Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part IV. C. 1.djvu/42

 Nhi Long has been severely threatened in August, the route to Vinh Long is again insecure…elsewhere the hamlet program appears to be over-extended and with insufficient troop support is under serious threat in former VC strongholds. Security in southernmost Long Toan District, the province VC haven, continues to be very poor…Major Thao, an extremely competent leader,…was replaced in late July…


 * Although most signs indicate progress…evaluation of Vinh Long remains largely an evaluation of Lt. Col. Phuoc, Chief of Province…whose idea had previously led him to construct through corvee labor kilometer after kilometer of useless walls, and whose insensitivity to the population had led to considerable popular antipathy. An apparent change of attitude has taken place…and Phuoc now says that the strategic hamlet is a state of mind rather than a fortification. Phuoc's sincerity and commitment to the program are still problematical, however, as is public acceptance of him and of the program…some pessimists feel that this may well prove…the most difficult province in the Delta to pacify.


 * The Communists still control most of the people and land in Chuong Thien…[the] new province chief…has been evasive and has shown no desire really to cooperate…the large relocation effort…risks loss of the province to the VC because the people involved have been alienated.


 * Shortcoming in the implementation of the hamlet program, as well as a lack of confidence in the province chief…led to the recall in late August of the USOM provincial representative and possible unofficial suspension of USOM…in an effort to build statistics, the province had constructed a number of vulnerable and non-viable hamlets. There has been a forced wholesale relocation, insufficiently justified, poorly financed…numerous occurrences have convinced us that there is venality…and lack of good faith. A new province chief (not presently in prospect) might permit progress in this rich and important area…a major effort to gain popular support for government is needed in this as in many other Delta provinces.


 * The province remains under VC control with the exception of a handful of widely separated government strong points… An Xuyen, comprising much of the enemy's main Delta power center, is a primary source of men, money and supplies for the Communists. Rh