CIA WEEKLY REPORT ON COMMUNIST VIOLATIONS OF THE VIETNAM AND LAOS CEASE-FIRE ACCORDS MARCH 22, 1973

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LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8
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RIPLIM
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S
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28
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January 11, 2017
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September 9, 2010
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9
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Publication Date: 
March 27, 1973
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MEMO
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_ No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 - 11111 MEMORANDUM ?.NATIONAL?SECURITY COUNCIL ON-FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR: FROM: SUBJECT: MORI pp1-4 c03223174 MR. KISSINGER INFORMATION March 27, 1973 JOHN H. HOLDRIDGE 1655 DIA,NSA review completed pp1-4 CIA Weekly Report on Communist Violations of the Vietnam and Laos Cease-fire Accords March 16-March 22, 1973 The CIA has submitted its weekly report, prepared jointly with the DLA, on Communist violations of the Vietnam and Laos accords during the time period March 16-22 (Tab A). The report, which contains a sanitized summary plus a "U.S. Eyes Only" annex, concludes that during the past week about 500 new infiltrators (all of them civil or military specialists) started the trek south to join the 20, 000 North Vietnamese personnel still in the infiltration system. (An additional 15, 000 already in the system after January 28 have arrived at their destinations.) Additionally, CIA notes the deployment of another North Vietnamese AAA regiment into South Vietnam, the deployment of an operational SA-2 SAM site in the Khe Sanh area and the probable re- deployment to the North of the 308th NVA Division. Tentative new com- munications intelligence suggests that as many as 6, 500 additional combat replacements may be moving through the infiltration pipeline in southern Laos and northeastern Cambodia. During the period, heavy NVA resupply activity was observed within northern South Vietnam, in the Laos Panhandle area, in the tri-border area and in northeastern Cambodia. Communist initiated combat activity was at a moderate level in both South Vietnam and Laos. 25X1 Infiltration SECRET XGDS 5B(2) by Auth CIA/DIA No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09 : LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 IP -SECRET 25 X1 -- Tentative evidence received from recent communications intelligence suggests that as many as 6, 500 previously undetected combat replacements couldbe moving through the infiltration pipeline in southern Laos and north- eastern Cambodia. If this is true, our previous total figure of 35, 000 infiltrators (20, 000 still in the pipeline and 15, 000 who have arrived at their destinations in South Vietnam and Cambodia since January 28) would have to be increased to 41, 000. ? In addition to this infiltration flow, communications intelligence indicates that another North Vietnamese AAA regiment with at least 40 AAA weapons has begun to deploy into South Vietnam's Kontum Province. This brings the total number of NVA AAA regiments now located in South Vietnam to at least 15, with an estimated 900 guns. -- Communications intelligence indicates that the NVA's 308th Infantry Division may have deployed earlier in the year from South Vietnam's Quang Tri Province into North Vietnam. If all of the division's personnel moved north, this would reduce NVA combat forces in MR-1 by some 7, 500 per- sonnel, leaving 55, 000 to 65, 000 NVA combat personnel (not counting AAA units) in the area. Logistics -- Heavy NVA resupply activity was observed within northern South Vietnam as part of the enemy's new transportation effort scheduled to run from March 15 until the beginning of the rainy season on May 31. Logistic activity in the Laos Panhandle reflected a continuing drive to move supplies into the forward areas. Heavy activity was observed in the tri-border area and in northeastern Cambodia where NVA logistics units continued to move large quantities of supplies into central and southern South Vietnam. SECRET No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 ? 110 SECRET 3 ? Within southern North Vietnam, some supplies continued to move southward, and moderately heavy cargo shipments are still moving to northern Laos. Southbound truck traffic through the entry corridors into southern Laos from North Vietnam increased somewhat above the previous week's levels, but remained below the levels of -are-1.ate February/early March. [Intelligence received after this report was published indicates that truck traffic into Lao logistic system has reached a new high for this dry season.] -- Significant examples of NVA logistics activity included the following: ? On March 17, 55 North Vietnamese cargo trucks delivered over 100 tons of cargo to several locations in northern MR-1. ? On March 19, 50 trucks were observed north of the A Shau Valley, and on the same day an NVA logistic unit in the Valley was observed receiving over 170 tons of cargo, .primarily ammunition. ? On March 20, a ten mile segment of a new Communist road was observed between Quang Tin and Quang Ngai Provinces in South Vietnam. Other recent evidence