https://declassified.library.utoronto.ca/files/original/1e0e787d1c2fae95aa68088b9c20064d.pdf ddb972838161f41e9580f3b946ba2771 PDF Text Text S E C R E T ITEMS OF ECONOMIC AND TOPOGRAPHICAL INTELLIGENCE FROM CANADIAN SOURCES JANUARY, 1 9 5 8 Item No. P a g e No. PART I FINLAND 1. S h i p b u i l d i n g - LOVIISTA (U) 2. S h i p b u i l d i n g - WARTSILA (U) 1 ,... 2 INDOCHINA 3. Economic and Topographical Intelligence - General 4 Part A - Extracts from Team Officer Reports N.VIETNAM .... 13 Part B - Extracts from Team Officer Reports S.VIETNAM .... 24 Part B - Extracts from the Press 25 Part C - Additional Miscellaneous Intelligence 27 APPENDIX A - The Drafted Labour to Buildup the Country is the Duty of Every Citizen 30 APPENDIX B - Provisory Regulations for the Mobilization and Disposition of Drafted Labour in Peace Time 31 APPENDIX C - Further Explanations on Mobilization of Manpower * 40 APPENDIX D - Report Submitted on Reassignment Fixed Team DONG DANG , 42 PART II U .S .S »h» 4. Merchant Vessels (S) 5. Northern Sea Route - Shipping Activity (C) 137 6. Ports - 138 (a) KOVDA (S) •(b) KYEM (S) 52 139 �UNCLASSIFIED FINLAND SHIPBUILDING Shipyard a t LQVIISTA Source v i s i t e d t h i s s h i p y a r d a t a p p r o x i m a t e ly 1930 l o c a l t i m e , on October 17th > 1 9 5 7 . Work was b e i n g c a r r i e d out a t t h i s t i m e and a p p a r e n t l y continued On a 24 hour b a s i s . The main c o n t r a c t was f ar t u g s and b a r g e s being b u i l t f o r R u s s i a . The c o n t r a c t was. s a i d t o be f o r 30 b a r g e s per y e a r . As a number of them a r e completed, a t u g i s a l s o completed and tows the b a r g e s t o R u s s i a . The b a r g e s were b e i n g b u i l t on an assembly l i n e , moving down t h e ways a t s t a g e s . The barges a r e about 250 f e e t l o n g , with a beam of about 30 f e e t , and drawing p o s s i b l y 8 t o 12 f e e t when l o a d e d . They a r e f l a t bottomed. Four upper deck cargo h a t c h e s a r e f i t t e d . There i s no means of p r o p u l s i o n , but a d i e s e l i s f i t t e d a f t i n a lower compartment t o provide e l e c t r i c power. The l i v i n g accommodation f o r c a p t a i n and crew i s l u x u r i o u s . The t u g s were a p p r o x i m a t e l y 110 f e e t l o n g , with a b e a m of about 25 f e e t . Main p r o p u l s i o n was b y 2 d i e s e l s f i t t e d e i t h e r s i d e of t h e engine room, about m i d s h i p . One r a d a r s e t was f i t t e d and appeared t o be about 3 cm wave l e n g t h . A singl e r a d a r d i s p l a y of 8 i n c h P . P . I , type was f i t t e d on t h e p o r t s i d e of t h e e n c l o s e d bridge-wheelhouse.combined. P . P . I , range s c a l e s w e r e . 5 , 1 , 2 , 5, 1 0 , 20 m i l e s or k i l o n e t e r s . On t o p of t h e a f t e r s u p e r s t r u c t u r e , f a c i n g t h e s t e r n , was a l a r g e winch with minesweeping c a p a b i l i t i e s . I t had drums f i t t e d on e i t h e r s i d e , and a l a r g e c e n t r a l drum with l e v e l winding g e a r . E v a l u a t i o n : . A-2 Date: Source: October, 1957 RCN O f f i c e r UNCLASSIFIED �UNCLASSIFIED - 2 FINLAND SHIPBUILDING Shipyard a t W a r t s i l a This s h i p y a r d s p e c i a l i z e s i n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of i c e b r e a k e r s a n d has s h a r e d i n t h e war r e p a r a t i o n s l e v i e d b y t h e USSR t o the, e x t e n t of b u i l d i n g a t o t a l of 27 s h i p s ] t h e s e r e p a r a t i o n s were paid i n f u l l s e v e r a l y e a r s ago and sinc e t h e n t h e yard has been b u i l d i n g i c e b r e a k e r s under c o n t r a c t t o t h e Swedish, Russian and F i n n i s h Governments. This s h i p y a rd d e r i v e s a l a r g e p r o p o r t i o n of i t s s h i p b u i l d i n g r e s o u r c e s j e . g . d i e s e l e n g i n e s , p r o p u l s i o n motors and g e n e r a t o r s , from t h e o t h e r members of t h e W a r t s i l a i n d u s t r i a l empire which comprises 11 u n i t s i n a l l , i n c l u d i n g two shipyards. At the t i n e of the v i s i t (October 1957) two i c e b r e a k e r s , of v e r y s i m i l a r d e s i g n , were s e e n , one u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n on t | i e s l i p s f o r the F i n n i c Government, and t h e second u n d e r g o i n g t r i a l s and t h e f i n a l s t a g e s of f i t t i n g out f o r the Swedish Navy. I t was s t a t e d t h a t s u f f i c i e n t o r d e r s were on hand t o keep t h e s h i p y a r d f u l l y employed u n t i l 1962. The foDQcwing i s a l i s t of p o i n t s n o t e d d u r i n g the v i s i t , c o n c e r n i n g t h r e e d e s i g n s of i c e b r e a k e r s . The i n f o r m a t i o n was gaine d both from o b s e r v a t i o n and c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h s h i p y a r d o f f i c e r s . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Displacement: 7000 t o n s ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y) P r o p u l s i o n Machinery: S u l t s e r D i e s e l - e l e c t r i c of 12,00OSHP ( s u s t a i n e d ) on 4 s h a f t s , 2 forward and 2 a f t . Normal power d i s t r i b u t i o n 1/3 forward and 2 / 3 a f t , b u t up t o 50$ can be put forward i f r e q u i r e d . F u l l power v o l t a g e 400 V.A.C. P r o p u l s i o n machinery d i r e c t l y c o n t r o l l a b l e from b r i d g e . H u l l : a l l - w e l d e d c o n s t r u c t i o n u s i n g p l a t e t o a maximum t h i c k n e s s of 48 mm. Wood i s e x t e n s i v e l y used f o r d e c k s , i n t e r i o r f i n i s h i n g , g u a r d r a i l s , e t c . I t was n o t e d t h a t the h u l l welds a r e not ground l e v e l , i t b e i n g s t a t e d t h a t t h i s r e d u c e s c o r r o s i o n . The h u l l welding i s sampled o n l y b y X-ray and n o t 100% examined; however, the h u l l w e l d e r s a r e s p e c i a l l y q u a l i f i e d men. The s t a n d a r d t y p e of d o g - c l i p p e d W/T d o o r s and h a t c h e s a r e u s e d . H a b i t a b i l i t y : e x c e l l e n t ; accommodation of crew b e i n g two p e r c a b i n , f o r p e t t y o f f i c e r s , 1 p e r c a b i n . The p e t t y o f f i c e r s mess was f i t t e d w i t h mahogany p a n e l l i n g , very comfortable f u r n i s h i n g s . Forced a i r h e a t i n g is e x c l u s i v e l y used (no c o o l i n g o r m o i s t u r e removal or a d d i t i o n ) w i t h i n d i v i d u a l d u a l t h e r m o s t a t s f o r each space, Complement: Captain and 4 or 5 o f f i c e r s i n wartime; t h e Captain i s t h e o n l y o f f i c e r i n p e a c e t i m e , t h e remainder b e i n g non-commissioned o f f i c e r s a n d b e l o w . O b s e r v a t i on of the accommodations s u g g e s t s a t o t a l crew of 60 - 8 0 . Other f e a t u r e s : ( a ) E l e c t r i c c o n t r o l from b r i d g e of H a s t i e E l e c t r i c - H y d r a u l i c steering gear. (b) Designed endurance of 60 days maximum. (c) S t a b i l i z e r s w e r e o b s e r v e d , b u t b a l l a s t t a n k s w i t h a f a s t heeling capacity are f i t t e d . (d) No p r o v i s i o n i s made for l a n d i n g h e l i c o p t e r s , but a small h e l i c o p t e r could u s e the q u a r t e r d e c k i f g u a r d r a i l s , e t c . were removed. �UNCLASSIFIED Shipyard at Wartsila (e) (f) (g) B. (Con't) No provision for f i t t i n g gunmountings was observed, Decca Navigator is f i t t e d and two r a d a r s , 10 cm. and 3 cm. Two small Scotch Marine type b o i l e r s a r e f i t t e d i n a deckhouse to provide heat for domestic purposes. Future Design Icebreaker t o be b u i l t for Russian Navy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Similar in size to the U.S. Navy's "Glacier", but of s l i g h t l y greater displacement. D i e s e l - e l e c t r i c propulsion of 22,500 SHP ( s u s t a i n e d ) . Forward propellers w i l l not be f i t t e d , but there w i l l be three shafts, the shaft providing 50% of the propulsive power. Will have an all-welded h u l l of maximum plate thickness forward of 54 mm. Will