British Troops In South Vietnam

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29718, 11 January 1962, Page 9

British Troops In South Vietnam

(R.Z. Preu AssoetoNon— Copyright) WASHINGTON, January 10. Britain has sent a group of experienced anti-guerrilla troops to South Vietnam to help the United States forces there train South Vietnam soldiers to fight Communist infiltrators and terrorists, United States officials in Washington said today.

The British mission so far consisted of only six or seven officers and was headed by Brigadier R G. K. Thompson,

who directed a lengthy campaign against Communist terrorists in Malaya. United Press International reported. At the same time, officials disclosed that United States military advisers and trainers were operating with South Vietnam battalions and eventually might be placed with company units. The Americans would, shoot back if they were ambushed or shot at, officials said, but the men were in no way combat infantrymen in the guerrilla war. Officials indicated that United States combat troops eventually might be sent into the bitter South Vietnam battles if there was a considerable increase in the Communist guerrilla activity. American officials thoroughly familiar with the situation said they believed that South Vietnam—-which was receiving heavy United States military and economic aid—eventually would be able to defeat the Communist guerrillas if the inllltration from North Vietnam and other areas eould be held down or checked.