Khe Sanh Gets Relief

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31649, 8 April 1968, Page 13

Khe Sanh Gets Relief

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SAIGON, April 7.

High«flying 852 bombers, no longer needed to bomb targets round the marine base at Khe Sanh, today rained down thousands of pounds of bombs on North Vietnamese positions and truck parks in and near the A Shau Valley, an American military spokesman said in Saigon today.

With the relief of Khe Sanh yesterday, the bombers which have been hitting North Vietnamese troops round the base day and night for the last two months, were switched to the new target which is 40 miles south-east of th*- base.

According to United States military officials the A Shau valley is one of the most important infiltration routes into South Vietnam from Laos, and North Vietnamese troops are reportedly building a highway through the valley. The officials fear that the road is to be used in another attack on the former imperial capital of Hue, which is only 30 miles north-east from the Laos border.

The forthcoming transfer of General Westmoreland to Army Chief of Staff, coupled with the President’s decision last Sunday to curtail the bombing of North Vietnam has led to speculation that the President is preparing to shift allied tactics on the battlefield, the “New York Times” News Service reports. The relief of the United States Marine garrison at Khe Sanh, also discussed during yesterday’s strategy review, has added to this speculation.

With General Westmoreland in Washington some observers suggest, the stage would be set for President Johnson to announce a pullback from Khe Sanh now that the enemy has largely withdrawn from that area. In the past General Westmoreland has contended that the outpost in northern South Vietnam was a vital position blocking North Vietnamese infiltration into the South. Now, however, officials noted that the enemy withdrawal might make it more palatable for a reduction or a total withdrawal from Khe Sanh by the allies. Hundreds of South Vietnamese troops were flown into Khe Sanh today, ending a two-month siege of the marine combat base by North Vietnamese forces. At times up to 30 helicopters could be seen in the air round Khe Sanh as the troops were ferried in. Among them weaved jet fighter-bomb-ers blasting areas round the base with high explosives. Previously the air strip had been a constant target for North Vietnamese rockets and mortars but even artillery and small-arms fire failed to materialise today. Grimly, tired marines stood round stoney-faced, hands on hips, looking as if they could not believe their long ordeal was over.

Then the tension broke. “Yipee,” yelled a marine. “I am sure as hell glad to see you guys.” Other marines started wrestling and one took off his helmet and slammed it against a friend’s helmeted head with an echoing clang.

Many took pictures of the Government troops as they walked into the debris-heaped base.

“Oh boy,” yelled one, “they even smile at the camera.”