be f i t t e d t o carry and o p r a t e h e l i c o p t e r s . I t was s t a t e d t h a t the Royal Swedish Navy w i l l probably order one of these v e s s e l s . Evaluation: Date: Source: A-2 October, 1957 RCN Officers UNCLASSIFIED 000695 �SECRET INDO-CHINA ECONOMIC & TOPOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE - General The following are answers to questions submitted by the Joint Intelligence Bureau to the Canadian Delegation of the I.C.C.Si The information is dated 6th December, 1957. A. Construction The most important cement plant in South East Asia is located at Haipong near Hanoi. Under French ownership, the production of this plant was between 250J000 and 290,COO metric tons per year. (a) Vliat is the current cement production of the Haipong plant? (b) lf Jhat is its present capacity? (c) How many kilns are in operation? (d) How much cement is exported? (e) To whom? Is there an expansion of the plant in progress or1 contemplated? If so, how extensive is the expansion? ANSWERS (a) According to an informat the annual cement production i s supposed to be three-quarters of what i t was in the French period, or about 250,000 t o n s . The informat says t h i s i s high, and estimates current output a t 200,000. He says CHINA takes almost a l l - 15,000 tons a month, or about 180,000 tons a year. (b) No information. (c) No Information. (d) See (a) above. (e) No information. B. Power There are several fair sized coal fired electric power plants in Hanoi and Haipong. In addition, many of the smaller communities and most of the industrial enterprises in the area have small diesel, gas or hydro power plants. Prior to the unsettled situation, Hanoi and Haipong were connected with smaller communities in the Tonkin Delta by a power system consisting of 700 kilometers of 50 k.v. transmission lines. w e would be interested in any evidence that specific power plants are in operation or are being restored: any evidence on the use of transmission lines, restration of work or new construction of lines, evidence of foreign technicians present in connection with the restoration work. ANS'^RS Some information applicable under this heading will be found in PART A "Periodic Miscellaneous Intelligence" of this paper. In addition, the following extracts have been taken from local news sources: �SECRET 4. $ 0. B. (ANSWERS CONT^D) , I (a) Nhan Dan, 12 Aprt 57: The TA XA hydro electric power plant now supplies electricity to the tin mine at CAO Bang. Supplanting power previously obtained from diesel motors, it is estimated that the three turbines now in operation will cut the cost of power to one-twentieth of its former figure (but see (d) below re cost). (b) Nhan Dan, 15 June, 57: A 118 km. long high tension line from HANOI to NAN DINH is expected to be complete in July, 1957. This line is to provide the additional power required for the operation of 600 new looms at the NAN DINH textile mill, as well as to provide light and power for the communities of HUNG YEN and THAI BINH. (c) The Vietnamese News Bulletin, 22 Jul. 57: A 42 km. long transmission line from HANOI to SON TAY was recently completed. This line provides electrical power for SON TAY and the PHU SA transformer which supplies power to a pumping station capable of watering 15,000 hectares of land in SON TAY and HA DAN provinces. Another line brings electricity to a pumping station which forms part of a major irrigation project completed last March to provide water for two districts of PHU THO province, (d) Nhan Dan, 25 Nov. 57: Ceremonies'to inaugurate the TA SA and NA NGAN hydro electric stations were held in TA SA. Both stations, whose reconstruction commenced in 1955 and was completed on 25 August, 1957, supply electricity to the TINH DUC tin mine in CAO BANG province. These are the first hydro electric plants equipped with Russian equipment. The NGUYEN BINH River is the source of power and the cost of this power is now one-sixth of what it was when supplied by diesel driven generators. Soviet technicians helped to build both power stations. C. Minerals and Metals (a) We would be most interested in knowing the present operation status of the iron and steel plant at BAC SAN near DAP CAN. (b) Are the iron ore mines in the Thair Nguyen areas (21° 55 fN 105° 57'S) working? Is ore being shipped? (c) Is the CO DINH chromite mine at MONG CONG, THANH HOA Province (20° 00'N 105° 50rE) working? Have the concentrating facilities been restored? (d) Is the mine at THINH TUC (22° 59'N - 105° 51«E) working? (e) Are there other mining activities, and what, if any, means have been used to conceal their existence? C. ANSVJERS (a) No information. (b) No information. (c) Yes, this mine is now working. The Vietnamese News Bulletin for 12 Nov 57 reports that the yearly production programme for this mine was "fulfilled" on 7 Nov 57. The Bulletin concludes "this is the only chromium mine of North Vietnam, and it resumed production in March last year'after many years abandonment due to -war". �SECRET - 6C ANSWERS CONT'D (d) Yes, see part B (d) above. (e) "le know of no means employed to conceal the existence of mining activities. If anything, the contrary seems to be true. The North Vietnamese seem quite anxious to publicize any economic effort or activity which would serve as useful propaganda for home as well as outside propaganda. For example, on 3 Jul 57, the Vietnamese Hews Bulletin announced that thirty-six mineral deposits were discovered by North Vietnamese geologists during the past six months. Thirty-three of these deposits were said to be located in the Northwestern border province of LAI CHAU including a coal and two lead deposits. The three others (presumably coal?) are located in the HONG GAY - GUANG YEN coal area. The account goes on to say that a deposit of "rare metals" was also found in the VIST BAG Autonomous Region, and that the Geological Service had, in addition, received many ore samples from thirty places believed to contain mineral deposits. The item concluded with the statement that in 1956, over fifty mines in North Vietnam were prospected and evaluated, and "metalliferous and non-metalliferous" mines were involved containing coal, lead, zinc, tin', iron, copper, mercury and phosphate. On 5 July 57, Nhan Bah reported that the thirty-three deposits (mentioned above) are located in the DIEN BIEN PHY and TUAN GlAO (LIA CHAU) regions and that among these are the important coal deposits of NA SANG and the lead deposits of PU PHA and TEAM NAM. Three new phosphate deposits have been discovered at HAOANH BO, CAM IE and ANG Ml) (HONG QJJANG area). A vein of rare metals was "detected" in LANG SuN. D. Coal (a) Is there any evidence of equipment such as bulldozers, tractors clam shell bucket diggers and drills for use in open-pit coal mining brought in from the USSR and/or China? (b) Normally, the production of coal has been larger than required for local consumption thus permitting sizeable tonnages to be exported by water from coastal ports to Japan, France and Hong Kong and at one time to China, as well as for the bunkering of ships, "'"ith these markets closed, our interest now centres on vrtiat disposition the Communists will make of whatever amount of coal they produce. Working with antequated and inefficient mining equipment has placed a premium on manpower and the war has seriously depleted labour reserves. If the communists intend to maintain and increase production before modern equipment can be provided, they will have to increase the labour force. We would, therefore, be interested in any apparent increase in the number of people working in or around the coal mines and any appreciable increase in the tempo of activity in the mining areas. D. ANSWERS (a) There is evidence that heavy equipment is supplied from outside sources. (See part A, para 20(b) and (e)). It would appear that Czech technicians as well as Czech equipment are providing the necessary assistance. �SECRET -7 D. ANffllERS CONT'D (b)(i) The current production is estimated at 1,000,000 tons. About 10% of this is consumed in the mines. Another similar quantity is consumed in the country, i.e., railroads and generation of electric power in HANOI and HAIPHuNG. This leaves about 500,000 to 600,000 tons per year for export, valued at about eight to nine million dollars. Part of this export is used to pay off the old French owners under the terms of transfer to Vietnamese ownership. Most of the rest is marketed by the Czechs. In return for coal, various products are received, mostly of poor grade. The coal consists of two-thirds dust suitable for industrial heating and marketable chiefly in Japan* The remaining one-third is high grade anthracite marketable anywhere at a good price. The mines are said to be becoming increasingly dangerous because of the faulty system of mining in recent years, (ii) On 12 Nov 57, it was reported in a local news bulletin that the Mao Khe coal mine in the HONG GAYQUANG area achieved 95% of its yearly production quota. The mine workers "overfulfilled" the October monthly production by 15% in honour of the fortieth anniversary of the USSR October Revolution. This was achieved by following a "more rational chain production and introducing an electric sorter made by the engineering workshop of the mine". 