THE SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 37
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 13, 2004
• Sequence Number: 39
• Publication Date: March 9, 1966
• Content Type: REPORT

25X1
SECR
tigved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A0004000106?4?
OCI No. 0363/66
Copy No: Lc
WEEKLY REPORT
THE SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM
9 March 1966
INTELLIGENCE AND REPORTING SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE INTERAGENCY
VIETNAM COORDINATING COMMITTEE
25X1
SECRET
.--- GROUP I
Excluded from automatic
downgrading and declassification
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A0004000100 9-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
THIS MATERIAL CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECT-
ING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES
WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE LAWS,
TITLE 18, USC, SECTIONS 793 AND 794, THE TRANSMIS-
SION OR REVELATION OF WHICH IN ANY MANNER TO
AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1 Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 200SECRAEtW79T00826A000400010039-9
THE WEEK IN PERSPECTIVE
The pace of the war remained intense throughout the
past week, largely as a result of allied offensives which in-
flicted heavy losses on the Communist forces. Viet Cong -
initiated activity declined considerably from the previous
reporting period, possibly reflecting the impact of recent
allied spoiling operations. The Communists, however,
mounted three large attacks and conducted harassing actions
against shipping south of Saigon, possibly in an effort to
block the main channel to the port of Saigon.
-iv-
Approved For Release 2004/SECRET9T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
rFIAILANI)
KSavannak het
NORTH.?Dong Froi
Tcheponee
0
VIETNAM.
DM- `..A
- .Qaang Tri
Hues
()I
Saravane
"Cho Lai
.Attopeu
Pleiku.
Ls' NH
An Khe
qui Nhon
Chao iteo?-,.
Da Lat.-
PHNOM PENH
PH t.:.1:0C
Lusf't -"ZS'
'Phan Rang
CAPITAL MILliARY REGION ?\-
?
Tay Ninhi;
oc Vinh
4'Sihano4ville
SOUTH VIETNAM
CURRENT SITUATION
0 2 50 75 100 Miles
25 5ri 75 100 Kilometers
SECRET
92 12-65
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1 Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
01Sg
rAppr yen For RPIPaSP 9 GRE-Tp79TnnR7RAnnun 010039-9
Economic Situation
11. New Minister of Economy Au Truong Thanh
held his first press conference on 7 March. The
key points announced were the release of GVN foreign
exchange to the extent of US $58 million for March
and April import licensing, the promise of greater
exchange to meet future demand, and a new tax on GVN-
financed imports, particularly on luxury items. Thanh
had previously indicated a preference for increased
import duties in lieu of the increased excise taxes
and import deposits which were agreed to at the
Honolulu meetings.
12. Thanh stated that there were three major
problems requiring immediate attention. First, the
Saigon port must be cleared. Thanh cited previously
announced steps to speed up the handling and clear-
ance of goods through customs, the expansion of the
port facilities, and increased transport from the
port areas. Second, supply and demand must be
balanced. He noted that better port operation and
the release of the GVN exchange for March and April
should help close the gap between demand and supply.
Third, the distribution network should be improved,
-4-
Approved For Release 2004ELMELT7911.1062bA0004000 0039-9
25X1
25X1
Appr
010039-9
The GVN would do this by freeing the sales of
certain goods and establishing security stocks not
only in Saigon but also in the provinces.
Thanh has already
implied to US officials that, for political reasons,
he may proceed more slowly in introducing drastic
steps to curb inflation than he had originally con-
templated.
14. Rice deliveries from the Mekong delta
totaled 33,189 MT during February, the second month
in succession in which deliveries reached a nine-year
low. Deliveries improved during the first week in
March and the USAID of IV Corps has estimated that
the current delta crop will exceed last year's by 15
percent. The wholesale price of No. 1/25 percent
broken rice has fallen from about VN $850 per 100 kg
to VN $800/810 range. Rice merchants are afraid of
selling above the official prices (which the govern-
ment has tolerated up to now) as a result of the re-
cent arrests and the death sentences given to the
steel dealers who sold at higher than official prices.
However, high prices are still being quoted in the
delta.
15. Retail prices in Saigon dropped substantially
in the week ending 28 February. The principal decreases
were in meats and vegetables but most other items, both
food and non-food, also fell. The decline in prices
was reportedly due to supplies arriving in normal
quantities, coupled with the market psychology induced
by the appointment of the new minister of economy. The
USAID Index showed retail prices three percent below
the level of a week ago and four percent below the level
of the previous month. Import commodity prices also
fell, many of them by greater amounts than retail prices
The greatest decline in prices was in wheat flour,
iron and steel mill products, and newsprint. The price
of cement in Saigon has also fallen.
-5-
Approved For Release 20059EGR/r91-1/9 I 0062bA000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
25X1
?
