STATUS REPORT ON SIDE MATTERS

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Tet Declassified
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00133908
• Document Creation Date: January 28, 2019

Approved for Release: 2019/01/17 CO0133908
CONFIDEKTIAr
LBJ LIBRARY
Mandatory Review
Case # NrLj GIN33
lIocument # 1Qta-
ICEX/SIDE
MEMORANDUM FOR: AMBASSADOR KOMER
SUBJECT: STOWS REPORT ON SIDE MATTERS
4 February 68
1. Since my departure for Washington in December there have been
some radical alterations in the SIDE Program. Some are still in-
complete because of funding uncertainties and the recent conceptual
change for detention centers advocated by General LOAN, but this
memorandum describes the principal decisions taken and the present
course of the program.
2. The funding outlook changed from a condition of no piasters ex-
pected until March to one in which adequate piaster funding is now
in sight to start both the prison and detention construction.
3. It appears that our dollar needs will be relatively small if
this piaster promise comes true. I am awaiting funding decisions
now which will indicate the precise amount of piasters that SIDE
can expect. When this information is received an application will
be prepared to obtain the balance needed from DOD.
4. From a concept developed in my absence for 500 masonry spaces
at Tan-Hiep and 2000 at Con-Son we have now proceeded to a target
of 4000 masonry spaces at Con-Son, 500 at Tan-Hiep, and blueprints
for 2000 prefabricated spaces at Con-Son to be implemented only in
case of need.
5. From a concept of seven detention center sites in III and IV
Corps areas we have moved toward the General LOAN
still to be approved by General VIEN.
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Approved for Release: 2019/01/17 CO0133908
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6. On 19 December 1967 our plans were directed toward building
sufficient facilities in which to house all detainees and prisoners
by 30 June, 1968. The SIDE Plan for prefabricated construction
was 8000 spaces and this was supplemented by an estimated 3,360
spaces to be built in II Corps with prison labor. With this pro-
gram we hoped to be able to house the excess prisoners predicted
for 30 June 68 (9,245 per SIDE Planning Estimate 1-67 of 11 Novem-
ber 1967).
7. The latest prison population figure of 32,000 in January and
the detainees swept up in battles in the last few days are of such
magnitude that a new estimate of excess prisoners by 30 June 68
is indicated. As of today SIDE estimates an excess of 11,500 on
30 June 68, an excess of 14,000 by 31 December 68.
8. Our present prison construction program with masonry should pro-
duce 7860 spaces by 31 December 68. 3,360 of these should be com-
pleted with prison labor sometime this spring. In fact, if there
is a sudden demand for a detention facility it would be possible
to complete An Khe on short notice to 3,240 spaces.
9. Our program of the moment is short of plans for the 31 December
goal by 6,140 spaces. If I am not able to incorporate such a
capacity within General LOAN's detention system I will recommend
additional prison construction in the needed amount.
10. I make no recommendations at this time. The situation is in a
state of flux. I will keep you posted on significant developments.
Copy to: Mr. Evan Parker
Chief, PSD
RAWDOLPH BERKELEY,
SIDE PROGRAM MAIAGEE
Approved for Release: 2019/01/17 CO0133908