1. Consumer Goods (a) We are interested in consumer industries and would appreciate information reflecting the levels' of activity at the key plants listed below: i) ii) iii) iv) Societe Colonniere du Tonkin NAM DINH. Societe des Filteries de L'Indo Chine, HAIPONG. Societe Franco Vietnamienne de Textile et 1'Exportation. NAM DINH. Artisan production of consumer goods (e.g. weaving co-operative at HADONG. (b) In regard to the production of consumer goods by artisans, we would like to ascertain not only the level of activity but the extent to which artisans are incorporated into the state economic organization (co-operatives etc.) or are displaced by industrial production. (c) Are such goods as clothing, soap, cigarettes etc., available for sale to the population? E. ANSWERS (a) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) No information. No information. See Para B(b) above, No information (b) No information. (o) Yes, but prices appear to be highly inflated. For example, a small tin of "Kiwi" shoe polish sells for 5000 dongs, about US 1.30 at the rate of 3725 to the dollar). �SECRET - 8F. Rice Production North Vietnam has traditionally been unable to produce enough rice to support its population. This inadequate production has been further hampered by droughts, floods, typhoons and the effects of the forced land reform programme. (a) We would welcome any personal observations of drought or famine conditions. TfT (b) e would be interested to learn the amount and origin of any rice shipments from Bloc or free world countries or shipments from North Vietnam to these countries. F. ANSWERS (a) None (b) It is estimated that rice exports last year reached close to 100,000 tons. At about $80. or $90. a ton, this equals the value of the coal export. It appears that rice exports can be maintained only if there is a combination of three factors: i) ii) iii) Peasants' consumption is held down, A good crop, Compulsory deliveries to the state buying agency. This combination of factors applied last year, but cannot be relied on regularly. G. Chemicals Chemicals and chemical production is of great interest to us. (a) We should like to know whether there is any chemical fertilizer being used in agriculture in Indo China, and what chemicals are being imported by North Vietnam. (b) Is there any evidence that the Viet Minh Manufactured chemicals? (c) Are any of the following resources being exploited in North Vietnam? i) pyrites ii) sulphur iii) phosphate rock iv) salt v) .limestone (d) Any other information on the manufacture or export of the usual critical chemical materials such as alcohol, superphosphate explosives and the like would be most welcome. G. ANSWERS (a) No information other than that from time to time large quantities of Japanese manufactured ammonium sulphate have been seen at the port of HAIPHONG. Presumably this is used as fertilizer. (b) No �SECRET - 9G. ANSWERS CONT'D (c) (i) No information, (ii) No information. (iii)See para C(e) above j and Part A para 15(d). (iv)Salt. A "Congress on Salt Production"was held 16 to 22 Febi 57 in HANOI, convoked by the Minister Of Finance tp review the production of salt ih 1956, and to make plans fbr 1957, The Congress was attended by delegates from the Central Government and from eight salt producing provinces. The Vice Minister Of Finance pointed to achievements recorded despite "numerous difficulties caused by weather ahd by mistakes in land reform". Concluding the Congress* the Deputy Head of the Central Services of salt production outlined the plans for 1957. The 1957 target in salt production for "supply and stock" should be carried out to surpass last years' production by 11%. To achieve this, salt marsh areas will be expanded, money and implements will be loaned to salt producers; dykes and drips will be repaired. Meteorological teams will be set up in salt marshes to forecast weather and give producers advance warnings against typhoons. Mutual aid teams-will be set up to increase production. Living conditions of the producers will be better, and "will be led on the path of collective work". Existing co-operatives are being consolidated and new ones established. The purchase of salt and the control of its quality, as well as the "struggle against smuggling of salt" will be intensified (Nhan Dan, 18 to 25 February 57). (v) Limestone appears to be imported from China (see part A para 15(c)(iv)). (d) No information. H. Communica tions (a) Any indication of wire communications construction and reconstruction in Viet Minh areas would be most welcome. (b) Estimates as to which routes carry the heaviest traffic and any indication of Chinese aid to the Viet Minh would be useful. H. ANSTiERS (a) (i) From Nhan Dan, 4 Mar 57: "For the first time in the history of our past, telephonic and telegraphic communications, these are equipped with modern machinery. At present our wireless, telephonic and telegraphic network spreads over different zones, provinces, cities inside the country, and connects with several foreign countries. Hanoi can now speak with Peking, Moscow, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest and Berlin." (ii) Wireless communications for the receipt and transmission of telegrams between North Vietnara and Laos was established on 25 March 57 (Nhan Dan 24 Mar. 57). (iii) Radio-telephone communications were inaugurated 1 Aug. 57, between North Vietnam and Hungary. This is the fifth country to be so connected to North Vietnam, and others being China, the USSR, East Germany and Poland. �SECRET - 10 (iv) Statistics from Nhan Dan, 20 Aug. 57, on existing systems of communication: Railways: 335 km "rehabilitated" 656 km in operation Motor Roads: 575 km newly built 6,560 km in operation Telephone Lines: 1,492 km 11,878 km newly installed in operation Port Capacity: In 1939: Haiphong Harbour available for ships up to 600 tons. In 1957: Haiphong Harbour a v a i l a b le for ships up to 10,000 t o n s . (b) No indication of which routes carry the heaviest telecommunications t r a f f i c . Nhan Dan for 4 Mar 57 reported t h a t , on 2 Mar. 57, a Materials Testing I n s t i t u t e as well as the Central Post and Telegraphic Office, and a state-owned Automobile Tire Repair Factory were inaugurated under the auspices of the Department of Post and Communications, and t h a t the complete machinery for these i n s t a l l a t i o n s was supplied by the People's Republic of CHINA. The M a t e r i a l s Testing I n s t i t u t e i s reported to be capable of t e s t i n g the quality and r e s i s t a n c e of various m a t e r i a l s such as wood, cement, ferro-concrete, iron, s t e e l , stone, earth and a s p h a l t . I . Railways (a) Describe in detail any change of gauge transloading station constructed in the Chinese border area (Particularly in the Nam Q,uan area) or elsewhere in Viet Minh territory for transshipment of freight from lines of one gauge to those of another, including method of transloading, number and layout of tracks of each gauge, approximate length of time required to unload and reload one car of freight, and extent of mechanization of