U.S. FORCE READY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29444, 21 February 1961, Page 18

U.S. FORCE READY

Ships Off Coast

NEW YORK, February 20. The United States has five naval ships off the African coast ready for a possible emergency role in the Congo crisis, the "New York Times” reported today. United States defence experts had also worked out requirements for a Congo air and sea-lift, including details of forces needed and operating costs, the newspaper said in a Washington dispatch. • The five ships, operating near the Gulf of Guinea, were ostensibly for goodwill visits to African ports. Two of the ships were landing ships with 500 marines aboard. The others were destroyers and a small tanker. They were on a ‘‘show the flag tour" as a reminder of the United States military presence. A Pentagon study, reflecting routine readiness precautions, indicated, the correspondent said: About 900 aircraft would be needed for the first four days and 750 for the next eight days if the United States wanted to send in an airborne division and an infantry division plus, supporting units, a total of 80.000 men.

An estimated 30 shiploads of military men and 64 shiploads of cargo would be required in the sea-lift Twenty-five transports and 55 cargo ships would be required with some of the ships making two trips. The correspondent added: “No-one believes that United States intervention is likely.”