Published on CIA FOIA (foia.cia.gov) (https://www.cia.gov/readingroom)


CURRENT INTELLIGENCE DIGEST

Document Type: 
CREST [1]
Collection: 
General CIA Records [2]
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
17
Document Creation Date: 
December 12, 2016
Document Release Date: 
March 25, 2002
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
April 4, 1952
Content Type: 
REPORT
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9.pdf [3]963.93 KB
Body: 
Approved F&Release 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP79T01i1A000900040001-9 SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION US OFFICIALS ONLY CURRENT INTELLIGENCE DIGEST Office of Current Intelligence 4 April 1952 OCI No. Copy Copy No. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY This summary of significant reports has been prepared primarily for the internal use of the Office of Current Intelligence. It does not represent a complete coverage all Comments represent the or in the Office of Current immediate views of the Office of Current Intelligence. VATER UUN51 SECRET State Dept. review completed SECURITY INFORMATION IN BOX 16 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A0009DO04D001-9 Approved Forl%lease 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T011464000900040001-9 SECRET THIS MATERIAL CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE LAWS9 TITLE 189 USC9 SECS. 793 AND 7949 THE TRANSMISSION OR REVELATION OF WHICH IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW. GENERAL Communist propaganda position on the eve of the World Economic on erensce o r e am a ron an r. ange 9 the two c e organizers o the World Economic Conference9 during interviews in the Soviet capital on the eve of the conference9 made the first definite suggestions for trade possibilities in specific commodities between the Orbit and the West -- between Communist China and France and Great Britain. These remarks are in line with alleged Soviet interest in increased East-West trade. On the other handy the US Embassy in Moscow believes that the real motivation behind the conference is revealed in the following statement in the newspaper Trudo "The foremost condition for the development of European trade must be the cessation of economic discrimination against the USSR and Eastern Europe which is being carried out by the ruling circles of the US," Furthermore9 it is "well known that" the US ban on export of strategic materials "is being extended in fact to all types of goods and services completely severing trade between the West and East."- (C Moscow 15539 28 Mar; R Moscow 15569 28 Mar; Moscow 15839 2 Apr 52 2. Plan for expansion of Soviet trade agency activities in India n?ep~ar e ?v a pans or a organ ~a on o .vie cliann rode on a wider scale were reportedly discussed durin the recent Inter ~na,tiona Industries Fair at Bombay. 25X1 branches of the Soviet trade agency in a,lcut ta will e established in Bombay9 Madras9 and Cawnpore. These will contact local firms and grant them sole importing and distributing rights for Soviet goods 9 including machinery and consumer products, The USSR plans to sell goods at cheaper rates than Items US9 British and German manufacture. 25X1A 20 Mar 52) SECRET 4 Apr 52 I Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved FwrRelease 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T011' 6A000900040001-9 Comment: The reorganization of Vostokintorg in the fall m 51 , the Soviet propaganda effort of recent months to encourage Asian interest in trade with the USSR, and the International Economic Conference in Moscow have pointed up an emerging trend in Soviet policy towards the establish- ment of enlarged trade channels in various susceptible areas. This information provides additional evidence of Moscow's desire to promote Asian trade relations, and may actually lead to increased trade in low-priced commodities despite the improbability of obtaining strategic goods in return. Such a program would not only supplement the active Soviet cultural efforts to woo India, but would also serve to counterbalance American economic aid and trade ties. The USSR has at times been able to undercut Western prices by selling inferior products, and such an effort could be made in India with drugs, chemicals and small machinery. 25X1 3J 25X1 Comment: The uniformed militia are believed to number some M_, WT, but the full strength of the Bulgarian People's Militia is not known. Since ordinary civil police and special security forces are probabl included in the larger totals given in a security force strength of 100,000 would not appear to e i mprobable o Although an undetermined number of Yugoslavs and Greeks are in the service of Bulgaria, there is no evidence to indicate that they have been integrated into Bulgarian Militia units. SECRET 4 Apr 52 xr Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved FoonRelease 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T011*nA000900040001-9 4. Bulgaria reported planning new economic and political 25X1 measures 11-remier 1ierveai ov recently visited Moscow in connection with a new program for the "moral reinforcement" of the people and party of Bulgaria. Allegedly, the new program calls for a campaign to stress the importance of the party congress to be held in May for the postponement of plans for a Bulgarian currency reform, for an abatement