00010039-9
16. On the Saigon free market, prices of US
$10 bills and $10 MPC (scrip) inched up one piaster
per dollar each to 170 and 118 respectively. Gold
was still at 233, and in Hong Kong the piaster-
dollar cross rate remained at 159.
-6-
Approved For Release 2UOSEIGIMT/9 I 00826A0004UU 10039-9
25X1
Appr
B. MILITARY SITUATION
0010039-9
1. The over-all level of Communist-initiated
activity for the week ending 5 March declined con-
siderably.
2. During the Period there were 733 Communist-
initiated incidents compared with the preceding week's
938 - about the same as the weekly average for the
last half of 1965 but about 100 less than the 1966
weekly average. There were 13 attacks (all but three
were small scale) and 445 incidents of terror. This
is in contrast to 26 and 574 respectively for the
previous week. The large-scale attacks occurred in
Ouang Ngai, Binh Duong and Binh Tuy provinces. The
kill ratio favored Free World Forces 5.9 to 1, up
from the last report of 2.2 to 1. Viet Cong casual-
ties included 1,622 killed and 193 captured; previous
totals were 1,122 killed and 92 captured. South Viet-
namese casualties for the reporting period were 205
killed, 382 wounded and 97 captured or missing - a
total of 684 compared to 1,388 in the last reporting
period. Total US casualties dropped to 819 from the
887 of the previous week; total Free World casualties
also dropped - from 58 to 49. The South Vietnamese
lost 296 weapons and captured 452 from the Communists;
enemy losses included 35 crew-served weapons, while
friendly forces lost three.
GVN/Allied Activities
3. Friendly activity continued at a high level
for the fourth week with emphasis on search-and-des-
troy operations. There were more small-unit and
battalion-size operations during this period, but less
contacts with the enemy. However, they resulted in
the highest enemy losses recorded since November 1965.
4. For the second straight week, over 50 per-
cent of ARVN casualties were suffered in I Corps area,
but the large number of enemy killed (925) in this
area may have seriously affected enemy offensive plans.
A seven-day ARVN operation in Chiang Tri Province was
terminated. Results were 444 enemy killed, 12 captured,
and 58 weapons seized. Friendly losses were 35 killed,
185 wounded, and three missing. The most significant
-7-
Approved For Release 200NEGRABIT79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1A
25X1A
25X1
010039-9
battle of the week occurred in Quang Ngai Province
where ARVN and US troops conducted Operation UTAH/
LIEN KIET. A suspected PAVN regiment was heavily
engaged, and in the ensuing battle friendly losses
were 113 killed (83 US, 30 ARVN) and 324 wounded
(205 US, 119 ARVN). Enemy losses were 586 killed
(body count), five captured, and 39 suspects taken.
5. On I March in Pleiku Province, II Corps
area, timely air support and armored cavalry rein-
forcement turned a Viet Cong attack on a ranger bat-
talion into an ARVN victory. Friendly losses were
four killed and three wounded, while 72 VC were
killed and 23 weapons captured. In the coastal area
of Phu Yen Province, during Operation US
forces fought a sharp engagement with the VC on 4
March, bringing cumulative VC losses for the opera-
tion to 214 VC killed, 15 captured, and 54 weapons
seized. Friendly losses have been 25 killed, 75
wounded, and two missing. Since 24 January, Opera-
tion' 'has resulted in cumula-
tive losses of 1,841 VC killed, 701 captured, over
2,000 suspects detained, and 303 individual and crew-
served weapons seized. Friendly losses are 377 killed
(245 US, 126 ARVN, 6 ROK), 484 wounded (86 US, 370
ARVN, 28 ROK) and six US missing.
6. In III Corps area on 5 March during Opera-
tion in Binh Duong Province, a battalion
of the 3rd Brigade, US 1st Infantry Division con-
tacted an estimated VC battalion. Another US in-
fantry battalion was promptly helilifted as reinforce-
ments. The VC battalion, trapped between the 1st
Division battalions for almost six hours, was sub-
jected to infantry and artillery fire, and 55 tactical
air strikes. VC losses were 189 killed and five
captured; friendly losses were five killed and 15
wounded.
7. There was no significant friendly activity
in IV Corps area this week.
8. Free World Forces conducted 106 operations
of battalion size or larger during the week, 59 of
them achieving contact: 45 ARVN, two ROK, and 12 US.
There were 21,905 small-unit operations, including
3,141 conducted by US forces. Of the 150 small-unit
-8-
Approved For Release 20080EICRAW79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1A
Appro
10039-9
operations which achieved contact with the enemy,
98 were conducted by US units.
