sor for its support of the irregulars in Burma, it still--as a neutral with no military alliances�looks to the United Na- tions as its main source of assistance in the event of a for- eign attack. When Burma supported a draft resolution which described the Soviet intervention in Hungary as "genocide," the Burmese representative to the UN explained his country's position by stating: "There, but for the grace of God, go we." Nu's support for Khrushchev's proposal to reorganize the United Nations structure is probably not intended as an attack on either klammarskjold or the secretariat. Instead, it is more likely that Burma is looking for a reorganization of the Security Council to increase the representation and influence of the nonpermanent members and, if possible, to eliminate the permanent members' veto powers. With reference to the recognition of a Congolese govern- ment, Burma's position is identical to that which it has adopted toward Laos. Burma is withholding action, as it is not satisfied TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 6 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Nos IVY isswiL that any claimant actually exercises gover 11 beyond a limited segment of the country. TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page �7 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 'vossolLCIIt*rfoof POL Shipments From USSR to Communist China POL shipments through the important border transshipment point at Manchouli were at a high level at least for a short time in February. there was a backlog of 610 tank cars con- taining about 23,000 tons of POL at Manchouli on 16 February. Peiping advised Moscow on 23 February that the situation had returned to normal and asked that deliveries not be stopped. In February 1960, Manchouli was handling 7,000 to 8,000 tons of POL a day, and reported a backlog of 30,000 tons. Evidence of other POL deliveries by the Soviets shipments of POL from Rumania to China by tanker in March and April. These shipments were to be charged to the Soviet account. Since October 1960, about 80,000 tons of POL are known to have been shipped to China from nonbloc sources. These imports, of only marginal significance in terms of China's total domestic demand, nevertheless were the first such con- tinuing purchases outside the bloc. Since August 1960 informa- tion on the level of POL shipments from the USSR--known to have been high up to that time--had virtually ceased. Peiping displayed an unusual reluctance to make known its 1961. POL requirements to the USSR. There has been no recent informa- tion on further purchases outside the bloc, and, inasmuch as there is evidence that the Chinese had sent the Soviets their 1961 POL requirements by 17 February, China will probably continue to rely on the bloc for most of its POL imports. 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 8 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 � Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 'ore '1 01' .5LCK1i 1 Noir King Saud Requests Immediate Abrogation of Dhahran Airfield Agreement Since the dismissal of Crown Prince Faysal as prime min- ister last December, his backers and those of King Saud have been engaged in a struggle for power in Saudi Arabia. The pro- Faysal group, which apparently includes a majority of the in- fluential Saudi princes, has already engineered the ouster of two of the King's trusted advisers. The group is now in Jidda with Faysal and is reported conspiring to return Faysal to power as prime minister. Saud appears to be frightened and is taking extraordinary security measures. In his desperation, he is willing to go to almost any lengths to preserve his posi- tion and might announce a unilateral abrogation of the agree men Loyiginally negotiated in 1951, the airfield agreement was renegotiated in April 1957 for a term of five years. In return for "operational facilities" at Dhahran the US Government prom- ised to improve the airfield, build port facilities at Dammam, train Saudi Air Force personnel, and provide a military advis- ory group for the Saudi Army as well as limited training for naval personnel. The US agreed to provide grant aid for the 1957-62 period amounting to $70,000,000. At the present time there are 1,400 US Air Force and 18 Navy personnel at Dhahran. A Military Assistance Group of 155 men is stationed at Tail) TOP SECRET 15 Mar 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 9 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 Now# 'gad THE PRESIDENT CONFIDENTIAL The Vice President Executive Offices of the White House The Special Assistant for National Security Affairs The Scientific Adviser to the President The Director of the Budget The Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization The Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Chairman, Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities The Department of State The Secretary of State The Under Secretary of State The Director, International Cooperation Administration The Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs The Deputy Under Secretary of State for Administration The Counselor and Chairman of the Policy Planning Council The Director of Intelligence and Research The Treasury Department The Secretary of the Treasury The Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense The Deputy Secretary of Defense The Secretary of the Army The Secretary of the Navy The Secretary of the Air Force The Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs) The Assistant to Secretary of Defense (Special Operations) The Chairman, The Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy Chief of Staff, United States Air Force Chief of Staff, United States Army Commandant, United States Marine Corps U.S. Rep., Military Committee and Standing Group, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Commander in Chief, Pacific The Director, The Joint Staff The Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff The Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of Army The Director of Naval Intelligence, Department of Navy The Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Department of the Air Force The Department of Justice The Attorney General The Federal Bureau of Investi'gation The Director The Atomic Energy Commission The Chairman . The National Security Agency The Director The United States Information Agency The Director The National Indications Center The Director CONFIDENTIAL Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C03007380 �.".(14/7//7