VIET CONG OPERATIONS SEEN ON INCREASE

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31007, 12 March 1966, Page 15

VIET CONG OPERATIONS SEEN ON INCREASE

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 11. Mounting guerrilla combat operations in Vietnam, particularly a new monsoon offensive starting in the middle of May, were forecast yesterday by United States officials, the “New York Times” reported.

During the monsoon many roads wash out, making swift military reaction to Viet Cong attacks difficult.

Even when it does not rain, low cloud cover makes air

operations difficult, and the Viet Cong have timed their attacks in the past to take advantage of these weather conditions.

According to official sources, there is evidence of growing Viet Cong activity. Infiltration of men and supplies from North Vietnam, in spite of intensive United

States aerial attacks upon the supply centres and routes, is continuing. The official reference to expectations of another monsoon offensive appeared to be part of a justification for plans to send more United States forces to Vietnam. However, even without this public forecast, the highest officials have indicated that more troops will be deployed in the fight against the Viet Cong. U.S. Strength According to recent announcements, the United States troop strength in South Vietnam totals 215,000 and 20,000 more troops are on their way. Various forecasts have been made that United States troop strength would reach 400,000 by, the end of the year. At the same time, the officials estimated that North Vienamese supplies to the Viet Cong forces were increasing.

The average deliveries in 1965, in spite of United States bombing, were placed at 12 to 30 tons a day. But officials said they had reason to believe the North Vietnamese supplies to the south could rise to 150 tons a day.

Officials emphasised, however, that in spite of the anticipated rise in infiltration of men and supplies, there was a presumed limit to the increases beyond which United States bombing and other military operations would not permit According to official estimates, the North Vietnamese supplies totalling 12 to 30 tons a day could have sustained 105 combat battalions at the end of 1965.

The predicted increase in supplies, it was said, could sustain 155 battalions of an estimated 500 men each. Officials said that 4500 men a month were being infiltrat-

! ed into South Vietnam. ; This not only has placed an increased burden on the guer- • rilla supply system, but it has reinforced the belief in a i build-up for increased combat ; activity. . Decimal Change.— Zambia j is to switch from sterling to , decimal currency within two I years, the Finance Minister, . Mr Arthur Wina, told Parlia ‘ ment. Mr Wina said the new unit of currency, worth 10s, would be the "kwacha,” mean- . ing dawn or freedom, a slogan 1 used by African parties be- ! fore independence.—Lusaka, ] March 11.