loading. (b) Report any information obtainable, following the restoration of railroad service, concerning actual freight traffic movement on individual lines, such as the number of trains per day in each direction, approximate average number of cars per train, approximate net or gross tonnage (indicate which) of each car, average speed of trains, and any details regarding the type and quantity of freight carried in each direction. I. ANSWERS (a) No information. (b) No information, but the following may be of interest: (i) HAN DINH - NINH BINH Line: 18,423 m 3 of stone have been layed to reinforce the road bed. "Generally speaking, the laying of rail was good". (Nhan Dan, 11 Feb, 57). This completes the first section of the HANOI-THANH HOA railway line which is being restored. (Nhan Dan 17 Apr. 57). �SECRET 11 - (ii) YUNNAN (CHINA) - HANOI Railway: After 11 months' work, the foundations of the railroad linking BICHSAC TRAI (YUNNAN) to HA KHEOU, (near the Sino-Vietnamese border) has, in the main, been completed. Track laying has now reached QUA CO. Several bridges have been built across rivers and valleys, and several stations erected at the foot of mountains. After 17 years' suspension, the YUNNAN-HANOI railroad will be soon reconstructed. (Nhan Dan 12 Jun 57) (See also P&rt A, paras 1 to 4), Chinese workers are continuing the laying of tracks on a section of 177 km. from HO KHAU (HA KHEOU?) to BICH SAC TRAI. The most important bridge in HO KHAU has been repaired and trains can now travel over it. The piers of 57 other bridges have been reconstructed. Six out of nineteen damaged tunnels have been repaired. It is expected that this 854 km. railroad, formerly known as the INDO CHINA - YUNNAN railway, will be completed early in 1958. (Nhan Dan 22 Jul, 57), J. Inland Water (a) What is the size, age, and composition of the inland waterways fleet? v/hat fuel is used? (b) Which inland water routes carry the heaviest trafic? What is the volume and composition of the traffic? What are the factors limiting the volume of traffic on each water route (size of locks, depth cf channel, etc.)? When are the periods of heaviest traffic on the inland waterways? What is the cargo moving in greatest volume at this time? (c) Where are the ship construction facilities? What types and sizes of vessels do they construct? (d) What are the daily loading and unloading capacities of the inland waterports? What mechanical loading and unloading facilities are available at each port? How much traffic does each port handle in a year? (e) What are the rates charged for inland water transport? J. ANSWERS (a) (b) (c) No i n f o r m a t i o n , (a) (e) An e d i t o r i a l in Nhan Dan of 28 Feb 57 s u g g e s t s t h a t p l a n s a r e underway t o develop North Vietnam's i n l a n d waterways and t h a t a t p r e s e n t state-owned and p r i v a t e l y - o w n e d r i v e r c r a f t a r e used t o t r a n s f e r r i c e , s a l t ( " f o r needy l o c a l i t i e s " ) , s t o n e ( f o r r e i n f o r c i n g d y k e s ) , s t a k e s ( f o r flood c o n t r o l ) and m a t e r i a l , t o o l s and machinery t o c o n s t r u c t i o n s i t e s . (See a l s o P a r t A para 16 ( y ) ) . The Vietnamese News B u l l e t i n for 26 Jun 57, r e p o r t e d t h a t work has commenced on i n c r e a s i n g t h e n a v i g a b i l i t y of the DA r i v e r , which o r i g i n a t e s in China and j o i n s t h e Red R i v e r i n SON TAY p r o v i n c e . This w i l l ensure the i n t e r f l o w of goods between t h e mountainous n o r t h w e st and the d e l t a a r e a . �SECRET - 12 - K« Coastal Shipping (a) What is the size and composition of the coastal fleet? Specifically, what proportion of the fleet is composed of junks? (b) What is the volume and composition of the traffic carried along the coast? What proportion of total traffic is carried by junks? When are the periods of heaviest traffic on the coastal routes? What is the cargo moving in greatest volume at this time? (c) What are the daily loading and unloading capacities of the coastal ports? What mechanical loading and unloading equipment is available at each port? How much traffic passes through each port in a year? K. ANSWERS (a) (c) No information. L. Air We would welcome any details available concerning Viet Minh Civil Aircraft including type, number and nature of operations. L. ANSWER M. (a) Nhan Dan, 15 Apr 57, r e p o r t e d t h a t N o r t h Vietnamese and Chinese i m p o r t - e x p o r t a g e n c i e s signed an agreement f o r t h e purchase by Nor-th Vietnam of a c i v i l a e r o p l a n e . The agreement was dated 11 Apr 57, No f u r t h e r d e t a i l s a r e a v a i l a b l e . (b) We know of no c i v i l a i r c r a f t owned by t h e Vietnam C i v i l A v i a t i o n S e r v i c e o t h e r than t h e t h r e e Dakota - type Russian b u i l t p a s s e n g e r a i r l i n e r s (used t o t r a n s p o r t IC p e r s o n n e l t o VINH and DONG HOI) and two or t h r e e small Czech b u i l t twin-engined four-passenger a i r c r a f t . Forced Labour I s t h e r e any evidence of the use of forced l a b o u r by t h e DRV for dike r e p a i r s , road and r a i l r o a d c o n s t r u c t i o n , a i r f i e l d r e p a i r s , e t c . ? M. ANSWER Yes: see papers a t t a c h e d a s Appendices A, B, and C, �SECRET PERIODIC MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE - 13 PART A - EXTRACTS FROM TEAM OFFICER REPORTS NORTH VIETNAM LAO M Y 1. 24 Aug 57: No railway traffic across the CHINA Bridge, which is still being repaired. A ferry links PHO MAI railway station frith the CHA PA and BA XAT roads. The ferry is Used to transport equipment back and forth to the power project (picture attached). The complete area is closed to the IC team and includes: (a) (b) (c) 2. PHO MAI Railway Station CHA PA road and airfield Power project area. 16 Sept. 57: Construction of the CHINA bridge has been completed. 3. 17 Sept. 57: 5 flatcars of rails - one of steel sleepers (ties) entered CHINA. 3 card of lead ingots came from CHINA. 4. 21 Oct. 57: (a) Foreign Advisors: An unknown number of Russian specialists are employed on the Power Project approx l | km. from LAO KAY, SOUTH between the Red River and the railway. Polish geophysicists are stationed at CHA PA, comprising 2 or 3 meteorologists, a radio operator and a medical officer, (b) Vehicles: Few vehicles have been seen, although some 3-ton trucks driven by military personnel have been observed. On one occasion a bulldozer was seen. Both the Russian "specialists" at the power project, and the Polish geophysicists at CHA PA have Russian-type jeeps. (c) Power Project: Visible from a distance of 1 km. a power plant is under construction. Access to the site is denied. The structure appears to be reinforced concrete and brick construction, each about 150' long by 50* wide and 3 stories high. (d) Bridges: (1) The CHINA bridge is now functioning normally. Approximately 75 yds. long, it carries the railroad across the BLUE River into CHINA. (2) The LAO MY Bridge joins parts of the town on either side of the Red River. The bridge was destroyed and has since been converted to a temporary suspension bridge passable to foot traffic only (this includes ponies and bicycles), A power ferry which parallels the bridge is capable of carrying vehicles. The river is approximately 200 yds. wide at this point. (e) Railroad Construction: i) A marshalling yard is being constructed. ii) A new spur into the power project is being built from PHO MAI. iii) 12 to 15 carloads of rail and "sleepers" have been noticed crossing into CHINA. The cars usually return empty or upon occasion carry lead ingots ostensibly in transit through NORTH VIETNAM and back into CHINA at DONG DANG. (f) Railway Line: Thus far, no scheduled trains are running. �SECRET - 14 5. 25 Oct. 57: A train from CHINA was controlled. It carried 5 carloads of lead ingots and 15 empty cars. On several occasions explosions were heard coming from the West which sounded like mortar bombs or even artillery shells exploding. PAVN Interpreter professed ignorance as to the origin of the explosions. 6. 