U.S. AID TO S. VIETNAM

Press, Volume C, Issue 29505, 5 May 1961, Page 13

U.S. AID TO S. VIETNAM

“Assurance Of Armed Help”

(b Z P.AReuter—Conyright) WASHINGTON, May 4 Washington discussions on the possibility that Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation forces might have to aid South Vietnam against Communist attack was not a proposal for immediate action, it was emphasised in Washington yesterday. But steps to help South Vietnam. which borders troubled Laos, were being taken, United Press Internationa! reported. President Kennedy's meetings with the National Security Council had confirmed his decision to do whatever was necessary to help South Vietnam win its undeclared war against Communist guerrilla invaders, the news agency sa ; d. He had sent assurances to President Ngo Dinh Diem that the United States was prepared to order its armed forces into action if that finally should become necessary United States military aid to President Diem’s 150,000man Army is being increased by about 40.000,000 dollars with emphasis on planes, river boats and other transport. The objective is to increase the Army’s mobilitv in fighting the hit-and-run Viet Minh forces and inter- j cepting their supply and troop reinforcements from Communist North Vietnam, according to United Press In’emational. On the political front, the Kennedy Administration plans to focus world attention on the guerrilla war. The United States Secretary of State (Mr Rusk' is expected to raise the issue at the 14-nation Geneva conference on Laos, which is scheduled to open on May 12 Action at the United Nations also has been considered by some of his advisers.