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: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP79R00890A000500030052-2.pdf155.45 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