16 Nov. 57: (a) A rifle range was noticed about 4 km. outside of LAO KAY on the CHA PA road. Mortar, MG and rifle fire continues to be heard from the direction of the CHA PA road. (b) The LAO KAY - BA XAT Road is jeepable for 4 to 6 km. and in dry weather only. The balance of the way to BA XAT (about 21 km) is not passable to jeeps and major road repairs and some bridge building is required. (c) The LAO KAY - BAN PHIET Road (10 km) is jeepable for the first 4 km. in dry weather only. DONG DANG 7. 39 Aug. 57: The DONG DANG - THAT KHE - CAO BANG ROAD is under repair as follows: filling potholes, clearing verges, improving drainage, replacing small bridges and repairing fords. 8. 51 Aug. 57: Heavy tire tracks were seen leading in from across the CHINA border on the DONG DANG - LONG TCHEOU (CHINA) road. Seldom, if ever, has heavy load-carrying vehicular traffic been seen on this road. 9. B Sept. 57: A train from CHINA was controlled. Load included 14 large drums of electric cable from the USSR; 8 smaller drums of copper wire from CHINA, 8 or 10 electric generators and one carload of auto tires. 10. 9 Sept. 57: A train from CHINA was controlled. Load consisted of 14 cars of transformers, cables, circuit breakers, generators, steel and chemicals for HANOI University. 11. IS Sept. 57: (a) It is estimated that a company of infantry is located adjacent to the teamsite. At least one company of infantry is estimated at each of the following localities: LOC BINH, CAO BANK and DONG KHE. When observed, training of these troops appeared to be confined to company field exercises and "dry" rifle target practice. Different types of infantry weapons were seen including the US .50 carbine. Also seen were 4 in. RCLs (probably of the type manufactured locally during the War of Resistance). (b) Road repairs have been carried out along the DONG DANG - CAO BANG road and the DON KHE - FHUC HOA road. This work is by hand labour and consists mainly in filling potholes and repairing or replacing culverts and small bridges. (c) Telephone communications exist between LANG SON and CAO BANG. Survey parties have been seen in the DONG DANG - LANG SON area. Their interest seemed to be centred on the railway and the roads. �SECRET - 15 - 12. 27 Sept. 57: Training on 81 mm. mortars has been observed near LANG SON. For drill purposes, bamboo tubes of approximately the correct calibre are used. In one instance, a true 81 mm. mortar was concealed in a stretcher in order to be kept out of sight from the Team, 13. 25 Oct. 57: Large quantities of limestone have been observed coming in from CHINA by rail. 14. 2 Nov. 57: The DONG DANG - HANOI road is cut at km 25, South of LANG SON and is closed to traffic, (info supplied by PAVN Liaison Mission). 15. 4 Nov. 57: (a) A new bridge is under construction at PHU LANG THUONG. (b) Convoys of 20 to 30 trucks have been seen daily moving rice and millet from the CAO BANG - DONG KHE and TEAT KHE areas to the railhead at DONG DANG. Trains of approximately 12 cars were loading the rice and millet daily for shipment South, presumably to HANOI. (c) During the past two weeks trains from CHINA were observed carrying large quantities of the following goods: i) Electrical goods (wire and insulators) ii) Lead covered cable. iii) Oil storage tanks and steel plate for the manufacture of these tanks. Approximately 12 complete 5000 gal. storage tanks were also seen, iv) Limestone and fire brick, v) Newsprint and printer's ink. (d) Main exports to CHINA through DONG DANG consisted of fertilizer (mostly phosphates). On inquiry, it was learned from the PAVN LO that the phosphates came principally from the LANG SON and LAO KAY regions. 16 • 6 Nov. 57: The following observations were made in CAO BANG in Sept. 57: (a) Gasoline Distribution in the North "A shipment of gasoline arrived in a bulk carrier of Russian manufacture, and probably of World War II vintage. Approximate capacity was 5000 gals. The gasoline was pumped into 45 gal drums which were subsequently stored in a building controlled by the PAVN. According to a PAVN LO, distribution of gasoline to all civilian and military outlets is controlled by the PAVN on a permit basis. (b) Electric Power: Non-hydro plants are inoperative in LANG SON and CAO BANG. The one at LANG SON is located at the South end of the railroad bridge and is of heavy concrete construction. It appears to. serve the town of LANG SON and its suburb of KY IDA only. The CAO BANG plant probably runs on gasoline and operates from 1800 to 2300 hours daily, and sometimes briefly in the early morning. No power transmission lines are in evidence in the vicinity. �SECRET - li (c) Mines and Minerals: No shipment of ore nor any mining activity of importance was noticed in either LANG SON or CAO BANG provinces. Kaolin is mined at NUOC M I and calcite at many points SE of DONG KHE. At NUOC HAI there is a pottery plant which produces about 20 vessels per hour. (d) Grain: There has been intense grain activity in CAO BANG and LANG SON provinces. Shipments are made in 2gr ton trucks from CAO BANG via LANG SON and are probably destined for HANOI. As many as 60 to 100 loads per day were seen. A PAVN LO stated that these shipments consisted of maize from CHINA to relieve famine caused by poor rice crops due to drought in some regions Of NORTE VIETNAM. (e) Chemicals: No chemical fertilizers were seen in nor were any noticed to be available for use. Shipments of talc from CHINA were seen. It is reported that at LANG SUN explosives of a crude, nature are manufactured. (f) Communications: A single steel telegraphic line is visible along RC4 from CAO BANG Sast (presumably to TIEN YEN). A PAVN line from LANG SON to LOC BINH parallels this. One steel line enters from CHINA just East of NAM QUAN on the border. (g) Inland Water Transportation: Large bamboo and heavy timber (hardwoods) log rafts have been seen floating down the SONG ICY GANG from THAT KHE. A PAVN LO stated that the destination of these rafts was CHINA. The same was noted on the SONG BANG GIANG at CAO BANG. TIEN YEN 17. 25 Aug. 57: There are two army camps in the vicinity of Tien Yen. One is across the TIEN YEN River facing the town and the other is across the PHO CA River on the right side of the road to DINH LAP about % km from TIEN YEN. Some 200 to 300 infantry seem to be permanently located in the ares. As far as can be determined, training seems to consist mainly of academic courses, e.g. reading and writing. Some rifle drill was observed from 0600 to 0800 hrs. Basic light infantry weapons such as rifles, SMGs and IMGs were seen, but no mortars or heavier weapons. 18 * 9 Sept. 57: The road to MQN CAY was travelled in wet weather. Little improvement in the condition of the road was noted. It crosses hilly country and at this time of year is dangerous. Including the one at TIEN YEN, there are 5 ferries and a total of 12 fords of v/hich 4 are permanently under water. Bridges for the most part are quite small and consist of 2 steel girders supporting a plant roadway. Some effort appears to have been made to fill potholes. 19. 20 Oct. 57: Repair^ are being carried out on the TIEN TEN - CAIvi FHA Road. A big road project (repairs and widening) appears to be underway on the GAM PHA - HON GAY road. 20. 28 Oct. 57: (a) Military training in vicinity has broadened to platoon and company exercises as well as considerable range activity. There was lots or aiming practice with large numbers of snap targets in paddies. Some training with 81 mm. mortars was observed. 000708 �SECRET - 17 (b) Four new Russian 10-ton military trucks were observed in a compound across the bay at HON GAY. Pillboxes built in the French era are unoccupied and little effort seems to be made to maintain them. According tc a PA.VN interpreter a number of AA guns sites are located in seme of the islands in the BAIE D'ALONG. (c) The town of TIEN YEN has no electricity. Telephone communication exists between TIEN YEN and CAM PHA and HON GAY. TIEN YEN is linked by telegraph with HANOI and MON CAY. (d) It is reported that it costs a mine worker 2 weeks wages to purchase 3 tins of condensed milk. One source estimates that about 80% of the mine workers at CAM PHA are women. (e) Czech technicians are still in CAM PHA and HON GAY - presumably to provide technical assistance for the operation of coal mines. What is believed to be a Czech trade delegation was seen in the CAM TEA area in September. Stockpiles of coal in the region seem to be building up. (f) At HON GAY a SO ft. launch with a crew of 4 or 5 was seen. It has a single gun of unknown calibre mounted forward. 