9. There were six B-52 Stratofortress missions
flown over South Vietnam during the period 28 Febru-
ary to 6 March 1966; ground exploitation was scheduled
to follow two of these missions. No bomb damage as-
sessment has been received. During the period 25 Feb -
3 Mar 1966 a total of 3,431 tactical air strikes and
armed reconnaissance sorties were flown by US Navy,
Air Force, Marine and VNAF aircraft. In addition to
close air support, direct air support and interdiction
missions in support of ground operations, the follow-
ing damage was inflicted: 2,678 structures, 106 sam-
pans, 44 bunkers, three bridges, three AW sites, one
ammo storage area and one warehouse were destroyed;
2,051 structures, 73 sampans, 11 bunkers, five boats
and one warehouse were damaged; one ford was cratered.
One hundred sixty-five Viet Cong were reported as
probably killed by aircraft. Four US aircraft were
lost (two Marine, one Navy and one Air Force); all
crew members were recovered.
Communist Activity
10. Communist activity in I Corps area declined
although there was a two-battalion attack against
the ARVN 1st Airborne Battalion about seven miles
northwest of Ouang Ngai City. Friendly losses were
eight killed and 16 wounded; the enemy lost 151 killed.
MACV attributes the decrease in activity to the
friendly operations in this area.
11. There was no significant enemy activity in
the II Corps, and the decline in incidents from that
of the previous reporting period was substantia1--210
to 132.
12. In III Corps area on 27 February, the SS
LORINDA, a small cargo ship of Panamanian registry,
was attacked by Viet Cong using small arms and 57-mm
recoilless rifle fire approximately 30 kilometers
southeast of Saigon on the Long Tao River. The ship
was hit by ten 57-mm rounds and ran aground, but it
was later refloated and proceeded to Saigon. On 3
March, on the same river, a self-propelled Vietnamese
-9-
Approved For Release 2005ErREPT79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2004/07/16: CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
CURRENT OPERATIONAL STATUS OF MAJOR TRANSPORTATION ROUTES AND COASTAL RAILROAD
Section
Section
? ? Section
of operable railroad
of inoperable road
of partially closed road
Note: Routes are
because of
interdiction
SECRET
inoperable primarily
Viet Cong sabotage/
efforts.
Interprovincial
Rt, 1
ii
\
ue
Da Nang
NG
'Vt. 14
?
Rt. 19 %
Duc Co\ .7"
'I El K ir"?;,. BO,
Rt. 1444, )
.....aselss
---` t.21 \
1K H ANti
J
Rt. 7
H OA
-AI NH
ong La Song
&JEN
rr,
HOP.
BINH
3
=.glaVFNJ
Ninh Hoe
rtformation as of 5 March 1966
Approved For Release 2004/07/16: CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
61440 '
1 Appr ved For Release 200ac-RAT79T0082RA00040001 039-9
barge received 57-mm recoilless rifle fire which
injured six crew members. On 4 March, a US lighter
was fired on near the same location. The 225th VC
Engineer Battalion has been reported in this general
area with the mission of interdicting ship and barge
traffic along the Long Tao River.
13. Over-all enemy activity in III Corps de-
clined but there were two large-scale attacks reported.
On 27 February in Binh Duong Province an estimated
Viet Cong battalion supported by 60-mm mortars at-
tacked the 7th ARVN Regiment. Two battalions of the
VC 165th Regiment are reported to be in this area.
The second large-scale attack was in Binh Tuy Prov-
ince on 28 February when the Viet Cong attacked two
ARVN positions simultaneously. An estimated rein-
forced battalion attacked the 1st Battalion of the
43rd Regiment (ARVN); friendly forces losses were
32 killed, 60 wounded, and 17 missing. Viet Cong
losses were 48 killed and three Viet Cong captured.
The captives claim to be from the 186th Main Force
Battalion. This attack in normally quiet Binh Tuy
Province is considered to be an effort by the Viet
Cong to regain influence in areas where friendly forces
have recently conducted operations.
14. There was no significant change in Viet Cong
activity in IV Corps. One small-scale attack occurred
in Binh Tuong Province on 28 February when two out-
posts were attacked. At the same time, heavy fire
was placed on Tan Hiep Training Center and four adja-
cent villages. The attacking force was reported to
have been elements of the 514th Local Force Battalion.
According to one report, this battalion has received
experienced cadre and has been given the mission of
cutting Highway 4, west of My Tho.
15. National Route 1 is partially closed in
Quang Tin, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh
Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Binh Tuy, and Long Khanh
provinces. Route 14 is partially closed in Kontum,
Pleiku, Quang Duct Phuoc Long, and Binh Long provinces.
Route 19 is closed west of Duc Co, Pleiku Province.
Route 7 is closed in Phu Yen Province. Route 20 is
closed in Lam Dong and Long Khanh Provinces. Route
21 is closed in eastern Darlac Province. Interpro-
vincial Route 1 is closed in Binh Duong and Phuoc
Long provinces.
-10-
Approved For Release 200SDECRE21/1379T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
Appro
1111, V
1111? ? ?1111111111
0039-9
16. The National Railroad is operating between
Saigon and Xuan Loc, Long Khanh Province; between
Song La Song, Binh Thuan Province, and Ninh Hoa,
Khanh Hoa Province; and between Da Nang and Hue.