indicates that as of March 12, the Communists had constructed a new section of road from the Mimot area of Cambodia into Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam. ? On March 19, seven new NVA storage areas, all constructed since February 24, were observed in the A Shau Valley. ? In northeastern Cambodia, an NVA logistics unit on March 16 reportedly dispatched 88 vehicles of cargo. ? At the Ban Karai Pass from North Vietnam into Laos, 188 cargo trucks were observed moving southward through the Pass during the period March 16-22. [According to later intelligence, about 325 trucks moved through the Pass on March 24.1 Combat -- During the past weeK, ARVN and the FPJMC reported 114 major and 642 minor Communist-initiated cease-fire violations. This represents a decrease of 59 serious and 107 minor incidents over the previous week. (Note: It is impossible to determine in all cases who actually instigated the incidents.) SECRET No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 TI? SECRET 4 -- In Laos, the week began. with heavy NVA attacks in several areas in south Laos, most significantly in the vicinity. of Paksong and near Khong Sedone and Saravane near the Bolovens Plateau. In the central Panhandle, activity was heaviest near Thakek. The rest of Laos remained generally quiet. No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 ? No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 * 1 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR MEMORANDUM FOR: Dr. Henry A. Kissinger Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs SUBJECT 23 March 1973 MORI/CDF Pages 5-28 per C03223175 : Communist Violations of Vietnam and Laos Settlement Agreements 1. Attached are five copies of the fifth weekly report on Communist violations of the Vietnam and Laos settlement agree- ments. This report covers the period from 16 through 22 March 1973. Both the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense are in full agreement with the conclusions and with all specifics of the report. 3. WSAG, to Directors I am sending copies of this report to all members of the Secretary Rogers, Secretary Richardson, and to the of DIA and INR. Attachment a Geo ge A. Carver, Jr. Special Assistant for Vietnamese Affairs 25X1 25X1 NSA, DIA reviews completed pages 5-28 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 Secret Fifth Report COMMUNIST VIOLATIONS OF THE VIETNAM AND LAOS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS (This report covers the week from 16 March through 22 March 1973) This memorandum has been prepared jointly by the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense NSA, DIA reviews completed pages 5-28 25X1 Secret 2 9-1 Ma ?r-nh 1 C17 'I 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 111, Fifth Report 23 March 1973 COMMUNIST VIOLATIONS OF THE VIETNAM AND LAOS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS* (This report covers the week from 16 March through 22 March 1973) The Key Points - Only a small number of additional North Vietnam- ese personnel started- the infiltration trip south during the week, and all were civil or military specialists. The much larger number of infil- trators already in the pipeline continued moving south. An additional North Vietnamese AAA regiment has begun to move into South Vietnam, and a newly occupied and operational SA-,2 SAM site has been observed near Khe Sanh. - An NVA infantry division apparently moved north- ward earlier this year from Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam to Ha Tinh Province of North Vietnam. We obtained evidence of this move only in the past several days. - The flow of North Vietnamese military into southern Laos increased somewhat week's level, but was below the level eral weeks ago. There was heavy NVA activity inside South Vietnam in MR 1 the tri-border area. supplies over last of sev- resupply , and in - The number of combat incidents initiated by the Communists was at a moderate level in both South Vietnam and Laos. This report has been prepared jointly by the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense. No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 ? No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 - The Details, NOTE: This is the fifth in ,a series of reports de- tailing recently received evidence of (a) Communist efforts to infiltrate new manpower and military ma- teriel toward and into South Vietnam, and (b) Commu- nist-instigated combat activity in violation of the Vietnam and Laos settlement agreements. A. Infiltration and Redeployment of North Vietnam- ese Personnel 1. Evidence received during the reporting pe- riod indicates that Hanoi is continuing to dispatch some North Vietnamese personnel southward toward and into South Vietnam. The apparently emerging trend of an overall reduction in infiltration starts which was noted last week, however, has continued. Only a small number of new infiltrators started the trek south during the week, and all of them were civil or military specialists. The last combat troops known to have entered the infiltration system started their journey south on 10 and 11 March. Neverthe- less, there are currently about 20,000 North Viet- namese personnel still in the infiltration system moving south, and an additional 15,000 infiltrators who were in the system after 28 January have already arrived at their destinatione. About half of the 20,000 still in the pipeline left