U.S. BUILD-UP IN DELTA

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31223, 22 November 1966, Page 17

U.S. BUILD-UP IN DELTA

Z Press Assn—Copyright)

SAIGON, Nov. 21.

The political path has been paved for a big build-up of American troops in the Mekong river delta, the Associated Press reported.

The Vietnamese commander in the delta. LieutenantGeneral Dang Van Quang, who last year was quoted as opposing introduction of United States ground troops in his 4th Corps area, has been named to the newlycreated Cabinet post of Planning and Development

In related transfers, six other generals, one admiral and a Colonel received new assignments. A change of Vietnamese corps commanders in the past has meant months of reduced efficiency, while the new general rearranged his officer's ranks. More Meaningful The shifting of Quang was regarded by experts in Saigon as far more meaningful than the Cabinet reshuffle announced last Friday by Air ViceMarshal Nguyen Cao Ky. The military junta holds real power in Saigon while the Cabinet role is mostly advisory. Well-informed sources speculate that elements of a fresh United States infantrydivision will reach the delta before Christmas. General Quang's objection to American infantry in his area was reportedly based more on reasons of pride than on military strategy. He claimed the delta people might resist foreign troops —including Americans because they would not understand why outsiders came there.

Experts say there has been more fighting an acre in delta rice paddies than anywhere else in the country. Altered Thinking

But United States ground forces were kept away be-

cause it was believed to be the one area where Vietnamese could fight the Communists by themselves. This thinking was altered in recent months among both United States and Vietnamese. An infusion of United States ground forces is seen now as the only way to shake the delta loose from a lethargy which resulted in a stand-off, and in some cases accommodation. with the enemy.

No American official would comment on the transfers, which they said were strictly a domestic matter. However, it was understood they were content to see General Quang go.

General Quang wielded great local power from his base at Can Tho.

Some Vietnamese leaders, who regarded him as a potential rival with national ambitions, were reported today to be relieved by the transfer.

Critics’ Charges

His critics charge that General Quang ignored corruption. They contend he sold provincial chieftainships during his two years in command. American soldiers find the Mekong delta quite different from terrain to which they are accustomed elsewhere in Vietnam. The area is crosshatched with rice paddies and

has some 25,000 miles of

waterways. About 7000 American military men now are in the delta in United States Navy patrol craft. Army helicopter units, Air Force squadrons and as advisers attached to Vietnamese units.

More than half of South Vietnam’s 15 million people live in the delta, once one of the world’s great rice-produc-ing areas.

The Viet Cong “tax” villages for men, money and food.

Intelligence sources estimate Viet Cong strength has increased in the delta in recent years from 14,000 to 45.000. The United States command in Saigon estimates that 14 battalions (about 7000 men) are being recruited each month in the delta by the Viet Cong. American strategists believe that only long-term military campaigns will serve to root out the solidly-entrench-ed Communists. I The three Vietnamese divisions in the delta rarely remain in the field for more than a few days at a time.