-11-
Approved For Release 2008bECRIRV79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
Appr
010039-9
C. REVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENT (Formerly Rural Con-
struction)
1. The new training cycle for cadres for pacifica-
tion work in the provinces under the Revolutionary De-
velopment program began at Vung Tau on 21 February with
a class of nearly 4,800 trainees, Officials credit
the excellent recruiting response to deferment from
the draft, good pay, and the logical, but often abused,
practice of returning cadres to their own provinces.
The Vung Tau training site for the 59-man groups is
the one used successfully in the past year to train
the People's Action Teams (PATs).
2. The 59-man revolutionary development cadre
groups are broken down into four sections. Basic se-
curity will be provided by a 33-man PAT element.
Under this protection,a six-man civil affairs team,
a six-man census grievance team, and a six-man new
life development team will operate. The remaining
eight men are either team chiefs or members of the
group's small staff. All of the above elements
making up the 59-man group previously existed sep-
arately. It was agreed at the recent Honolulu con-
ference to combine the most productive aspects of
previous pacification attempts to make the program
more appealing to a greater cross section of the
target population.
3. On 4 March, Colonel Le Thong was repla-1
as Binh Dinh Province chief by Colonel Tran Dinn
Vong, a protege of II Corps commander General Vinh
Loc. US observers fear that the change will have a
deleterious effect on the II Corps national priority
area in the province. Pacification progress to date
in Binh Dinh has been credited largely to Colonel
Tuong and his deputy, Major Nguyen Be, who is expected
to leave as well. Major Be has been most effective
in utilizing cadres, especially the PATs, who are con-
sidered to be the best Vietnamese units operating in
the province. The national priority area in Binh
Dinh will utilize 14 revolutionary development cadre
groups of 65 men each instead of the 59-man standard
group. In view of the change of province chiefs,
the final composition of the development program may
undergo further revision.
Appro
-12-
0039-9
25X1
Appro
10039-9
4. Students from the National Institute of
Administration will be made available for field as-
signments in a few weeks, in accordance with Premier
Ky's decree. The 400 trainees are at various stages
in the three-year program and will be divided between
the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Revolu-
tionary Development.
5. In a statement to newsmen, Lt. General Dang
Van Quang, IV Corps commander, said that, as of mid-
February, 58 percent of the IV Corps population is
under government control. He cited the following
numbers of persons and hamlets as having fulfilled the
criteria of a secured area:
Population Number of Hamlets
1965 2,700,000 1,515
1966
(thru mid-February) + 400,000
3,100,000
+ 331
1,846
The MACV estimate for 1965 is approximately the same.
6. Returnees (Chieu Hoi). Although final figures
are still being compiled in the field, the number or re-
turnees in February set a new high, according ?to the US
mission.
7. Refugees. Special Commissioner for Refugees
Dr. Nguyen Phuc Que,although attached to the premier's
office, does not have ministerial status. He has the
military rank of major, and therefore is subordinate to
the corp commanders and most province chiefs. The
degree of support his office receives is not yet clear,
-13-
Approved For Release 200SECRM5179T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approv
0039-9
but from talks with Dr. Que and Chief of State Thieu
US officials indicate that the attitude of the GVN has
changed from its former narrow concept of refugee prob-
lems. The influx of displaced persons continues, as
indicated in the following comparison of refugee figures
for the last two reporting periods:
I. In Tempo- Returned to
Total rary Shelters Resettled Their Villages
20 Feb
833,875
444,549
294,902
94,424
28 Feb
868,712
458,194
316,094
94,424
-14--
Appuved Fur Relecise 2QNIE7USifErP79T00826A00
0010039-9
25X1
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
? Ko-chiu fliarg Van
CHINA
r--" ', Ching-hsi
C ip
Bao Lac.'",..-r.?N. .....,,,,,.. CHINA
...-../
(.... r? /*\ / %,..-,
_ ? Ha Giang ?
( . --..fLao Cal
? Cao Bang fj
.-N. ., V ..,,,, ' . .
.s.........x...
\.
Bac Can . s
'N.
\ Lai Chau? Ning-ming . -
.1
'...?
? Phong Saly 1
(
c. Dien Bien Phu
? Luang Prabang
yang Vieng.
Nghia Lo?
.Tuyen Quang
?Yen Bai
Phuc Yeni.
?
PIN+
Hanoi-Gia Lam
Son La
?Bac Giang
Son Tay ?
Ha Dung. HANOI . 'Quang Yen
? , 'Hon Gal
Hai
Hoa Binh ? ??Halphong
Duong
Kien An
Hung Yen
Lang'Son?
Kep
rN.
LAOS Samneua ?
Xieng Khouang ?
..>
) Ban Chiang'
p.
? Cua Roa
VIENTIANNong Khai \.