their starting point in North Vietnam after the ceasefire date. There has been positive evidence that at least some of these infiltrators continued moving south after the President's statement of 15 March, and no evi- dence that any of them have turned back to the north. -2- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 2. In addition to this infiltration flow, in- formation received during the week also indicates that another North Vietnamese AAA regiment has begun to deploy into South Vietnam in viclation of the set- tlement agreement. As of 21 March, this regiment, with at least 40 AAA weapons, had moved from the Laos panhandle to a location inside South Vietnam in southwestern Kontum Province. We cannot determine definitively that the regiment moved across the South Vietnamese border after the President's statement of 15 March. It must have moved, however, either in the few days lust before or after the 15th. This brings the number of AAA regiments now located in South Viet- nam to at least 15, with an estimated 900 guns. 3. In a major development during the week, a newly occupied and operational SA-2 SAM site was ob- served in the Khe Sanh area of Quang Tri Province on 19 March. At the end of February and in the first few days of March, the North Vietnamese had set up three other SA-2 sites in the Khe Sanh area, but by 6 March--after strong complaints had been issued by the GVN and the U.S.--they had removed the equipment from these three sites. From then until 19 March, no more SA-2 missiles or missile-related equipment were observed inside South Vietnam, although there is no evidence that the North Vietnamese removed the missiles from the country. The three sites which were unoccupied as of 6 March are still unoccupied. The new site, however, is less than a kilometer away from one of the earlier three (now unoccupied) sites, and the missiles and equipment deployed at it could be the same missiles and equipment seen earlier at one or another of the other sites. Firm evidence shows that the new site had not been set up as of 10 March, and that the missiles were emplaced on it sometime between 10 and 19 March. As of 21 March No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 the missiles were still there and the site was still operational. (See paragraph 6 (i) for list of specific equipment observed at this new site.) 4. Newly received information provides evi- dence of a northward deployment which may have oc- curred earlier this year. This evidence indicates that one of the five North Vietnamese infantry divi- sions which we have been carrying in Quang Tri Prov- ince probably had begun to move back to North Viet- nam by January 1973, and most elements of the divi- sion may have completed the move by late February. This would be the first NVA division known to have returned to North Vietnam since the start of the Communist spring offensive on 30 March 1972. If the division has moved with all of its personnel, it would reduce NVA combat forces in MR 1 by some 7,500 personnel. Other NVA combat forces still in the area--not including AAA units--total between 55,000 and 65,000 personnel. [ B. Movement of Military Equipment and Supplies by The North Vietnamese Toward and Into South Viet- nam and Laos. 5. Heavy NVA resupply activity was observed during the week within northern South Vietnam, and the North Vietnamese in this area appear to be im- plementing the new transportation effort scheduled to run from 15 March through 31 May. (Under normal weather conditions, 31 May would be in the early stages of the rainy season.) Indications of logistic activity in the Laos Panhandle were less substantial than those received from South Vietnam, but did re- flect a continuing drive to move supplies into the forward areas. Heavy activity was observed in the tri-border area and in northeastern Cambodia where NVA logistic units continued to move large quantities of supplies into central and southern South Vietnam. Within southern North Vietnam, some supplies con- tinued to move southward, and moderately heavy cargo shipments are still moving to northern Laos. South- bound truck traffic through the entry corridors into -4- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 W southern Laos from North Vietnam increased somewhat above the level observed in the previous week, but was below the level noted in late February and early March immediately after the Laos settlement agree- ment was signed. 6. The following instances of Communist lo- gistic activity were observed within South Vietnam during the period under review. Activity observed within South Vietnam probably reflects supplies which have recently entered the country. (The map on the following page shows the roads and route num- bers which appear below.) (a) On 17 March, good evidence indicates that 55 North Vietnamese cargo trucks delivere0 of cargo to several locations in northern GVN MR-1. It could not be determined whether these trucks had moved supplies from stock- piles outside the country or were merely transferring cargo from storage facili- ties within South Vietnam. (b) On 19 March, 50 trucks were observed halted on Route 922, north of the A Shau Valley within South Vietnam. (d) On 19 March, a total of 7 new NVA storage areas were observed in the A Shau Valley. These facilities, all constructed since 24 February, contain as many as seven storage buildings each plus additional areas for open storage. -5- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 ietnam -- N Demarcation Line Se Ouang Tri 25X1 ta Nang Cuang Ngai Pursat Phum Sdo Ach Fiomeas 7, QaiNIi6n? Nha Trang --Cam Ranh Phnom Pe Ream Duong ^ Ha Tien I D?ngt. ???? Phu Ouoc ? (Kinn Giang) Ranh Ci Kien Giang C \ lion Panjang ?win L Lieu An Xuven 25X1 Stag 'Dinh( V ng Tau Cong. ? C OFITAL SPECIAL ZONE Kien Hoa Phan Thiet ;"7`o.frt":r?