‘Military Victory Hope Lost’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30933, 14 December 1965, Page 21

‘Military Victory Hope Lost’

(N.Z.P.A. neuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. General Maxwell Taylor, the former Ambassador to South Vietnam said today the Communists “have lost hope of a military victory" in South Vietnam.

He predicted harder United States air strikes against the north. The problem, he said on i television interview, was tc convince Hanoi that the United States would not give up the fight or change ita course—the Communists* bi| hope for success. But General Taylor ex pressed confidence that the tide of the costly war had turned in America’s favour. “I cannot possibly visualise i another Dien Bien Phu,” he said. 1 “We simply have too muek . military strength to be over come militarily in South Viet nam.”

Although Communist troops initiate attacks, be said, “we have the offensive against their main units.” He urged a steady increase in air and ground pressure against the Viet Cong, along with efforts to strengthen South Vietnam politically and eeoaonicany. General Taylor said that bombing of oH depots and installations at Hanoi’s nearest seanort. Haiphong, “certainly would be on my list to be considered” But as for Hanoi itself. General Taylor said: “We are not here to annihilate Hanoi but to got it to change ita ways.”