BACKGROUND - SOUTH VIETNAM O/B

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000300280007-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 24, 1998
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: March 23, 1955
• Content Type: BRIEF

Appr& d PU Mse 2000/077M- DP&I 3066300280007-3
BACKGROUND - SOUTH VIETNAM O/B
I. 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. Ca,o 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, 4,000--in suburbs of Saigon
(also in control of Saigon police force,
strength of c g n~
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fact that some Sect commanders have taken
fence-sitting or pro-government positions.
A. Cao Dai General Trinh Minh The, who
commands 4,300 troops, has "formally"
rallied to the government. However,
his loyalty is questionable.
B. During past month, three Hoa Hao senior
officers, altogether commanding "several
thousand" troops, have declared
allegiance to Diem. government.
IV. In balance with Sect forces are following:
A. French troops (ground forces) south
,of the 17th parallel--94,000.
1. Of these, roughly 50,000 are in the
Saigon area.
B. Vietnamese National Army--151,000.
1. Of these Vietnamese troops, 10,000
are available in Saigon area.
C. In addition, there are 43,000 pro-
vincial police under Diem's authority.
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