BACKROUND - SOUTH VIETNAM O/B
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP79R00890A000500030052-2
Release Decision:
RIFPUB
Original Classification:
S
Document Page Count:
2
Document Creation Date:
December 14, 2016
Document Release Date:
March 12, 2003
Sequence Number:
52
Case Number:
Publication Date:
March 23, 1955
Content Type:
BRIEF
File:
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
![]() | 155.45 KB |
Body:
A CANVI glgase 2003/03/28: C - D 79 8 vDV5UQ D052
BACKGROUND - SOUTH VIETNAM 011/B
1. As easily understandable, no precise O/B
available on Sects.
A. These curious groups customarily
overstate their numerical strength
in order to gain prestige, collect
larger government subsidies.
B. Their mixed armament makes effective-
ness estimates misleading--some units
might have only hand-grenades and
machetes, others the most modern arms.
II. With above reservations, Sect O/B Is
roughly as follows:
A. Cao Dai, 16,000--located mostly north
and northwest of Saigon.
B. Hoa Hao, 19,600--in delta rice--granary
area west of Saigon.
C. Binh Xuyen, '*.?00-s-in suburbs of Saigon
(also in control of Saigon police force,
strength of which unknown).
Approved For Release 7nn3103198 ? Rio-Rnl2:9R 0890A000500030052-
,ZEE REVERSE FOR DECLASSIFI QN
-fact that some Sect co~amanders halve a en
fence-sitting or pro-government positions.
A. Cao Dai General Trinh Minh The
commands 4,300 troops, has "formal
rallied to the governmen
s z ~~
his loyalty is `questionabT
B. During past month
officers, altoge~ er co imand n _ several'
thousand" troops,
IV. In balance with Sect force( are
A. French` troops (ground forces
of the .17th parallel--94,000.
1. Of these'rou
Saigon area
are available in Saigon area..
Vietnamese SitionaI
addition, there are 43,000 0ro=
vincial police under Diea's authority.
Approved For Release 2003/03/23 C 0Pr9RV 90A000500030052-2