Office of the Historian

273. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State1

Saigon, August 25, 1962, 1 p.m.

191. Reference: Departmentʼs telegram 181.2 Both Embassy and MACV consider as encouraging those indications of VC hardships in highland areas reported MACV message mentioned reftel. While we have had many reports that VC are short of medical supplies and are having growing difficulties in obtaining food in highland areas, MACV report referred to records first real indication health conditions of VC may be sufficiently serious to affect operational effectiveness. Therefore, believe it premature attempt now assess significance this report. As follow-up reference telegram, MACV requesting Senior Adviser II Corps to follow matter closely and to report regularly on reliability and numbers prisoners giving this kind of information. (Since above written, [Page 613] we have received from Thuan translations of captured VC letters, et cetera, strongly reinforcing evidence. These being analyzed and summary will be sent separately.)

Existing evidence sufficiently impressive to conclude VC in highland areas having real difficulties obtaining food and medical supplies. This evidence shows that such operations as Haihyen, combining “clear-and-hold” and Strategic Hamlet Programs, plus the Montagnard flights, are beginning pay concrete dividends. All these indications reinforce our conviction that carefully conceived crop destruction programs in clearly VC areas (see Embtel 1713 and previous) can be important weapon against VC. These operations must be mounted quickly if to be effective.

Nolting
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751K.00/8-2562. Secret. Repeated to CINCPAC for Polad.↩
  2. Telegram 181, August 22, reported that a MACV message to the JCS on August 20 had stated that the VC in II Corps area were suffering from shortages of medical and food supplies. (Ibid., 751K.00/8-2262)↩
  3. Telegram 171, August 21, reported that General Harkins had received a letter from Thuan requesting the release of 5,000 gallons of defoliant for an operation against VC crops in Phu Yen province. (Ibid., 751K.00/8-2162)↩