LBJ LIBRARY
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CIA INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM
The Situation in Czechoslovakia as. EOT
Czechoslovak party leader Dubcek has assured the country's populace today that he does not intend to cave in to Soviet pressure and will
retain his freedom of action with Moscow. elegation of factory workers, he pHBsa;c!id not intend to push the differences with Moscow to an open break, but added "we know what e want. " He also said that the Czechoslovak presidium ia unanimous ^'MO) in its attitude toward the proposed talks with the Soviets.
Prague has taken some steps apparently intended to be half-way responsive to Soviet demands, but also continues to assert its determination to continue its reforms. The party presidiumabolished the central committee's department for military and security affairs, an act which had the effect of removing Lt. Gen. Prchllk, who hadoviet bugbear, from his important position as head of this department.
The setting up by the Czechoslovak government of advisory councils for radio and television can also be viewedonciliatory step toward Moscow. Although the members of the councils will not be censors per ae, the creation of the councils suggests that without actually re-imposing censorship, the Dubcek regime is partially responding to the Soviet demand that it control the news media.
Prague provided further evidence today that it will not bow precipitately to Soviet pressure. The party daily Rude Prayo in effect rebutted the Pravda article ofuly which linked the Czechoslovak and the Red Chinesehe Rude Pravo article stressed that the autonomy of each party ie indispensable and that "thc demand fors not at variance with international solidarity. "
Moscow is still denouncing certain Czechoslovak party leaders. Pravda adds the name of Vice-Premier Ota Sik to the growing list of identified "revisionists. "
Most of the Soviet leaders continue to be out of public view, butolltburo membersremier Kosygln. President Podgorny, and First Deputy Premier Polyanskyere officially reported in Moscow yesterday or today.
APKBOVtD FOR RELEASE
X1,
elementspossibly throe Soviet divisions which moved south from the Berlin areauly are apparently now located in restricted areas approximatelyiles south of Berlin.
has been no change in the status of Soviet forces in Czechoslovakia
unusual activity has been observed in the Czechoslovak Armed Forces.
B
Original document.
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