OPTIMISM FROM KY

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 13

OPTIMISM FROM KY

Withdrawal by 1971

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) COLORADO SPRINGS, November 19. Vice-President Nguyen Cao Ky of South Vietnam, said yesterday that he expected most American troops to be withdrawn from South East Asia by the end of 1971. He was speaking in the course of a 17-day tour of American military facilities. Vice-President Ky said that at the moment he did not foresee a large contingent of United States troops remaining in Vietnam after 1971, as is the situation in Korea.

“You know,” he said, “by the end of the year our Army will have over one million men—l think that force is strong enough.” “The enemy has suffered in the last two years. He has become weaker and weaker, while we have become stronger.” South Vietnam would still need military aid for its air force and army end the “timing” of the United States withdrawal was important, he said.

The purpose of his visit to the United States, mainly to visit military installations, was to “express the gratitude Of the Vietnamese to the people of America,” he said.