Forces On Alert In Saigon; Coup Feared

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30558, 29 September 1964, Page 17

Forces On Alert In Saigon; Coup Feared

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter —Copyright) SAIGON, September 28. Strategic elements of the Vietnamese Armed Forces, including the Air Force, were on an all-night alert last night after rumours of a possible new coup against the Khanh Government. Aircraft patrolled over the approaches to the capital. Marines and airborne troops were also on alert.

The double holiday of Sunday and Monday, the birthday of Confucius, was regarded as a likely period for a coup by military officers fearing a purge.

About five persons were reported shot dead yesterday when security forces opened fire on a crowd in the provincial sity of Qui Nhon after someone in the crowd shot at the troops. Later the crowd stormed a radio station. Troops were called in to evict the demonstrators. The city was reported to be quiet late last night. Qui Nhon was the scene of violence between Catholics and Buddhists late last month and of demonstrations last week by students who seized the radio station. Six Skyraider fighter-planes flew over Saigon today and troops with fixed bayonets guarded the Government radio station. Air Force Commodore Nguyen Cao Ky, who staved off an attempted coup by disgruntled military officers two weeks ago, spent the night in his command post at Tan Son Nhut air base.