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lift HISTORICAL REJ/iEW PROGRAM
13. Senators Symington, Jackson and Dom>nKf"ask"dfa:6Citl tne'^ missile, particularly its guidance system.
OCI and General Graham discussed. Morebe+ '
Senator Jackson asked if the Soviets presently have naval infantry in the Mediterranean. Did they have naval infantry in theduringar? Have they deployed naval infantryoutside of the Eurasian
Dt
/Senator Symington;askedetailed' analysis of eacfr*eapon empIoyedi:in:;the.present conflictand
16< Senator Jackson askedabout the ce to. accomodate size and type of sh
ez Canal
. He obviously sees "the possible as being of primary advantage
enator Jackson Canal oncee<
Ssnators Synington and Thm open the Canal.
OCI briefly discussed.
9. Senator Dominick asked when will vie have further information on possible break down of the present cease-fire in tha Middle East.
OCI responded that our first information will probably comeesult of Or. Kissinger's talks.
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3
Question 16
Senator Jackson asked about the capability of the Suez Canal to accomodate size and type of ships (he obviously sees the possible opening of the Suez Canal as being of primary advantage only to the Soviets).
CIA Response
When the Suez Canal was closed7 it could accommodate vesselsfoot draftsadequate for dry cargo ships and tankers up0 DWT fully loaded or larger ships upWT in ballast. This operational capability steamed froa completion by early4 of the first two stages of the thrce-staga "Nasser Project" that was8 and aimed at widening end deepening the Canal for transit of larger ships entering the world tanker fleet. Although work was under way to carry out the last stage of the project to deepen the Canal toast, it was far frow complete at tho time of the Canal closure.
The USSR would probably benefit more than .my other countryeopening of the Suez Canal at its pre-closure depth. Withew vessels larger0 DWT, most of the Soviet merchant fleet can transit the Canal fully loaded. If the canal opens, tho USSR will be able to restore its or.ee sizeable exportspetrolcua from the Black Sea to India and Japan,illion tonsS.
At the same tine, the added0illion annually) of that Black Sea trade with India, North Vietnam, and other countries east of Suez that the USSR has carried on via the roundabout Cape route since the7 closure of the Canal will be eliminated. Byiles from each voyage between the Black Sea and the Indian Ocean, opening the Canal will also facilitate Soviet naval, fishing, oceanographic, and space support activities in that region. Naval ship transfers between the Far East and the Black Sea, and deployment and support voyages from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean will require two weeks less steaming time. Although the main responsibility for Soviet naval operations in the Indian Ocean will probably remain with the Far East Fleet, the Black Sea fleot is likely to takeey role in supporting and supplying units from tho Far East Fleet.
Question 17
Senator Jackson asked how long it would take to clear the Canal onceecision was made.
CIA Response
We estimate thai tho Canal probably could be restored to itsperating capacity in about six monthsost oi
illion, excluding the cost of repair to associated installations. Costs could run substantially higher if larger quantities of equipment were employed to expedite the work. Estimates of restoration costillion for the removal ofunken vessels in the Canal that could be raised in about three months. Dredging costs could run as highillion and take about six months to complete; it is assumed that dredging operations and salvage work would be conducted simultaneously.
Original document.
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