LETTER TO THE HONORABLE CYRUS VANCE FROM W. F. RABORN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R000100060003-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 28, 2004
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: June 1, 1966
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2005/04/22 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R000100060003-4
Dear Cy:
1 June 1966
As you can sea from the attached memorandum,
the evidence we have generally corroborates
General Larsen*s contention that approximately
10,000 North Vietnamese troops operate in the
Cambodian border region. We cannot establish that
they are based there for ny substantial periods of
but we are confider a of their presence in
approximately this number.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Cyrus Vance
Deputy So reetary of Defense
Department of Defense
Washington, D. C.
NSA review(s) completed.
R.J. Smith/mfb
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1 - DDI v/ Icy attch
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 Approved For Release 2005/04/ SEOU DP80BO1676R~0010006000 SX1
28 May 1966
1IlIF A US FOR: Director, Central Intelligence
FROM : Chief,, Far Nast Area, OCI
SUBJECT : North Vietnamese Military Units in Cambodia
1. Evidence available bore indicates that there
are between four to six North Vietnamese regiments cur-
rontly positioned in the Casbodia-South Vietnam border
area but that not all of then are in Cambodia. One
North Vietnamese "Front" or division level headquarters,
the 630th formerly 325th has been operating in the
Cambodia-Pleiku Province area since 1868. It was this
headquarters and its three subordinate North Vietnam-
ese regiments, the 32nd, 33rd and 11th (also known as
the 66th), which took part in the November 1965 fight-
ing with the US 1st Air Cavalry Division in the Is
Drang Yalley/Chu Pont mountain area. The total strength
of the 830th and its units is about 6,500 men.
2. This 630th Front has had a history of operat-.
ing across the border into Cambodia. For example,
during the It Drang fighting, 25X1
the Front headquarters and one of its reg
mints move across into Cambod ` and then back into
Scnith Vietnam. Furthermore, 25X1
E;;~* late an March of this year placed this head.
ers several miles in Cambodia.
3. d number of prisoners of war taken in April
16086 have indicted that there are additional North
VIietnaaese units operating in the Cambodia-Pleiku
Province border area. These prisoners reported that
the Worth Vietnamese 183, (1,500) 8th (l,O004 ,, 500)
said 141st (1,500) Regiments are also In the Chu Pong
mountain area. Another captured Communist soldier
hits reported that another North Vietnamese Division
headquarters is now also, in Cambodia. We do not know
the strength of this force but it could be substantial.
SECRET
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GROUP I
Excluded from automatic
dawngcedEng and
6e03RIMCM10n
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 Approved For Release 2005/0 I RE)POeBel 6R000100060003-4
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4. 'The available evidence indicates that some
1M,00C Vietnamese soldiers in four to six regiments
are now positioned in the Cambodia-Ploiku province
border area. Not all of the Communist forces in the
area are believed located in Cambodia, but some, prob-
ably are. From past experience, we do not doubt that
these units will use Cambodia territory for maneuvering
in tactical situations an well as a safebavon whom and
if it becomes necessary. sere 25X1
ar~ in Cambodia near the border which we believe are
Viet Cong bane, areas.
25X1 Prepared by:
25X1
Approved For Release 2005/04/22 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R000100060003-4