THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF 9 APRIL 1976

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: President's Daily Brief 1969-1977
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0006015078
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: August 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 24, 2016
• Publication Date: April 9, 1976

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
The President's Daily Brief
April 9, 1976
2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Exempt from general
declassification schedule of E.O. 11652
exemption category, 5B( 15.12/.(3)
declassified on on approval of
the Director of Central Intelligence
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
April 9, 1976
Table of Contents
Lebanon-Israel: Israeli Defense Minister Peres yesterday ac-
knowledged for the first time that there are substantial
numbers of Syrian forces in Lebanon. (Page 1)
Cyprus: The forced resignation of Greek Cypriot negotiator Cler-
ides yesterday and growing rancor over the US-Turkish de- 25X1
fense agreement have permitted more radical Greek c25X1lot
leaders to seize the initiative. (Page 2)
USSR-Egypt:
USSR:
Cuba-Portuaal:
Notes: Guinea-USSR; USSR-China; France (Pages 5 and 6)
At Annex we present an alert memorandum on the scope and intent
of reported plans for anti-US demonstrations in Nicosia. 25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19: CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
BANKk,
Jerusalem'id
.44'4;11s
559575 4-76
20 ap Statute Miles
JO 40 Kilometers
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
LEBANON-ISRAEL: Israeli
Defense Minister Peres
yesterday acknowledged
publicly for the first
time that there are sub-
stantial numbers of Syr-
ian forces in Lebanon.
His statement presumably was
prompted by Damascus' introduction
of 1,300 to 1,500 Syrian regulars
and nearly 100 vehicles into the
Tripoli area on Tuesday.
Peres continued to minimize the
significance of the Syrian role in
Lebanon, saying that no more than
2,500 troops are involved and that
they are not an "organized mili-
tary force" constituting a threat
to Israel. He added, however,
that Israel will "take the neces-
sary defensive measures" if its
security is threatened.
Peres' statement appears designed
both to remind the Syrians and re-
assure the Israelis that Israel
is alert to Damascus' actions and
will not necessarily remain inac-
tive if Syria continues to move
forces across the border.
We have had no indications that
more Syrian froces have crossed
into Lebanon in the past 24 hours.
has seen no unusual activity that
would indicate preparations for a
large-scale move into Lebanon, but
an East European diplomat has told
the attache that he believes Syria
may make a major move this weekend.
1
--continued
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
CYPRUS: The forced res-
ignation of Greek Cyp-
riot negotiator Cler-
ides yesterday, com-
bined with growing ran-
cor over the US-Turkish
defense agreement, have
left more conciliatory
forces in Cyprus in dis-
array and permitted
more radical Greek Cyp-
riot leaders to seize
the initiative.
At Annex we present a
memorandum on report-
edly planned violence
against the US embassy
in Nicosia.
Leaders of the principal Lebanese
and Palestinian factions still ap-
pear to be working to arrange a
peaceful meeting of parliament to-
morrow. Violence continues in sev-
eral sections of Beirut, but at a
level that probably will not de-
rail plans for convening that body.
Leftist leader Jumblatt and his
group have reaffirmed their will-
ingness to accept a political ra-
ther than a military solution to
the crisis, provided President
Franjiyah is quickly replaced.
The ascendency of the more extreme
elements in the Greek Cypriot com-
munity spells serious trouble for
efforts to reach a Cyprus settle-
ment with the Turks. Former sup-
porters of Clerides joined hard-
liners in demanding his resigna-
tion after he admitted arranging
secretly to give Turkish Cypriot
negotiator Denktash a preliminary
version of Greek Cypriot proposals
for a settlement.
The Turks probably see the situa-
tion as offering an opportunity to
stall even longer in the talks and
to place the blame on the Greek
side. In fact, Turkish Cypriot
negotiator Denktash apparently
leaked information of his secret
agreement with Clerides.
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
_
USSR-EGYPT:
USSR:
25X1 25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
3
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
--continued
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - SanitizedCopy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
_
CUBA- PORTUGAL :
25X1
25X1
25X1
4
25X1
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
_ , . .
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19: CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0__
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
?
Soviet propagandists
are citing the demon-
strations in Peking
and the subsequent dis-
missal of Teng Hsiao-
ping as evidence of
intensified political
turmoil in China.
NOTES
25X1
25X1
Some broadcasts predict further
upheavals and seem to be trying
to fan Chinese suspicions of Mao's
intentions.
Despite the propagandists' glee
over China's internal disarray, So-
viet leaders probably have serious
misgivings over the uncertain situ-
ation in Peking.
Since January, when Hua Kuo-feng
was named acting premier, the So-
viets have portrayed themselves
as sympathetic to China's moder-
ates. They hastily rehabilitated
Chou En-lai at that time, com-
mented approvingly on his policies,
and became more outspoken in their
criticism of China's leftists.
5
--continued
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19: CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016707/1?-: brAIRDP79T00936A013300010009-0
French
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
6
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
CYPRUS
We present below an alert memorandum, released
yesterday, on the scope and intent of reported plans
for anti-US demonstrations in Nicosia.
We have reports that the organizers of a demon-
stration scheduled for April 12 to protest the US-
Turkish agreement are planning violent attacks on the
US embassy. The forced resignation of Greek Cypriot
negotiator Clerides--the principal leader of the
forces for moderation--has helped loosen the re-
straints on more radical elements and may have weak-
ened the resolve of security forces to control anti-
US protesters. Representatives of various right-wing
and extreme leftist groups have reportedly agreed to
cooperate in demonstrations against the embassy.
the impression from talks with the commander
of the Cypriot National Guard that his troops will
assist the police if necessary.
Ultimately the protection of the embassy depends
on Archbishop Makarios. His government has shown it-
self capable of controlling demonstrations when it
has had the will to do so. This time it may suit him
to encourage the demonstrators in order to keep the
issue in the international limelight, and the demon-
stration could get out of control.
Compounding the problem is a reported plot by
rightist extremists to assassinate Ambassador Craw-
ford as well as prominent Cypriot political officials.
Such an attempt would intensify factional strife and
possibly lead to violence within the Greek Cypriot
community. It would also present difficult political
complications for Greek politicians in Athens.
The growth of extremism implied by these plans,
plus the fact of Clerides' resignation, bodes ill for
efforts at a Cyprus settlement. Should the demonstra-
tions get out of hand and lead to violence, additional
complications would be introduced in an already diffi-
cult situation.
Al
FOR THE PRESIDENT ONLY
25X1
25X1
A
X
25X1 2255)(11
25X1
25X1
25X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0
Top Secret
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2016/07/19 : CIA-RDP79T00936A013300010009-0