THE HO CHI MINH TRAIL

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79S00427A000500040044-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 22, 2004
• Sequence Number: 44
• Publication Date: August 30, 1961
• Content Type: MEMO

Ar4i9/a 44
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
30 August 1961
Control No. 0073-61
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT : The Ho Chi Minh Trail
1. The so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail is in reality a
complex of paths and trails through the mountainous high-
lands that extend through much of Vietnam, inland from the
coastal plain. During the war against the French that ended
in 1954, the Communist Viet Minh used various north-south
mountain trails to supply their units in what is now South
Vietnam. Collectively, these trails and paths designed to
afford maximum security in the movement of supplies and men,
became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
2. The Trail for the most part is suitable only for
use by coolie supply columns and is generally not traversable
by vehicular traffic. An indication of the capacity of the
Trail is shown by the following figures derived from a Viet
Minh decree of 1952:
Loads for Human Porters
Type of Normal Load Normal Journey
Load (pounds) (miles per day)
Level Country Mountains Level Country mountains
ns
Rice 55 30 15 (day) 9 (day)
Arms 33/44 22/33 12 (night) 7 (night)
Approved For Release 2004/10/08 : CIA-RDP79S00427A000500040044-3
SECRET
 Approved For Re a 2004/10/0WYM!PS00427AOD0500040044-3
3. The Trail as used by the Viet Minh has been
characterized by a considerable degree of flexibility.
Because of the many paths forming the complex, it has
been relatively easy for the Communists to shift from
one to another in some areas as security conditions dic-
tated. This tactic, however, is more difficult in other
areas where extremely dense natural vegetation may re-
quire extensive work to establish a new path,
4. It is believed that interdiction of the Ho
Chi Minh Trail would be difficult on several counts.
In addition to the flexible nature of the Trail, its
considerable length and frequently rugged terrain mili-
tate against constant surveillance. The probably small
number of persons using the Trail on any given segment
also reduces the chance of detection.
Approved For Release 2004/10/08 : CIA-RDP79SO0427A000500040044-3
SECRET