WS: MODERATES REGAIN UPPER HAND IN SYRIAN MILITARY REGIME

Created: 5/15/1964

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WEEKLY SUMMARY

central intelligence

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MODERATES REGAIN UPPER HAND IN SYRIAN MILITARY

Salab al-Dlnoderate ousted last fall, has been reappointed prime minister, and the currentreorganization will probably further decrease the influence of the radicals. Strong man General Hafiz retains real control.

Recent developments In Syria indicate tbat moderate Baathist leaders led by General Amis al-Hafiz are gainingat least temporarily, over radical elements within the military regime. Salab

al-Dinoderate who bad been ousted from thelast October, was reappointed prime minister onay, Bafiz, wbo retains real control. The currentreorganization will probably

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further decrease the influence of the radical group.

The regime's attempts to implement doctrinaire socialist measures in the Syrian economy bad met with intense opposition from conservative groups. The unusually harsb sentences imposed oq participants in the strikes and disorders last month further increased public hostility. Haflz has now commuted most of the severe sentences, however, and there have been no new Serious incidents. Bitar'a appointment is probably designed to further appease opposition elements by presenting atacade of clvillao participation lu the government.

Asia-Africa

tppflcveb fcs belltsf MlfeSiPifcH, ho-ever, power remains in the bands of tbe military. Bitar aod bis cabinet will onlyive-man presidential council, to be headed by Hafiz. Tbe ruling military group, tbe National Council for Revolutionarywill continue to exercise both executive and legislative control.

Rumors of coup plotting continue. Extremist government leaders command considerable support wltbln the army and, as tbey see their influence dwindling, tbey might stillake-over.

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INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY

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