THAILAND
Muang Nakhon Phanom
Muang Sakon Nakhon ?
NORTH VIETNAM
Phu Ly ?
?Thai Binh
Nam Dinh ?
Ninh
Phu Qui ?
N.,
?
16 ianmh
?Khammouane
Savannakhet
SECRET
25 5p 7,5 Miles
0 25 O 5 Kilometers
61427
?Thanh Hoa
.Vinh
- ? Ha Tinh
S4pone.
?Gong Hoi
Mong Cal
Vinh Ltnh
DEMARCATION LINE
Dong Ha
Bct Ho Su ? ?Quang Tri
r, SOUTH
Hue'
? \ VIETNAM
Muong Nong"-Th
LAOS
1
?Saravane
=ES AND. 117.1.1.77,..1.
1-1
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
App1 ?veil For Releasa 20SIEGRE-WP79T0082AA00040 010039-9
II. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BLOC
A. MILITARY SITUATION
presence of four additional
SAM sites in North Vietnam. These sites--numbers 93
through 96--are located at scattered points within
the already established SAM envelope and give added
depth to the DRV's air defense posture.
2. An increase in the number of operational
MIG-21 Fishbed fighter aircraft also was revealed in
the Hanoi area was continuing. Forty-nine large
aircraft revetments now are completed at Phuc Yen,
and 12 temporary revetments have been constructed
on the parking apron along the taxiway. At Kep Air-
field, 15 large revetments are complete and 12 are
under construction. Four temporary revetments have
been built on the parking apron. A runway extension
effort is under way on one of Hanoi's Gia Lam Air-
field's two runways
B. POLITICAL SITUATION
Chinese Policy
4. The Chinese Communists appear to have sent
letters last month to various neutral nations reiterat-
ing Peking's opposition to a negotiated settlement of
the Vietnam conflict except on Communist terms. Peking
probably hopes that this tactic will help to generate
Ap
-15--
010039-9
Ap
ST-s
?. ? III IP
? ?5/? 111111? ??11111111111111111 I
039-9
neutral-nation pressures on the US to accent a solution
along lines sought by the Communists.
5. Chinese intransigence on the Vietnam issue
was also reflected in the latest "secret" letter to the
Soviet Communist Party. The letter's major emphasis
rested on the assertion that Peking nolonger expects
Moscow to honor its treaty commitment to China's de-
fense, but the Chinese also boldly reiterated charges
which have appeared more or less explicitly in Chinese
propaganda. These are that Moscow has supported "Ameri-
can peace fables," tried to sow dissension between
Hanoi and Peking, and passed on secret information to
the US.
Soviet Objection to UN Consideration of Vietnam
6. On I March, in a pro forma statement, Soviet
Ambassador to the UN Fedorenko "resolutely objected" to
the attempts made by Security Council president for
February--Japanese Ambassador Matsui--tosumup '!the
general sentiment" of the council members on Vietnam.
The Soviet ambassador claimed that the Japanese dele-
gate's actions violated the Council's rule of procedure,
and labeled Matsui's recent letter to the Security Coun-
cil members an "illegal and arbitrary act" designed to
support US attempts to disguise its "widening aggres-
sion." This Soviet objection together with that of
Mali and Bulgaria has probably quashed the Vietnam
issue in the UN for the time being.
-16-
Approved For Release 200NElley3T79T00826A00041:10010039-9
25X1 Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Appro ed-Fef-Release-2400846A040400410039-9
C. REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1. A Korean press service reported on 8 March
that Chief of State Thieu will pay a four-day visit to
South Korea on 2 May. Accompanied by Deputy Premier Co,
Foreign Minister Do, and economic adviser Ton, Thieu
reportedly plans to discuss ROK-GVN political, economic,
and military cooperation as well as the possibility of
an Asian anti-Communist summit conference.
25X1
25X1
E. DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS
1. Embassy Rabat reports that there has been
some annoyance within the Moroccan Government with
Saigon's failure to forward letters of credence to the
Vietnamese ambassador-designate even after Morocco had
granted agreement and had invited him to present his
credentials. Embassy Saigon urged the GVN to forward
letters of credence to its ambassadors in Morocco and
the Ivory Coast.
F. FREE WORLD AID
1. AUSTRALIA: Prime Minister Harold Holt an-
nounced on 8 March that the Australian military contin-
gent in South Vietnam will be increased from 1,700 to
4,500 personnel. The battalion now in Vietnam will be
replaced by a task force which will include two infantry
battalions, a Special Air Service squadron, and other
support elements. This new commitment is very near the
limit in military manpower which Australia can contribute 25X1
short of going on a wartime footing.
