Hanoi Not Weakening’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31139, 16 August 1966, Page 15

Hanoi Not Weakening’

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) SAN ANTONIO (Texas), August 15. General William Westmoreland said yesterday that there had been no lessening ' of North Vietnam’s resolve to prosecute the war. The commander of United States forces in Vietnam gave his assessment of Hanoi’s determination to push forward after a series of discussions about the war with President Johnson. General Westmoreland arrived secretly at the President’s ranch on Sunday night and talked until after midnight. The two held a press'conference today. General Westmoreland was forthright at the press conference in his description of the prevailing attitude in Hanoi. He noted that recent heavy bombings by United States planes had achieved “considerable success,” but that “there is no indication that the resolve of the leaders in Hanoi has been reduced.” He added: “There is every indication that they plan to continue the conflict in accordance with the pattern that prevails.” Asked when there might be an end to the conflict, the President said: “No-one can say when this

will be or how many men will be needed, or bow long we must persevere. “The American people must know there will be no quick victory, but the world must know that we will not quit.” General Westmoreland told reporters that additional troops would be needed in Vietnam before the end of the year. But he said that it was impossible to say at present just how big the United States forces would have to be in the future. The general, in answer to questions, said:

At present there are 280,000 Viet Cong troops fighting the allies. Of those, approximately 110,000 are a “main force of North Vietnamese regular Army troops, about 112,000 militia or guerrilla forces, 40,000 political cadre, and 20,000 support troops.” Regular Army troops “have been in recent months moving from North Vietnam to South Vietnam in great numbers,” with an estimated total of 30,000 to 50,000 since January 1. The bombing programme in the North is “supplemental” to the operation in South Vietnam. Viet Cong captives that are taken by United States troops are “not being mistreated” by the South Vietnamese soldiers to whom they are turned over after interrogation.