81. 7 Nov. 57: (a) The port register at EON GAY revealed that only one ship loaded there in October. (b) The port register at CAM PHA showed that four ships loaded to date in November, 7 ships in October and 5 ships in September. HAIPHONG 22. 18 Sept. 57: An artillery regiment has been noticed in the area immediately west of the city. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 troops (Mostly infantry) are in the HAIPHONG - DOSON - CAT Bl (Airport) Q.UANG YEN area. No equipment has been observed. Small arms training only has been seen in this region. A barge and dredge are under construction at the local shipyard. 23. 27 Sept. 57: (a) The following twe items were obtained in conversation with the local French shipping agent, M. Jean Rollin: i) The workers at the CamPha coal mines "stayed away from work" during one period this year. This was not called a strike. The work stoppage was a protest against low wage-levels. It appears that wages at that time were only slightly above half the amounts paid during the French regime, when living costs were lower. It is not known how the local authorities dealt with this situation. ii) In common with the British Consulate, the French Shipping Agency employs more staff than is necessary for household and office, purposes. Such personnel is classed as 'privileged' and is restricted accordingly. A man so employed loses the right to have his children receive a free education. Presumably, he must pay for their teaching. Within recent weeks, the twenty-yea* old son of M. Rollin's senior house-boy was married. This young man is not permitted to work anywhere for payment, as his father i a privileged worker, and, presumably capable of supporting his family, even if they marry. �SECRET - 18 (b) According to a Vietnamese interpreter, the average Vietnamese has difficulty making financial ends meet. Normally, it seems, he must spend four-fifths of his pay on food alone. (c) On 26 Sept. 57 a sentry at the HAIPHONG fish factory was observed to be carrying a sub-machine carbine of a newer pattern than the World T;ar II Russian model usually employed. The weapon was roughly similar in design to the German SCHMEISSER with folding metal butt. Believed to be of Russian manufacture, but no markings were visible. (d) On 24 Sept. 57, while sailing in the BATE D'ALONG a British informant observed 2 small landing craft beached on one of the islands. 24. 1 Oct. 57: JunkM394T "Wing Sang" has been alongside since 26th August, 1957. Her Master has been fined 84,000,000 dongs for repeated smuggling offenses. (Watches in gold out). At the time of writing, 1st October, 1957, she has loaded a small amount of rice. The Customs authorities appear to have the right to levy such fines vdthout recourse to any court or magistrate. The authorities state they are extremely unhappy about this situation as they wish to foster trade with Hong Kong but the repetition of offences gave them no other alternative. A wide smuggling ring, involving merchants in Haiphong and Hanoi, has been uncovered. M394T's Master is a Hong Kong Chinese and the junk is registered there. 25. 6 Oct. 57: (a) Lightening of ships in the BAIE D'ALONG is now openly discussed. The master of the Polish ship "BALTYK" has stated that he will not risk loading his ship to a draught greater than 24 feet, alongside in HAIPHONG. He announced his intention of proceeding to BATE D'ALONG to complete loading. (b) It appears that a new dredger has been built in GERMANY for HAIPHONG, but that delivery is held up until payment is made. Apparently the Germans refuse to turn over the dredger until they are paid. The sum of one million dollars has been mentioned as the cost. (c) Small repairs to the edge of the runway and adjacent roads have heen completed at the CAT Bl airport. Underground electrical cables round the perimeter of the airfield have been exposed for repairs and reburied. 26. 8 Oct. 57: Informat states he cannot vouch for the truth, of the following: he has heard that the current rate for smuggling a person across the border into LAOS is 1,200,000 dongs. 27. 8 Nov. 57: The following observations were made during a trip along the HAIPHONG - HANOI road. (a) At approximately 11.5 km, west of HAIPHONG, a field artillery unit is located visible from the highway. The guns appear to be 105 mm. with 2g- ton prime movers of US make, and are in good condition. Also observed were 75 mm. pack howitzers. �SECRET - 19 (b) At HAI DUONG there appears to be a combined garrison and training centre, the latter probably AA artillery. Six AA guns under canvas were seen, as well as wires of the type usually put up for sliding model aircraft along for target practice. (c) At points 45, 36 and 25 km. east of HANuI, small infantry garrisons were observed. (d) A large factory of brick construction, consisting all told of 5 large buildings, was observed 11 km. east of HANOI. There is a branch power line leading into this compound. (e) A battery or troop of 85 mm. AA artillery equipped with an ordinary predictor, but no radar, was observed near the highway about 9 km. east of HANOI. 9 Sept. 57: (a) The following military groups participated in the National Day Parade on 2 Sept. 57: i) ii) iii) (b) 1500 to 1800 Regulars of various arms 200 to 400 Guerillas 1500 to 2000 miscellaneous (militia and "pioneers" of both sexes). The movement North of vehicles loaded with steel rails seems to sbop at VINH where railway tracks are used for such purposes as propping up houses, ballast for barges, etc. Despite this, on at least two occasions in August, a barge and some sampans were seen loading these rails as cargo. 24 Sept. 57: (a) Four large guns (probably 105 mm) canvas covered but make and origin unknown, were seen formed in a square in the area between the BEN THUY road and the new pier, and directly behind the new electrical station (not to be confused with the new power plant). (b) The main North-South road (RCl) through VINH is being repaired down to HA TINH. (c) Large new power transmission lines are being installed along the VINH - CON CUONG - MUONG SEN road. Approximately 20 boxes of power line equipment were seen lying along the roadside. (d) A large number of officers appear to be housed in a barrack block on the right side of the VINH - BEN THUY road. A platoon strength of officers were ween leaving the barracks, and on another occasion, more than 10* officers were seen along the road to the new pier. This might indicate the presence of a school of instruction for officers. (e) Army barracks appear to be located at BEN THUY, CUA LO and CUA HOI. �SECRET - 20 30. 25 Oct. 57: (a) Firing practice on a range located west of the power station on the BEN THUY road was observed. Small arms were fired into the face of a granite outcropping on the range of hills South of the BEN THUY road. The rifle range is set in about -4 mile from the road. (b) A PAVN patrol boat carrying troops and what appeared to be a French 75 mm gun lashed astern docked at the BEN THUY jetty on 22 October, 1957. The craft was observed by the IC team, and the skipper appeared dismayed at this and spoke sharply to the PAVN LO, who replied in kind. (c) Infantry exercises were seen being carried out in the CUA HO area on the west side of the coast road which is heavily wooded'. Nothing larger than platoon strength was noted* The area contains what appear to be guarded barrack blocks; which might be rest camps for troops. 31. 28 Oct. 57: (a) The troops in the area appear to be mainly infantry. Numbers of female soldiers have been seen. (b) The VLNH - HA TINH road is excellently maintained, but little traffic has been observed on the road. All the bridges and culverts appear to be recently repaired. (c) During the period 12 to 26 October, 1957, the PAVN conducted some sort of survey exercise over a four-mile stretch near RC1 North of HO XA. (d) A diver was seen at the bridge site near CAM XUYEN. 