Approved For Release 200NEGRgP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For ReleaseSEMETIRDP79T00826A000400010039-9
2. REPUBLIC OF KOREA: The ROK announced on 28 Febru-
ary that it will send a regimental combat team and a full
division, plus supporting units, to augment its forces in
South Vietnam. The consent bill to send these forces was
submitted to the National Assembly and formally taken up
on 2 March. Debate on the measure is under way, and
passage by the National Assembly is expected around
19 March. There seems little doubt that the Assembly
will give its consent despite objections of the opposition
parties.
3. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY: On 4 March,
the German charg?n Saigon formally-donated two mobile
dental clinics worth about US $70,000.
4. JAPAN: According to a Japanese news agency,
the Japanese Government decided on I March to donate
72,034,000 yen (about US $200,000) in cotton fabrics,
blankets, and home medicines through the Vietnam Society,
a private Japanese organization.
5. SWEDEN: On 1 March, a National Fund Collection
Drive for Vietnam was announced in Sweden. The drive has
the support of the Swedish prime minister, all political
party leaders, and many prominent businessmen and intel-
lectuals and is professedly "humanitarian, nonpolitical,
and impartial." The funds will be distributed to Viet-
nam as a whole through the Swedish Red Cross which will
ensure that the money is "properly spent." Embassy
Stockholm presumes that this means a three-way split
between South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and the Viet Cong,
as was done in September 1965 with a $60,000 donation
from the Swedish Red Cross.
Ap
-19-
roved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000
00010039-9
25X1
SOUT15113AWAINAMelBATRCEVOSTANSTICA79T00826A000400010039-9
WEEKLY REPORT 27 FEBRUARY - 5 MARCH 1966
Total Personnel Losses SECRET
(Killed in Action, Captured or Missing in Action, excluding Wounded in Action)
,
.111L!ILFITTFT--
GYN /US/other Free World
Viet Cong/PAVN
'10E11
US Combat Casualties in Vietnam
(including North Vietnam)
Fatalities
Non-fatal Wounds
Cumulative, 1961-1964
255
1524
Cumulative, 1965
1365
6110
Cumulative, 1966 to date
718
890
TOTAL
2338
11524
(Figures do not include missing or captured.)
972
600
27498
61431
, F1TJJW1I1WW--MV-Bil NWER aiiitYM-V5MMIV? WEN
JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEBMAR I
Total Friendly Forces Personnel Losses
(US/GVN/Other Free World)
Missing or Captured in action =i Wounded in action
AR APR MAY
M Killed in action
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
SOUTH VI EAINIANId BAWbEse9TAITISTICSIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
WEEKLY REPORT 27 FEBRUARY? 5 MARCH 1966
1,250
1,000
?Attacks
Terrorism
Viet Cong Incidents
2 Sabato e
n...
-=
-=
-
-
al
?=
..
=
.-,7- ==.
._.
7
1
8
.,--
---,
MT
m
.....
..
- ??
.?? i i .??
....
.
.
:
...
?
-
-
_
71 _.
?
_71
?
.
: ii
.
'
P :
' . .......
=
...
...
_
??-1-4--
? ii :
__
.. ??
::
.... ..'..
...
:r.,:ii::
ii
i
. i
?:
?
.....
:
.
.-
:
AR APR MAY
JUNE JULY AUG
SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN
3
FEBAR
Viet Cong Attacks
I
k
o cl a
to:
t
oil
sized
cat
taco
E ll
nsz
an
a ger
on
y
r?Lr
s
in
blbck
r-?r
serf
eime-Sat
si
eat
k.
Ar%
A
i
1
1
/-
1_4/:
?JAN
?IN
A
N 2
r
1
IliI
MAR APR AY JUNE
JULY
;.1%.G1. SEPT OCT NOV 1 IIDLEC
FEB [MAR
Weapons Losses
(0)
61432MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 1 JAN I FEB MAR
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
FEBRUARY, 1966
SECRET
61433
5235
j 2034
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
FEBRUARY, 1966
7 7
\
\
* -
N
f :?.'7>,::: ? 7
' .
V ...
'.0.%?''.:?: 10.>,,
.]::%???
;.?
7. 7 *
"S' \ ,... .:.? ....:?..; v,
-P:?:
P , y 0 p? ,
7
':?.:????1 %
: C.,y.,...
0
/
??
.
