V. Cong ‘Noose Of Terror'

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30939, 21 December 1965, Page 21

V. Cong ‘Noose Of Terror'

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SAIGON, Dec. 20. The Viet Cong is tightening a noose of terror around Saigon, according to the Associated Press. The threat at present is mostly psychological. But a terror campaign may be near for the capital, which has escaped much of the brutality of the war. No Viet Cong militant attempt to seize the city is expected. Government troops have been able to do little to clear the surrounding countryside. Some vital military installations and tactical areas are considered threatened. One such military area is almost within rifle shot of the

United States Ist Division headquarters just north of Saigon. Adding to the problem, rumblings of military discontent with Premier Nguyen Cao Ky’s Government have touched off a flurry of coup rumours. Associated Press said. At such times, anti-Com-munist operations often are disregarded in favour of political jockeying. Rivalries between various intelligence agencies complicate the picture. Service Infiltrated

Police sources say informers often fear being exposed by Viet Cong agents who have infiltrated into file Government security service. High officials in Washington and Saigon are paying sharp attention to the recent campaign of terror in Saigon which began with the bombing on December 4 of the Metropole Hotel, a United States and allied billet. A series of incidents since led to a dusk-to-dawn curfew for United States servicemen in Saigon. Concern now is high because the current terror campaign obviously is geared to the fifth anniversary today of the National Liberation Front, the political arm of the Viet Cong. Inside the city are four known Viet Cong commando units, the 65th. 67th. 158th. and 159th. They probably total less than 300 persons. Communist Cells The commandos are not organised as military units. The members form Communist cells and sub-cells and most are unknown to each other.

Over-all plans are known only by a top handful. If one

cell or group is compromised, the sabotage network does not collapse. Fanning out of Saigon into Gia Dinh province, also part of the capital military district, are perhaps five Viet Cong district organisations, some with military companies attached. These district organisations have a measure of autonomy and include many of the most dedicated Communists. Recent intelligence reports indicate that two Viet Cong battalions also have moved into the area just south of Saigon. Their target could be lightly defended Nha Be, the main fuel storage and ammunition dump in Vietnam 10 miles south of Saigon.