32. 2 Nov. 57: Military activity continues to flourish. Three camouflaged 3.7" high angle AA. guns have been seen in transit. Thirty 3-ton lorries carrying troops were seen entering VINH from the North on RC1. Range practice continues. 33. 8 Nov. 57: (a) VINH appears to have a principal Manning Depot for the PAVN. Approximately 150 civilians of military age were taking PT directed by PAVN soldiers in a barrack area located in the town. These may be new recruits drafted under the new conscription laws. (b) A platoon of PAVN soldiers were observed crossing the main ferry from the direction of HA TINH. They were equipped with 2 MMGs (calibre unknown) with tripods. The weapons resembled .50 Brownings, (c) The rifle range on the outskirts of VINH has a maximum range of approximately 500 yards. (d) Troops were seen for the first time in a barracks area located outside the village of NAM LAM (NAM DAN?). It is estimated that one battalion of infantry is located here. �SECRET - 21 (e) During a conversation with a PAVN interpreter, the following points were mentioned: i) The power plant now being constructed will be completed by December, 57, vdth enough power (8000 kw) to supply VINH with all its electrical power requirements. ii) A power sawmill will be built to increase the output of lumber. Power will be supplied from VINH. Hand labour is now used in sawmills. iii) Next year an irrigation system with a pumping station will be located near VINH. Exact location not stated. iv) It is planned to make VTNH an industrial centre ih accordance with the "Communist Plan" for North Vietnam; (f) A cargo of phosphates and coal was offloaded at the BEN THUY jetty. The vessel took on a cargo of peanut oil, in 45-gal drums, for HAIJHONG. 34. 13 NOV. ,57: The existence of a radar unit on HON NIEUE Island is suspected. A weather Station is known to be on this island. MUONG, SEN 35. 51 Aug. 57: In the area on either side of RC7 from CON CUONG - MUONG SEN - COL DE GIAP (Laotian border) none of the side roads are suitable for motor transport. 36. 26 Oct. 57: (a) Two small camps have been rebuilt near the Laotian border, suitable for accommodating a unit of company strength. The larger camp of the two is located about 5 km. from the border, consisting of 9 large buildings. The smaller consisting of 7 large buildings is located about 3 km from the border. Both sites are just off RC7. Not more than a platoon strength of troops were seen. (b) The helicopter landing area located about 500 metres East of the teamsite at MUONG SEN, has not been used for some time. 37. 10 Nov. 57: (a) A company of infantry appeared to be on exercise half-way between ANH SON and CON CUONG on RC7. Normal weapons were carried, but a high percentage of 60 mm type mortars was noted. (b) Near the Laotian border two elephants were seen carrying supplies. These beasts are apparently used by the PAVN to maintain the camps mentioned in para 36(a) above. 38. 17 Nov. 57: A PAVN propaganda truck is touring the area with a Russian propaganda film entitled "THE HERO ON THE CHIPKA MOUNTAIN" depicting the liberation of BULGARIA from Turkish domination. �SECRET DONG HOI 59. • - 22 - 25 Sept. 57: (a) The PAVN LO has .stated that an infantry division is located in GjUANG BlNH Province. The designation or location of the divisional HQ is not knowni (b) A movement of steel rails and metal sleepers to the North has been notedi One dump of approximately 150. lengths Of rail is located 6t HO: XA which is 3 km. Nbrth of, the EJAVN police post on the Demarcation Line; Rails are shipped frbm this dump North to DuNG HOl ih special trucks - each capable of carrying approximately 10 lengths of rail. Another dump of approximately 200 lengths is located at DONG H6l. From here shipment North is by meanS of sampans and road transport! Another dump is located on the South bank of the NGUON NAY River at S GIANG, holding approximately 200 to 250 lengths of rail. There is no evidence of any work being carried out on the railway right-of-way running through QUANG BINH Province. 40. 25 Oct. 57: (a) Steel, apparently for bridge construction, has recently been unloaded at DONG HOI. It appears that the bridge on the southern outskirts of DONG HOI is to be replaced. (b) PAVN personnel with survey instruments such as transits and directors have been seen north of HO XA carrying some sort of exercise or operation for the past two weeks. Flags and survey pickets were placed at various points along the road over a 4-mile stretch. 41. 28 Oct. 57: Eight military camps of various sizes are located in the immediate area of EKG HOI. When training was observed, it appeared to be confined to fieldcraft and the use of small arms. 42. 2 Nov. 57: A 150-ton barge was tied up at the pier at QUANG KHE near the ferry crossing, the barge was taking on approximately 600 lengths of steel rails. The P A W LO stated that the barge was to be towed North to HANOI and the rails used to complete a section of track along a railroad running South from HANOI. 43. 5 Nov. 57: Two armed motor launches (approximately 35 tons each) entered the harbour and anchored at the river mouth. The PAVN LO informed the IC team that the vessels were coastguard boats. No further information was provided. 44. 9 Nov. 57: Two army camps have been observed SW of PHONG LOG and another is located NE of the airport. Strengths are unknown. PEUC HOA 45. The following are excerpts from reports received from our team member on Mobile Team 136 recently deployed to PHUC HOA, near the Chinese border in the NE. 46. 9 Nov. 57: (a) The road PHUC HOA - QUANG UIEN - junction at MA PHUC is fair to good. Thirteen 3-ton vehicles were seen on this portion of the route. �SECRET - 23 (b) The road MA PHUC to TRA LINH is fair to poor. No traffic seen. (c) The road TRA LINH to the Chinese border is not used by vehicles. 47. 11 Nov. 57: Vehicular traffic cannot proceed beyond BAN GIOC on the QUANG UYEN - TRUNG KHAN PHU route. The road QUANG UYEN - TRUNG KHAN PHU is fair. Route 27 to BAN GIOC is not used for vehicular traffic. 48. 12 Nov. 57: The TA LUNG - NA CHICH road traffic. The team spent 3 minutes in CHINA! live fox which had been caught in a trap said a druggist who will "process" it to prepare a is not used for vehicular A female trapper with a she was going to sell it to cure for malaria.' 49. 13 Nov. 57: A new steel and concrete bridge is under construction at NAM LOAT. 50. 14 Nov. 57: The CAO BANG - SOC GLANG road is in fair to poor condition. 51. 19 Nov. 57: No vehicular traffic is possible beyond a point 5 km. '•'•est of HA LANG, otherwise road QUANG UYEN - HA LANG is fair. 52. 21 Nov. 57: No vehicular traffic is possible beyond a point just exclusive of CHI CHOI on the PHUC NOA - dHANG UYEN - THUNG KHAN PHU Road. 53. 24 Nov. 57: (a) No vehicular traffic beyond PHO MA on road PHUC HOA - DONG KHE PO MA. (b) Line Communications in the CAO BANG Area. Trung KHAN PHU TRAd'LINH MA PHUC NUOC .HAI y a. T^ANG'tfffiN CAO BANG "'""'HA LANG \ i i i i • PHUC\H0A \ --A.TA LONG DON&dKHE \ THAT KHE �SECRET - 24 SOUTH VIETNAM TOURANE 54. 4 Nov. 57: (a) The Harbour i) Silting up rapidly. French opinion says harbour will be of limited use by 1960. Only shallow draught vessels can go into dock at this time. Do not know tonnage of largest vessel seen -• it was the NGUYEN VAN BAM which works to Siagon. It could navigate the river up to the quay. li) Information on harbour is readily obtainable at Tourane from French and American sources. Vietnamese seem ill-informed on the matter, iii) Outer harbour will be good for 25 years at least. No problem on lightening vessels. (b) The Bridge: Now limited to 12 t-4 vehicles at a time. Bridge has shifted rendering railway which crosses it unserviceable. Americans know nature of technical problem, French improperly anchored floating piers which have shifted and are settling. (c) The Region: Went hunting to BA NA. Guides were of Ter tribe. Admitted communists whom IX) says "are now on our side". I wonder, American movement in the Hue - Tourane district is restricted after dark because of SVN fears of Communist attempts at assasination. MAAG Intelligence services predicted the Saigon bombings and the same source revealed plans for similar incidents in the Hue - Tourane area. These did not come to pass - largely, I think because of counter-measures employed by S W police and Army - and of MAAG precautions. TAN CHAU 55. 