-? III 4, qa. y..19 Vinh ? Binh \ Khan;\ n Hung A Bac Lieu 25X1 Con Son NAMES AND BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION ARE NOT NECESSARILY AUTHORITATIVE Cam Ranh Phan Rang Deo Phu OS! South Vietnam -- Province boundary t.:1:1 Military region -S..! International Commission of Control and Supervision region boundary Railroad Road POL pipeline 25 50 vp Mcleo 2'5 5.0 75 Kdomotors 25X1 JI 501639 273 CIA No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 7. There were the following indications dur- ing the reporting period of North Vietnamese logistic activity in the Laos Panhandle and northeastern Cam- bodia. Historical precedent would suggest that much of this activity probably involves supplies destined for South Vietnam. (b) On 16-17 March, an NVA logistic unit operating in the tri-border area was observed receiving 70 cargo vehicles and on 17 March dispatching 30 vehicles destined for South Vietnam." (c) In eastern Laos, a convoy of 19 cargo trucks loaded with supplies was ob- served on 18 March on Route 922, 9 miles west of the Laos/South Vietnam border. (d) 188 cargo trucks were observed moving southward on Route 912 through the Ban Karai Pass during the period 16 through 22 March. 8. There is additional evidence of the con- tinuing movement within North Vietnam of military and other supplies which are probably moving to South Vietnam and northern Laos. -7- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 411 (b) In possibly related activity in the Vinh area, 35 vehicles were observed picking up cargo at the Cho Si Rail- road Station on 15 March and trans- porting it toward Muong Sen, on Route 7 at the border with North Laos. (c) On 16 March, nearly 200 tons of cargo were observed being offloaded from barges by an NVA logistic unit south of Vinh. C. Combat Activity Instigated by Communist Forces In South Vietnam since the Ceasefire 9. In South Vietnam, the total numbers of Com- munist initiated ceasefire violations reported by the South Vietnamese Armed Forces and the Joint Military Commission since 28 January and for the last week (16 March - 22 March) are shown below: Military Total Since Ceasefire Last Week (16-22 Mar) Region Level of Action Level of Action Major 1/ Minor I/ Major Minor MR 1 615 2,217 48 155 MR 2 138 822 8 61 MR 3 167 1,307 26 140 MR 4 269 2,635 32 286 Totals 1,189 6,981, 114(173)2/ 642(749)2/ I/ DOD definitions of major and minor violations are contained in ANNEX IV. 2/ Denotes totals of previous week. 10. Some of these violations may have been initiated by GVN forces rather than Communist forces, and it is impossible in all cases to determine the actual instigator. The table above and the chart -8- 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 on the following page, however, do show fairly ac- curately the trend in the amount of combat that has occurred in South Vietnam since the ceasefire. The fact that a combat incident occurred at a particular time and place is accurately reported by the South Vietnamese in most instances, even though the ques- tion of who started it may not always be treated in objective fashion. 11. The following is a chronological listing of only the most significant "major" Communist vio- lations of the ceasefire in South Vietnam that were reported by the South Vietnamese Armed Forces during the past week. MILITARY REGION ONE (a) On 15 and 16 March, four miles south- west of Quang Tri City, elements of four airborne battalions received 10 enemy attacks-by-fire (ABF) totaling 489 rounds of mixed ordnance. (b) On 15 and 16 March, 10 miles west of Hue, elements of two ARVN infantry battalions received three enemy ABFs consisting of 682 rounds of mixed mor- tar fire. Two of these indirect fire attacks were followed by enemy ground assaults. (c) On 20 March, 4 miles south of Hue, elements of an ARVN infantry battalion received an enemy attack-by-fire (ABF) of 80 rounds of mixed 60-mm and 82-mm mortar fire followed by a ground as- sault. (d) During the period 20 and 21 March, elements of the 1st Division, west- southwest of Hue, received seven enemy attacks-by-fire (ABF) consisting of 348 rounds of ordnance. Two ABFs were followed by ground attacks. -9- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 GEA No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 CEAIFIRE VIOLATIONS IN SOUTH VIEllirvi AS REPORTED BY RVNAF (28 JANUARY 1973 TO THE PRESENT) 400 300 200 100 ? 