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Communist Ho Chi Minh's order of the day was "Destroy the enemy, and achieve new feats of arms." In these terms last week the Communists launched a new major offensive in Asia. First objective: the eastern bank of the wide, fast-flowing Mekong River, fourth greatest in all Asia, and the border of Siam. Further objectives: still to unfold...
...Theories. At this stage of the battle, Ho's military intentions are not clear. From Thakhek, he could move northwest against Luang Prabang, the Laotian royal capital; he could move south towards Savannakhet and its important nearby airfield. He could dig in at Thakhek and wait for the French to send reinforcements from the decisive delta against him. At Thakhek, too, he could pose a threat to neutral but strongly anti-Communist Siam. The Siamese were taking no chances: they declared nine provinces an emergency zone and moved troops and artillery to the Mekong, directly opposite the Communist positions...
...always with Communist actions, Ho's offensive had deeper, political purposes. Theory No. 1: Ho is now trying to win the war in a series of offensives, of which the Mekong drive is the first. Theory No. 2: Ho knows he cannot win the war unless he crushes the delta; since he cannot do this, he is therefore trying to create a position of strength in Laos as a prelude to peace negotiations...
...latest collision with Bao Dai occurred when, despite his rebuff from the Nationalists, he backed their demand for negotiations with Ho Chi Minh's Communists. He also demanded measures to strengthen his Cabinet. When the ex-Emperor refused, there was nothing for Tam to do but to resign his post. If the French concur, Bao Dai will probably appoint as Premier his good friend and disciple Prince Buu Loc, 39, a member of the Annamese royal family...
Laichau is a tiny mud village in northwestern Viet Nam, where the clack of mah-jongg tiles used to be heard day & night. For seven years of war, although it is only 30 miles from the Chinese border. Laichau remained in French hands. Last week it was lost to Ho Chi Minh's Communists without a fight...