Almost Non-stop Bombing

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31658, 19 April 1968, Page 13

Almost Non-stop Bombing

(N.Z. PA.-Reuter—Copyright) SAIGON, April 18. America’s biggest bombers are flying almost non-stop sorties against Communist positions in the A Shau Valley—main infiltration and supply route for up to 60,000 North Vietnamese troops surrounding the former imperial capital of Hue.

852 s carrying 30-ton bomb loads pounded troop concentrations, bunkers, gunsites, supply dumps and transport in the valley leading from the Laotian border yesterday and again today, a United States spokesman said here. Strikes on the A Shau area by the Thailand-based Stratofortresses have intensified since the relief 10 days ago of the Khe Sanh marine base a few miles to the north freed the jets for use against other targets. Latest reports from Hue say United States marines and paratroopers killed 23 North Vietnamese for the loss of 12 United States dead and 46 wounded in clashes north and south of the city. Hue, overrun by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong early on January 31 at the outsets of their Tet offensive, was not wholly recaptured’ for 25 days. During their occupation, the Viet Cong announced formation of a “government” headed by a Hue university professor, Le Van Hoa, to take over political control of the city and other guerrillaheld territory. Two days ago the new Mayor of Hue, LieutenantColonel Le Van Than announced that up to 40,000 of the 140,000 civilian population were to be armed against future attacks. “I think it almost certain

that the city will be attacked again and it is important to be ready for it,” Colonel Than said. The first members of the new self-defence force will be drawn from civic administration workers and cadres in the north-east part of the city. A contingent of 2000— including 800 university students—began military training on Tuesday. The United States military command in Hue said the city was surrounded by between 50,000 and 60,000 Communist troops.