Vietnam “Glasshouse”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31579, 17 January 1968, Page 12

Vietnam “Glasshouse”

(N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) VUNG TAU, Jan. 15. New Zealand’s two military companies in South Vietnam have combined forces with the Australian regiments there in more ways than one. Long before the move was made to team up militarily, the Australian and New Zealand commands decided to make joint use of the Australian detention barracks at Vung Tau. Perched on a sandhill near the beach at the Australian Logistic Support Force’s base, the “glasshouse” has room for 15 offenders. But although it has been

open for almost a year, the authorities say it has never been full. The barracks, commanded by the Task Force provost marshal, Major T. Parvin, accommodate men from all three Australian services as well as New Zealand forces. “The population varies from day to day,” Major Parvin says. “Most of the men . are in for sentences of 14 to ’ 21 days for minor offences, such as drunkenness.” While there, offenders are considered back on a basic . training course and have to run everywhere. But their main activities in . the compound are virtually normal routine—the men ’ clean service webbing and do ‘ maintenance work around the camp. Security is strict, and there are three solitary confinement cells, but the longer-term inmates can earn badges enabling them to work outside the compound during the day. Before the barracks were built offenders had to be detained by their units for short sentences or sent to military ■ correction centres in SingaI pore or Australia for more ■ serious offences.