iIl
e/:?; ///
/ // /
/
1
hiIIflfl
///
SECRET
1829
1169
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
FEBRUARY, 1966
1219
1076
SECRET
61434
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Annual Totals
FEBRUARY, 1966
Military Totals
1.903 14465
9,472 42,552
1,318 4,173
Only thru 12 Feb
SECRET
61436
--- Monthly Totals
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
FEBRUARY, 1966
Regular Forces Totals
7799662 11,203 29,924
3
9,666
7964 21441 7363'404101
7965 47:297- 113,168
SECRET
61438
921
GVN statistics do not differentiate between deserters who eventually return of enlist in other government units,
!ernain AWOL, or defect to the Viet Cong,. Statistics do show that 53% of the regular fat ce desertions are among
draftAeopo t e rrtg21..rof4ritrt.tc gt
V rFoll efe6se 0 nt :hCIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
SECRET
South Vietnamese and Viet Cong Casualties and
Weapons Losses: 1962 - 28 February 1966
1. General Statistical Data:
3, Viet Killed Wounded
Cong in in Captured
Time Inci- Action Action or Missing
Period dents GVN VC GVN VC GVN VC
1962
Jan 1963
1964
1965
1966
1962
1963
Feb 1964
1965
*1966
1962
Mar 1963
1964
1965
1962
Apr 1963
1964
1965
1962
May 1963
1964
1965
1962
Jun 1963
1964
1965
1962
Jul 1963
1964
1965
1825
299
1294
475
927
453
1754
908
1770
343
1223
913
2206
904
2203
1938
3914
747
2648
1557
1460
244
1205
300
788
379
1082
656
2078
374
1055
916
1982
880
1564
1840
3100
1015
4727
2095
1961
523
1456
737
1282
410
1443
851
2160
439
1456
1249
2056
751
2022
1633
1933
387
1596
532
1331
506
1660
878
2284
594
1671
1584
1860
591
1909
1650
1825
390
1756
509
1208
435
1895
889
2143
458
1135
987
2263
1049
1975
2143
1477
325
1666
613
1311
389
1863
772
2062
494
1005
1145
2597
1211
2208
1920
1564
384
1544
686
1368
529
1918
1071
3045
900
1427
1812
2520
1160
2980
1591
212 116 390
318 102 379
555 240
471 565
450 588
316 124 353
303 82 292
303 289
1394 309
477 508
551 140 523
368 66 222
345 531
720 394
292 151 415
256 96 388
398 245
232 529
352 94 524
295 94 695
202 242
873 548
413
310
77 441
90 437
313 230
1260 189
424 212 542
372 306 387
510 219
540 580
-S1-
SECRET
25X1
Total
Casualties
GVN VC
890 1896
Weapons
Losses
GVN VC
1463
2451
457
683
1811
1463
917
532
3313
2768
1700
711
2754
3236
935
979
668
1874
1117
1677
253
399
1593
1344
708
471
4114
1873
2454
620
3587
5235
1076
1219
1400
2530
1327
2033
467
t367
2033
1987
814
532
3104
2416
1442
698
1070
2303
1440
2304
797
468
2576
1916
990
424
2473
2438
757
973
993
2632
1418
2885
463
564
1647
1377
723
281
4065
2523
1701
831
1015
2520
1251
2609
580
394
1952
1235
718
387
4391
2397
2387
793
1282
2510
1906
2677
663
374
3222
1646
1889
447
3425
3560
1375
882
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 20NE6ETDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Viet Killed Wounded
Cong in in
Time Inci- Action Action
Period dents GVN VC GVN VC
Captured Total Weapons
or Missing Casualties Losses
GVN
VC GVN VC GVN VC
1962 1642 377 2271 626 367 63 669 1066 3307
1963 1349 411 1685 804 237 352 482 1567 2404 637 428
Aug 1964 2580 721 1449 1612 478 282 2811 1731 1106 619
1965 2498 808 3624 1945 287 606 3040 4230 705 1074
1962 1375 419 2218 646 365 59 446 1124 3029
Sep 1963 1763 672 1982 1155 234 566 347 2393 2563 878 389
1964 3091 819 1187 1759 737 230 3315 1417 1465 525
1965 2473 655 3485 1724 266 838 2645 4323 778 838
1962 1357 365 1967 619 286 64 373 1048 2626
Oct 1963 1422 428 1520 989 244 398 236 1815 2000 753 330
1964 2827 739 1617 1583 693 576 3015 2193 1510 482
1965 3330 961 3874 2416 225 660 3602 4534 762 1013
1962 1311 410 1982 834
Nov 1963 3182 664 2333 1554
1964 1982 574 1747 1404
1965 3638 1034 5516 2056
368
373
92 561 1336 2911
665 252 2883 2958 1595 455
410 570 2388 2317 1104 515
520 592 3610 6108 1126 2164
1962 1346 294 2203 618 289 78 463 990 2955 -
Dec 1963 1921 389 1440 961 191 320 190 1670 1821 724 546
1964 2504 1002 1813 2053 1092 503 4147 2316 2111 666
1965 4106 1239 4076 2262 926 516 4427 4592 1728 1158
Composite Annual Totals
VC Captured Total Weapons
Time Indi- KIA WIA or Missing Casualties Losses
Period dents GVN VC GVN VC GVN VC GVN VC GVN VC
1962 19076 4417 21158 7195 4235 1270 5700 12882 31093 5195 4049*
1963 17852 5665 20575 11488 3501 3137 4307 20290 28383 8267 5397
1964 28526 7457 16785 17017 6036 4157 30510 20942 14055 5881
1965 31529 11243 35436 23118 7848 6326 42209 41762 16915 11755
**1966 7014 1762 7375 3652 927 1096 6341 8471 2011 2198
*Monthly data unavailable for 1962 Weapons Losses.
