THE SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130016-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 18, 2008
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: May 4, 1972
• Content Type: IM

 Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130016-5
SECRET F` 5
25X1
OCI No. 0785/72
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Directorate of Intelligence
4 May 1972
The Situation in South Vietnam
(As of 0530 EDT)
1. There was no significant enemy military
action on the major battlefronts on 3 May.
2. South Vietnamese Marines completed their
withdrawal from Fire Base Nancy--the last govern-
ment strongpoint in Quang Tri Province--and are
forming a new defensive line south of the Tach Ma
River near the northern border of Thua Thien Pro-
vince. Seven 122-mm. rockets were fired at the
US base at Phu Bai, but no casualties or damage
was inflicted.
3. North Vietnamese forces have been pres-
suring South Vietnamese Rangers defending Polei
Kleng, 12 miles west of Kontum City, during the
past few days. Battalion-sized attacks, involving
elements of the North Vietnamese 52nd Regiment,
have taken place in an apparent enemy effort to
eliminate the position and provide easier enemy
access to Kontum from the west.
4. The morale of the more elite South Viet-
namese forces in the highlands including the Ran-
gers, Airborne troops, and armored units is reported
to be high, while other units including the regular
army, territorials, ar.d the local populace is
reported to be demoralized and psychologically
oriented for defeat. The Communists are egging
this situation on by spreading rumors of deals
made between the US and the Communists. The South
Vietnamese are moving slowly in preparing their
defensive positions around Kontum City and there
are new reports of abandoned positions and weapons.
Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130016-5
 Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875RO01100130016-5
SECRET
5. South Vietnamese forces continue to
encounter difficulties in moving north on Route
13 toward An Lac and in resupplying and evacuating
wounded from the provincial capital. In MR 4,
enemy activit continues with some attacks on out-
posts
Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875RO01100130016-5