WARNING TO VILLAGERS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29828, 22 May 1962, Page 11

WARNING TO VILLAGERS

‘Death Zone’ Planned (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. May 21. The South Vietnam Government is soon to create a "death zone” about 30 miles north of Saigon. Anyone found it it will be assumed to be a Communist guerrilla and will be shot on sight, according to the Associated Press." The 40-square mile enclave is within a region known as ”D Zone." a heavily forested area with few roads and almost completely under the control of the Communist Viet Cong Last month. Government forces began “operation sunrise” to clear this and other Communist-dominated areas. “Everyone found in there after it is cleared will be shot on sight," said Major Tran Van Minh, civil and -military administrator of Bi uh Duong Province. The Government is warning people to move out of the no-man’s-land by dropping thousands of leaflets. Those who do not move will be assumed to be Viet Cong sympathisers. “D Zone" covers portions of three provinces. It is considered a haven for Communist supply bases, ammunition depots, jungle arms factories and training centres. Residents of “D Zone” are to be moved into cleared areas in which safe hamlets are being built. The new hamlets are administered by special Government cadres equipped to fight. collect intelligence, provide medical help and education, and give advice on agricultural and economic problems. The hamlets are being set up in 11 provinces in the vicinity of Saigon.