**Through 28 February 1966
-S2-
Approved For Release 2004/07SEGWIFET00826A000400010039-9
25X1
e Approved For Release 2004/07A:6140189479T00826A000400010039-9.-
Kr.
2. Viet Cong Incidents: 1962 - 28 February 1966
25X1
Time
Period
Viet Cong
Incidents
ATTACKS
Terrorism
Sabotage
Propa-
ganda
Anti-
Aircraft
Small-
Scale Co. Size
BN. Size
Total
1962
1825
528
21
0
549
839
180
257
Jan 1963
927
242
8
2
252
447
49
179
1964
1770
218
2
3
223
1244
129
174
1965
2206
57
5
1
63
1489
272
170
212
1966
3914
42
23
70
2490
312
299
743
1962
1460
480
20
0
SOO
613
137
210
Feb 1963
788
181
13
1
195
433
69
91
1964
2078
211
3
3
217
1389
201
271
1965
1982
73
6
3
82
1411
267
91
131
*1966
3100
50
10
9
69
1829
201
172
829
1962
1961
561
27
0
588
660
290
423
Mar 1963
1282
333
11
0
344
653
131
154
1964
2160
198
4
1
203
1632
158
167
1965
2056
80
3
3
86
1476
240
90
164
1962
1933
470
27
0
497
1024
220
192
Apr 1963
1331
371
9
3
383
688
105
155
1964
2284
211
6
3
MO
1738
169
157
1965
1860
38
1
4
43
1407
149
96
165
1962
1825
490
28
0
528
892
154
251
May 1963
1208
344
13
0
357
608
93
150
1964
2143
170
3
2
175
1418
217
140
193
1965
2263
40
7
11
58
1555
365
115
170
1962
1477
339
23
0
362
736
157
222
Jun 1963
1311
398
11
1
410
652
107
142
1964
2062
128
10
2
140
1390
176
162
194
1965
2597
62
1
6
69
1784
469
103
172
-S3-
NEUICEdI
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
, Approved For Release 200SEERIEWP79T00826A000400010039-9`'
Time
Period
Viet Cong
Incidents
ATTACKS
Terrorism
Propa-
Sabotage 1 ganda
25X1
Anti-
Aircraft
Small-
Scale
Co. Size
BN. Size
Total
1962
1564
437
10
1
448
735
158
223
Jul 1963
1368
398
8
1
407
698
80
183
1964
3045
166
12
7
185
2132
286
224
218
1965
2520
42
0
6
48
1706
400
154
212
1962
1642
368
10
0
378
885
146
233
Aug 1963
1349
356
11
1
368
647
113
221
1964
2580
107
3
3
113
1775
315
173
204
1965
2498
38
9
5
52
1597
349
200
300
1962
1375
382
9
0
391
624
178
182
Sep 1963
1763
483
17
3
503
889
164
207
1964
3091
110
4
4
118
1938
482
178
375
1965
2473
19
7
5
31
1530
278
185
449
1962
1357
406
12
1
419
583
189
166
Oct 1963
1422
359
6
0
365
802
105
150
1964
2827
75
2
6
83
1790
480
197
277
1965
3330
24
8
12
44
1969
415
198
704
1962
1311
411
7
3
421
614
144
132
Nov 1963
3182
631
11
3
645
1990
269
278
1964
1982
57
2
1
60
1391
247
109
175
1965
3638
26
16
10
52
2234
486
255
611
1962
1346
375
8
1
384
670
107
185
Dec 1963
1921
258
3
0
261
1298
111
251
1964
2504
81
9
6
96
1719
318
128
243
1965
4106
32
18
7
57
2572
442
317
718
Composite Annual Totals
1962
19076
5247
6
212
5465
8875
2060
2676
No Data
1963
17852
4354
15
121
4490
9805
1396
2161
No Data
1964
28526
1732
41
60
1833
19556
3178
2080
1879
1965
31529
531
73
81
685
20730
4132
1974
4008
*1966
7014
92
33
14
139
4319
513
471
1572
*Through 28 February 1966
-S4-
1 1
Approved For Release 2004&lCRAN
P79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1
Approved Fori Mearent/AM16Eeffewfcro?NtterieRig039-9
Consumer Price Index (For Working-Class Family in Saigon)
(1959=100)
January 1963 - December 1965
I
19163
1964
6
13
17
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
Money Supply (Mil/ions of Piasters)
January 1964 - December 1965
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
Foreign Exchange Reserves (Millions of US Dollars)
January 1964 - December 1965
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
6143Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
25X1 Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9
Approved For Release 2004/07/16 : CIA-RDP79T00826A000400010039-9