of the propaganda campaigns against Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey, for stimulation of economic cooperation with the West, and for a "renaissance of Bulgarian national feeling." (S Athens 4327, 1 Apr 52) Comment: Although it is probable that Chervenkov visits .scow late in February, the balance of this report 25X1 has not been confirmed I and should be treated with considerable reserve. The last congress of the Bulgarian Communist Party was held in December 1948. According to party statute, a congress should be held every two years. There is no other evidence that a congress might be held in May. The Rumanian currency change in January caused rumors concerning an impending Bulgarian reform. It is likely that such a reform9 if planned, has been postponed. There is no evidence that Bulgaria intends to alter its hostile policy toward Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey, and it is highly doubtful that Sofia will "act to stimulate economic cooperation with the West." During the past year Bulgaria has undergone a rigorous program of consolidation and integration into the Soviet sphere Q and national feeling has been deliberately played down. It can be assumed that any "renaissance of Bulgarian nationalism" must necessarily take place within this established Satellite framework, 5. Czechoslovak Deputy Ministers of National Security re- ommun I placed: u e ra.vo 9 o c al orgaaa o t o Czech PartyreceIIfed Jindrich Kostal and Jorman as Deputy Ministers of National Security, replacing Stanislav Baudys and Antonin Binae (Ft FBIS Parise 2 Apr 52) Comment., This confirms information that Baudys, formerly Chief of the Czech Secret Security Police, has been removed from his post. He was earlier reported to have been arrested in January. 3 4Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved Fa 'Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T011 A000900040001-9 Antonin Bina, previously reported to be personal representative of Minister of Information Vaclav Kopecky, was discharged early in December 19510 64 Hungarian groups swamp US Legation with BW protests: The U ega ion in u apes recen y as received an over- whelming number of telephone calls, telegrams and petitions protesting the alleged germ warfare in Korea. A wide range of groups including district councils, several factories, peace committees and government offices have participated. The protests generally follow the current propaganda line against the alleged violations of the international rules of warfare by American troops. ( S Budapest 748, 29 Mar 52; 752, 31 Mar 52) Comment: Heretofore the campaign has been confined to the press, radio and mass meetings. 4 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved Fe&Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01TIWA000900040001-9 25X1 from Mao Tse-tung to Liu ao-c i as been it t y or o au 25X1 completed." Mao's actions as nominal head of the government are subject to Liu'' and that Mao veto cannot stage a coup to regain his power. 25X1A Comment: There has never been evidence to support per- sistent rumors that Mao and Liu head opposing factions in the Chinese Communist party and governments While reliable information on the private views of CCP leaders is lacking, the public pronouncements of Mao and Liu have been complemen- tary. Official Chinese Communist releases strongly suggest that Mao dominates the CCP and that Liu is his trusted subordinate, 7. Transfer of authority from Mao Tse-tung to Liu Shao-ch'i 8. Chinese Communists reportedly invite Soviet advisers to Tibet: a inese ommunasts ave invite ov a tec nicians tbet to set up industrial projects, supervise road-building and exploit Tibetan mineral resources, according to the Indian press. (U New Delhi 3579, 2 Apr.52) Comment: This is the first specific report that Soviet techncl i.a Behave been asked to enter Tibeto Although it is unconfirmed, the Peiping regime could be expected to lean on Soviet technical assistance in Tibet as in the rest of "liberated" China Recurrent reports in recent months relate the Chinese Communist effort to accelerate modernization of Tibet. The Communists must ensure their line of supplies and must improve transportation and communication facilities to effect the political and military integration of Tibet into China proper, High French official questions wisdom of Letourneau's appointment In n oc nnio T e- Director o tics A a rs , ~_rr rn ranee -Mnl~st-y---o-f-Associated States has expressed some personal doubts as to the wisdom of having Minister of the Associated States Letourneau act also as Minister Resident in Indochina. The Director fears that since the Minister will spend much of his time in Saigon, the Ministry of Associated States will lose importance. Furthermore, France's Indochina 5 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved Fq-.Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01t4&A000900040001-9 policy, which is formulated in Paris, will be affected by Letourneau's absence. Whenever Letourneau is absent from Paris, his position there will probably be filled by a secretary of state without full responsibility. (C Paris 6029, 1 Apr 52) Comment- Letourneau has been one of the strongest French supporters of his country's position in Indochina. This selec- tion of a cabinet member to be Minister Resident in Saigon is an indication that the French Government is determined to end the rumors that it was contemplating a withdrawal, 10. Burmese attempt to capture Chinese Nationalist airfield reports - 25X1 t ax t_tt'F army has asked the Union o Burma Airways to transport 1400 troops from Rangoon to the town of Kengtung in north- eastern Burma over a ten-day period beginning 27 March. An American official was privately informed that the ob- jective of this operation is the capture of the Chinese Nation- alist airfield at Mong Hsat, 60 miles southwest of Kengtungo 25X1A Comment- Previous Burmese military operations against the Ciin'~esemNationalists have been unsuccessful, Latest reports indicate that the Nationalists around Mong Hsat are well-equipped and far outnumber the Burmese force being flown to Kengtung., Karens in southeastern Burma planning attack on Moulmein: Karen orces n sout easternurma are reported to 15e _p anning a 13 April attack on Moulmein, Burma's third largest port. These troops, numbering about 9,000 well-equipped men, recently received two air-drops of arms. They believe that their arms, which have been obtained in Thailand in exchange for tungsten ore, originated from American sources and their morale is high. ( ) 25X1A Comment- Information from other sources indicates that this report exaggerates the size of Karen armed forces in southeastern Burma. There is no evidence of air-drops in the area, and although the trading of tungsten ore for arms by the Karens has been reported on a number of occasions, the source of these arms has never been determined, 6 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved FvwRelease 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP79TO114OA000900040001-9 The Karens have been more aggressive in southeastern Burma recently, but there is no reliable evidence that they are prepared to attack the comparatively large garrison at Moulmein. 12. Comment on new Indonesian Cabinet: Although led by an unimpressive prime im nis erg lie new Indonesian cabinet appears to be slightly stronger than the former government, With the exception of two ministries -- Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs -_ the various portfolios are held by fairly able and experienced men. This is particularly true of the Defense Minister (the Sultan of Jogjakarta) and the Minister of Home Affairs (Mohammed Ruin), the latter a leader of the Masjumi liberal wing. The appointment of the Sultan, one of the most capable and popular men in Indonesia, promises improved treat- ment of the country's outstanding problem -- the lack of internal security. Mohammed Rum should be able to provide the Sultan with necessary cooperation from the Home Affairs Ministry, The cabinet's foundation on a coalition of Indonesia's two largest parties, together with inclusion of representatives of the small but influential Socialist Party, appears to pro- vide it with the necessary parliamentary support to work effectively toward accomplishment. of its program, particularly in regard to attempts to solve the country's widespread inse- curity. Unfortunately, however, Indonesian governments are frequently threatened as much from internal dissension as from public and parliamentary opposition. The former cabinet fell largely as a result of internal political rivalry; it is almost inevitable that similar rivalries will appear in the present government. (Factual data based on R Djakarta 1447 and 1451, 2 and 3 Apr 52) 13. Spain's Moroccan policy outlined.- Current Spanish policy legal status for the Moroccan nationalist Islah Party and close relations with its local leader, Torres; amnesty for nationalist exiles from the Spanish Zone, despite any connections they may have with the Rif leader, Abd-el-Krim; improved economic con- ditions; provisions for increasing native participation in the Khalifian government; and opposition to France's Moroccan policy. To attain these objectives, special security measures in Spanish Morocco is reported o ave the following objectives: 7 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved F,pr Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T014k6A000900040001-9 will be taken and efforts made to obtain the active support of "well-disposed" Moroccans, especially the upper class. Torres is reportedly receiving personal favors and finan- cial aid from the Spanish Government, which hopes to use him in lannin and promoting an Arab-Spanish bloc. 25X1 Comment: Spain expects its current conciliatory policy towar t e oroccan nationalists to enhance its prestige and influence throughout the Arab world, and indirectly to strengthen its bargaining position vis-a-vis France, Britain, and the United States. The reported plan for increased security precautions indicates that Spain intends to control the course of developments in its zone. The formation of political parties was authorized by a Spanish decree on 12 March. Moroccan nationalists, however, feel that, because of the many restrictions included, any real political activity will be dependent on the good will of the Spanish High Commissioner. Moreover, Islah leaders are alarmed over reports that a rival nationalist party will be sponsored by the Spaniards. 8 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved Fem. Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01'I A000900040001-9 WESTERN EUROPE 14. East Germans assert Oder?Neisse line is permanent: The I4ationat Council of the East German National ront and the German-Polish Friendship Society stated recently that it is a national task to defend the Oder?Neisse frontiers They asserted that the fixing of the Oder'Neisse frontier was annimportanhoever step toward developing German-Polish friendships encroaches upon the "frontier of peace" wants war. (R FBIS Berlin, 29 Mar 52) Comment- While this line is not new, it indicates that the Soviet Unioii wants to reassure the Poles that the present boundary is permanent, and suggests that the Soviet Union is not now planning to compromise on this important German and Polish question as a "last trump" appeal to German sentiment, 15o East Germans prepare white book against Bonn government: Early ix- Marc. the East German government was reportedly planning to withhold issuance of a new white book entitled "Bonn Public Administration Prepares for War," The book aisonowhsaidttonhhave been given to Vincenz Mueller, Deputy Nal Democratic Party, for review, (S Frankfurt Sitreps 9 and 11, B-2, 18 Mar and 2 Apr 52) 16. Soviet-supported demonstrations disclose weaknesses in Austrian aecurity- The ustr an Government as informed Western o xcia` s -t t3 the invasion of the Greek Legation in Vienna on 31 March by 2,000 Austrian Communists was a carefully p action which was fully supported by the Soviet occupation authorities. Central police orders were circumvented by a local police official retained in office by the Russians despite his previous dismissal by the Ministry of Interior. Soviet officials police authorized the telephonesents who could have to the Soviet during the demonstration, Western officials are disturbed by the Austrian Government?s failure to maintain adequate liaison with the Western elements during the episode and have warned the Austrians that there must be closer cooperation if the Ministry of Interior is to retain control over police in the Soviet occupation zones. ive These officials hope that this recent example of effective ""hand-in-glove"" Soviet-Communist collaboration -m p SECRET 9 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved , Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01W6A000900040001-9 anticipated diplomatic inquiries over the violation of extra- territorial rights ? will necessity for more effective use of police A( Factual data from, U Vienna 3150, 1 Apr 52; R S Vienna 31699 Dutch Communist Party plans cover for members in government t service o As a result~c~~~t~~- Dut~F__G?vernment ? s ban -againshave mmunist employees in the civil services Communist groups n of taken precautions to digU1ThetUnionfofiDutech GovertheirnmentmembPersonnelers in government employment, a section of the Communist-controlled labor federation, has instructed its members to join the Socialist Party if their Com? overnment officials, t o g munist affiliations are known The Dutch Communist Party has reportedly sent each of its that a government members who is also thempa~tyesarosterr"atahisg his name has been removed request" -a thus providing "proof" that he has severed all connection with the party. Meanwhile the party has organized stine but irpet tact between it e a committee to plan clan bers , 25X1 and its ,vernment-em to ed mem Comment- Last Decembe~lzation~heforndCivilvservantsetoended its l .t of "'forbidden orgy include the Communist Party, the Communist-controlled labor federation, and other Communist-front organizations. eens no indication, however, that the government tplans to too implement this measure, which was fully supported by political parties, Communist strength in the Dutch Government is confinedam almost entirely to the lower echelons in Rotterdam, and Zaandamo 18? American Embassy warns against demanding rigid List II export limits froammbwedeno The, ericannAmbassador in tockholm reports thaq t eden w?-ur "undoubtedly"' establish definite List II quotfrnaaxportsatowthe Sovietel" "ing Orbit, but he feels that an approach An inflexible quota system would achieve much the same thing, would decrease the ability of the Swedes, t1 rive2)ard bargains with Orbit countries, (S Stockholm Apr 10 4 Apr 52 25X1 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved F'Release 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP79TO11WA000900040001-9 Comment: Last June the Foreign Office agreed informally to keep to a minimum Swedish exports of List I goods to the Orbit, but no commitment was sought by the United States at that time on List II items. Sweden's "alliance-free" foreign policy has precluded its taking any formal action on East-West trade matters, LATIN AMERICA 19. Vice President of Argentina dies: Dr. Hortensio Quijano, Vice resident ?f Argentina and Vice President-elect for another six-year term to begin on 4 June 1952, died on 3 April after a long illness, (R FBIS9 Radio Buenos Aires, 3 Apr 52) Comment: No new election for vice president will be held. The press nt pro tempore of the Senate, Rear Admiral Teisaire, will become acting vice presidents Teisaire will hold this post at least until the new Congress convenes next May, when the Senate may reelect him or select another president pro tempore, who would then become acting vice president. Should the president die or resign, the acting vice president would take over his functions only until special elections for president and vice president were called. Quijano's death will not significantly affect the admin- istration's policies, since he was politically inactive and Teisaire is chairman of the Peronista Party. 