Arms Build-up Near Quemoy

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29855, 22 June 1962, Page 11

Arms Build-up Near Quemoy

(A\Z. Press Association —Copyright) WASHINGTON, June 21. The United States is deeply disturbed by a large-scale military buildup by the Chinese on the mainland coast opposite the Nationalist-held islands of Quemoy and Matsu.

High United States officials said intelligence reports in the last two weeks had disclosed that the Communists had moved many troops into areas in Fukien Province, facing Quemoy. Matsu and Formosa

Administration officials said the build-up might be in preparation for an attack on the islands to counter United States operations in Southeast Asia, where American forces are operating in Thailand and South Vietnam At first. Washington thought the build-up might be occasioned by the Communists' fear that General Chiang Kai-Shek was preparing to launch an attack on the mainland Some Nationalist sources

have said the growing troubles in China, which is plagued by food shortages and industrial failures, make the country ripe for an attack by General Chiang’s forces

However. White House and other Administration sources emphasised what they considered the possible offensive threat of the build-up

There have been similar movements in the coastal area previously, notably in 1958 However, observers said the present movements seemed to be greater than anything previously undertaken.