U.S. VIETNAM WAR BASE TO BE MOVED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 15

U.S. VIETNAM WAR BASE TO BE MOVED

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SAIGON, July 13.

American military sources said yesterday that Cam Ranh harbour, a new home for the United States Ist Division troops, was to be developed into the main logistical base for the United States war effort.

Plans include the construction of a 10,000 ft airport runway, an extensive storage area, petroleum tanks and lengthening on the deep-water quay. The hay is sheltered from any storm and its waters are perfect breeding grounds for sharks. Cam Ranh is a rugged area of small hills, scrubby trees and sand. The Ist Division troops have been assigned to protect the Cam Ranh Bay depot complex being constructed on a narrow inlet which juts northward from an island-studded entrance. The depot will house am-

munition and stortge dumps for use in the increased fighting in central Vietnam. One of the islands at the mouth of the bay is covered with buildings of an old French prison. The gaol had no wall around it because the sharks in the bay made it impossible to escape. The sand along the beach is

pure white, made up of almost pure silica. Japanese mariners take the sand to Tokyo where it is used in making high quality optical lenses.

Cam Ranh has been- used by armies in the past because it is so sheltered. The islands are dotted with old camouflaged houses built by the French and Japanese in earlier wars.