400 300 200 100 JAN FEB 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 FEB 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 4 *TA LV I0 trAT ONS MAJ DR VIO LAT 10 Ns FEB MAR. MAR 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 * MILITARY REGION TWO (a) On 15 March, enemy forces attacked an element of an ARVN infantry battalion three miles southwest of Bong Son. (b) On 21 March, eight miles northwest of Kontum City, an ARVN battalion received an ABF of 100 rounds of mortar and recoilless rifle fire. MILITARY REGION THREE (a) On 15 March, 11 miles east-southeast of Dau Tieng, elements of an RF com- pany received an enemy ground attack. (b) On 20 and 21 March, RVNAF elements in the vicinity of Tonle Cham received three enemy ABFs consisting of 226 rounds of mixed ordnance. (c) On 22 March, RVNAF elements in the vicinity of Tonle Cham received two enemy attacks by fire consisting of 200 rounds of mixed ordnance. MILITARY REGION FOUR (a) On 17 March, 10 miles southeast of Rach Gia, an RF battalion received an ABF of 12 rounds of mixed 60-mm mor- tar and B-40 rocket fire followed by a ground assault. (b) On 17 March, seven miles south-south- west of Soc Trang, an ABF of an un- known number of 82-mm mortar rounds impacted on an RF outpost near a pagoda. (c) On 18 March, 16 miles northeast of Vinh Long, an RP company received an enemy ground attack. -10- 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 .- (d) On 19 March, 21 miles northwest of Vinh Long, elements of an RF battalion received an ABF (unknown type and num- ber of rounds) followed by a ground assault. (e) On 20 March, ARVN elements 10 miles northeast of Chau Doc received a ground attack resulting in over 100 enemy killed. D. Combat Activity Instigated by Communist Forces In Laos During the Week from 16 Through 22 March 12. The week began with heavy North Vietnamese Army attacks in several areas in south Laos, most significantly in the vicinity of Paksong on the Bolo- yens Plateau and in the area between Khong Sedone and Saravane north of the Plateau. Activity in the cen- tral panhandle was heaviest in an area south of Thak- hek, capital of Khammouane Province, where Communist forces are continuing to contest the Royal Lao Govern- ment presence near several heavily populated villages. The rest of Laos remained generally quiet with only light isolated incidents reported. 13. Following is a brief account of significant combat incidents which occurred between 16 and 21 March and which were clearly initiated by Communist forces in violation of the Laos ceasefire agreement: (a) On 16 March, North Vietnamese Army (SIVA) units launched four ground at- tacks against Royal Lao Army forces west of Paksong on the Bolovens Plateau. In the heaviest of these attacks, an estimated NVA battalion penetrated a Government position 5 kilometers south- west of Paksong and forced the defend- ers to withdraw an additional 5 kilo- meters. On the same date, four smaller Communist-initiated attacks took place south of Thakhek in Laos MR III. -11- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 ? (b) On 17 March, an NVA battalion attacked a Government battalion east of Khong Sedone in MR IV, forcing the friendly unit to withdraw several kilometers to the west. Three company-sized ground attacks and one attack-by-fire were initiated by Communist forces south of Thakhek in MR III. (c) On 18 March, two company-sized ground attacks and one 200 round mortar at- tack were launched against friendly units south of Thakhek. A Government position north of Dong Hone in MR III was also attacked by two Communist com- panies. (d) On 19 March, two Communist companies launched another ground attack and attack-by-fire south of Thakhek? forcing a Government battalion to relocate sev- eral kilometers to the west. A sharp engagement occurred in MR IV when two NVA companies forced a Government unit out of a village northeast of Khong Sedone. This village was in Govern- ment hands at the time of the cease- fire, but has changed hands three times since then. (e) On 20 March, the Communists launched another two-company ground attack sup- ported by over 100 rounds of mortar fire south of Thakhek in MR III. The attack was repulsed. (f) On 21 March, there was no significant activity, throughout Laos. (g) On 22 March, early reports indicate no significant activity throughout Laos. -12- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 ANNEX IV ? Definition of "Major" and "Minor" Ceasefire Vo ations: Paragraph 9 of this memorandum contains a table listing the total number of Communist-inspired cease- fire violations reported by the GVM, both for the past week and for the whole period since the ceasefire be- came effective on 28 January. The determination of whether a violation is "major" or "minor" is based on the following criteria, which have been established by the U.S. Department of Defense. Major Violation: One in which US/friendly fdrces, facilities or population centers: -Receive numerous rounds of enemy mortar, artillery, or rocket fire within a short period of time or sporadically over a period of hours. -Receive a multi-company (150-400 men) ground attack with or without supporting fire. -Are subjected to one or more acts of ter- rorism involving extensive use of mines and demolitions. ? Minor Violation: One in which US/friendly forces, faalities or population centers: -Receive one or a very few rounds of enemy mortar, artillery, rocket, or small arms fire following an extended period during which no stand-off attacks-by- fire were received. -Receive a small ground probe, unsupported by significant mortar, artillery, or 25X1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 rocket fire, following an extended pe- riod during which no attacks of this type were received. -Are subjected to one or a very few small terrorist attacks involving use of mines and demolitions following an extended period during which no at- tacks of this type were received. -114- No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/09/09: LOC-HAK-558-14-9-8 25X1 25X1