20. Russia breaking relations with Cuba: The Russian Charge d1Affaires has addressed a'maaote to the Cuban Minister of State stating that Russia is breaking relations with Cuba as the result of a recent incident involving the mistreatment of two Russian couriers, The note was delivered personally to the Cuban Undersecretary of State, Cuba's reply9 refuting the Russian version of the courier incident and acknowledging notification of the breaking of relations, is being delivered personally to the Russian Legation by the Assistant Chief of Protocol. (R Havana 702, 3 Apr 52) Comment: Although Cuba has maintained relations with Russia, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, there have been no Cuban diplomatic missions in those countries, Russia has maintained 11 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved E Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01' 6A000900040001-9 a legation in Havana; the Polish and Czech missions accredited have been resident in Mexico City. it is presumed that Russia, realizing the additional handicaps under which it would have' to operate under the new Batista regime, has decided to it h- draw its legation tactfully rather than have it forcibly closed at a later date, 21, Czechoslovakia requests permission to establish a corn- mere ial o fice in Panaa: T e Czec oslovar Minister to enezuela as as e t e Panamanian Foreign Minister for permission to establish a commercial office. He assured the Foreign Minister that the office would not be headed by a Communist and that it would deal only with commercial affairs. According to Ambassador Wiley, the Foreign Minister believes that he disposed of the question by replying that Panama would want a similar office in Prague. (C Panama 856, 2 Apr 52) Comment: A Czechoslovak commercial firm, Kotva, was .stab is ed in Panama in 1948; it was used as a contact point by emissaries of the Czechoslovak Government passing through Panama. However, no connection between this establishment and the Panamanian Communists was noted at any time. Kotva was being closed out in late 1951 and was reportedly to be replaced by another Czechoslovak agency, 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 25X1 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved F?r,Release 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP79T01146,A000900040001-9 THIS MATERIAL CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE LAWS,, TITLE 189 USC9 SECSG 793 AND 794, THE TRANSMISSION OR REVELATION OF WHICH IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW. 1. Chinese Nationalists threaten to oppose government is considering opposing the dissolution of the Allied Council for Japan when the San Francisco peace treaty comes into force. Allied ounce or apan,. represen a ive of t e inese mbassy in Washington has informed American officials that his The Chinese official pointed out that the peace treaty negotiations between Japan and China have reached a stalemate, and his government believes that it will have "little leverage" to apply to Japan after the multilateral treaty becomes effec- tive. (S S/S to Taipei 721, 1 Apr 52) Comment,. The Chinese Nationalists are unlikely to take this et~xr measure, and they have undoubtedly advanced this suggestion to reinforce their recent requests for United States intervention in the Sino-Japanese treaty talks. Taipei is well aware that its proposed action would be favorable to the USSR, which is officially represented in Japan only through membership in the Allied Council. again request US intervention in as again as e t e ni States to use its influence over the Sino-Japanese treaty talks-, The Chinese a ions ist overnment Japanese Government to force a reconsideration of its views on the proposed Sino-Japanese peace treaty. In a conversation with the American Charge at Taipei, Chinese Foreign Office officials pointed out that the principal point of disagreement is refusal by Japan to acknowledge China's right to the benefits granted the signatories of the San Francisco treaty, which is essential to maintenance of the Chinese Government's position of equality with the other Allies. 1 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved F Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T014 6A000900040001-9 The American Charge commented that should China be forced to yield on this point, the resulting official and public re- sentment, directed against the United States as well as Japan, would impair the effectiveness of the American military and economic aid program in Formosa, as well as create many ob- stacles to Sino-Japanese cooperation, (S S/S Taipei 1264; S S/S Taipei 1257, 2 Apr 52) 2 4 Apr 52 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9 Approved For Release 2002/05/20 : CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9

Source URL: https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp79t01146a000900040001-9

Links
[1] https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document-type/crest
[2] https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/collection/general-cia-records
[3] https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP79T01146A000900040001-9.pdf