15 Nov. 57: The team is virtually confined to barracks for "security" reasons. The team was informed by the SVM LO that if any member wishes to "walk out", he should give 5 minutes notice, in order that the police may be informed. The LO confidentially told our team member that the "unofficial reason for this slight restriction was that the former Chief of the District who had just been replaced was suspected of disloyal tendencies, and that the new Chief had been told to clean things up. To this end there are increased military operations with the resultant possibility of reprisals in the form of assassinations. There appears to be quite a few troops moving about, particularly on the river at night. They come in to refuel and take on stores after midnight. 56. 12 Nov. 57: The senior LO informed the team that about 10 days ago, an ambush patrol from a post across the river (and visible to the team) had itself been wiped out when all its members went to sleep while waiting for the "reactionaries" to come along. The LO emphasized the increased tempo of activity on the part of the "bandits." A fair amount of traffic through the town and on the river of soldiers, Garde Civile and in the last weeks, Garde Rurale - all armed with automatic weapons, in addition to their normal 1870 model French rifles. What might be mortar fire has been heard at night. �- 25 - SECRET PERIODIC MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE PART B - EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. (N.B. Some of the extracts are repeated verbatim from literal translations. Such items will be headed "literal"). From NHAN DAN 1. 19 Aug. 57: The CAO LIEN Bridge a t THANG HOA has been opened t o l i n k i n g t h e NTNH BINH - THANH-HOA motor r o a d . 2. traffic 29 Aug. 57: BARGE OF 200 TONS LAUNCHED On l a s t August 25 - 1957, t h e Haiphong s h i p yard has launched an i r o n - b a r g e of 200 t o n s . This i s t h e f i r s t of t h e 2 b a r g e s o f f e r e d us a s a i d by t h e S o v i e t Union t o g e t h e r w i t h a dredge which i s being assembled i n Haiphong, Our workers a r e p r e p a r i n g t o assemble t h e second barge so t h a t i t may be launched t o welcome Vietnam's N a t i o n a l Day on September 2 . 3. 10 S e p t . 57: On 8 S e p t . 57, t h e newly-dredged channel i n t o the p o r t of BEN THUY was i n a u g u r a t e d . BEN THUY i s l o c a t e d about 2 km. from the important c i t y of VINH in c e n t r a l Vietnam. For t h e f i r s t time s i n c e t h e p o r t was c o n s t r u c t e d i n 1926, cargo v e s s e l s up t o 1000 t o n s d r a u g h t can now come a l o n g s i d e t h e BEN THUY j e t t y . During the p e r i o d of French r u l e , v e s s e l s in e x c e s s of 500 t o n s could not reach t h e j e t t y . More than 142,000 cubic m e t e r s of a l l u v i a l d e p o s i t s had t o be dredged t o c r e a t e the c h a n n e l . 4 « 16 S e p t . 57: Literal VIETNAM-CZECHOSLOVAKIA POST AND TELECOMMUNICATION AGREEMENT CONCLUDED A p o st and tele-communication agreement p r o v i d i n g for t h e exchange of v a r i o u s t y p e s of l e t t e r s , p a r c e l p o s t , t e l e g r a m and t e l e p h o n i c c o n v e r s a t i o n s between t h e Republic of Czechoslovakia and t h e Vietnam Democratic Republic was signed a t Prague, c a p i t a l c i t y of Czechoslovakia, by Comrade Nguyen Thanh Ha, VDR's Ambassador E x t r a o r d i n a r y and P l e n i p o t e n t i a r y t o t h i s country and Comrade Neumann, S e c r e t a r y f o r Communications of the Republic of C z e c h o s l o v a k i a . 5. 17 Sept. 57: Literal In the afternoon of September 16 - 1957, the first train made a trial trip in safety across Due Tu bridge (on the Hanoi Laocai railway). The portion Yen Vien - Dong Anh was formerly damaged in several places by flood water. Since August 15 - 1957, cadres and workers of the Railroad Department and labourers coming from several provinces have started the repair of this portion of railway. After one month of tremendous efforts, the repair has been completed, Hanoi-Laocai railroad opened to traffic has made possible the exchange of different types of parcel post and mail between Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang and other provinces. �SECRET - 26 - 6. 11 :Ocdta,; 57: Autumn and winter subsidiary crops for the period 1956-57, were generally weak in different localities and reached 80% of the target set. Under the plan.) only 70% of the "Plan for maize and sweet potatoes were fulfilled. Nhan Dan suggests as the cause the complacency of the peasants following successive good crbps. This situation was aggravated by a poor winter rice crop expected due to the drought in some areas. 7. 25 - 28 Oct. 57: Literal THE SOVIETS ON THE LAOC.&I MOUNT/ INOUS REGIONS Those comrades have lived here nearly 1,000 days far from the glamour of Moscow. From dawn to dusk their shadow mingle in the shadow of Hoang Lien Sen mountains and forests. Through 2 winters and 2 summers they have left in the core of Vietnamese and Cadres' heart a friendly picture which will never fade. Who are they? They are Soviet geologists coming here to help us to uncover our rich resources in this remote part of the frontier. From THE VIETNAMESE NEWS BULLETIN 8 * 5 Aug. 57: Fifteen out of twenty-five Soviet-equipped pumping stations of the major irrigation project in the North Western part of Nghe An province (North Central Vietnam) have, in the main, been completed. 9. 10 Aug. 57: CHINESE-SUPPLIED POWER STATION COMPLETED The power station in Phu Ly, chief town of Ha Nam province, in the Red River right bank area, has in the main been completed after four months construction. This two hundred kilowatt power station is supplied as aid by the Chinese People's Republic. Preparations are being made for a test operation in the near future. 10. 13 Aug. 57: 500 MORE AUTOMATIC LOOMS P r e p a r a t i o n s a r e being made by workers a t t h e Nam Dinh Weaving P l a n t t o assemble 500 more a u t o m a t i c looms and 15 s p i n n i n g machines. P r e v i o u s l y t h e P l a n t had assembled 600 a u t o m a t i c looms and 15 s p i n n i n g machines . These looms and machines were s u p p l i e d by t h e P e o p l e ' s Republic of China t o h e l p t h e V.D.R. develop the weaving i n d u s t r y under t h e 1957 S t a t e P l a n . According t o t h e managing board of t h e P l a n t , when a l l t h e s e 1,100 a u t o m a t i c looms a r e put i n t o o p e r a t i o n , c l o t h o u t p u t of t h e P l a n t w i l l i n c r e a s e more than two fold compared w i t h t h e pre-war l e v e l . The p l a n t w i l l a l s o weave many new k i n d s of c l o t h formerly imported. �SECRET - 27 PART C - ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE 1. 21 Sept.- 57: The following was received from a military member of our Delegation in HANOI: On 14 Sept. 57, while proceeding from HANOI to TAN DAO on an organized recreational trip at approx 1345 hours, I observed a number (approx. 6 or 8) of AA guns about 17 kms. NW of HANuI. These guns appeared to be HAA and were fixed in an enclosure a short distance from the road. The guns were manned at time of passing, 2; 21 Sept. 57: The following anecdote was submitted by a member of the Military Component at HANOI: While at a reception last night in the Villa of the Canadian Commissioner, I had occasion to chat with Lt. Col. T: Diatlowicki, Polish member of the Operations Committee. Lti Col. Diatlowicki told me that he was being repatriated in November Ori normal rotation and that he was looking forward to rejoining his family in Warsaw. He has 2 sons, one age 16 and the other age 10. Both are at school, and the older boy has finished "Middle School" (Probably our equivalent of junior matriculation). He thought that the boy was interested in becoming a medical doctor and offered the suggestion that with such a profession, a young man could practice in "any country". This remark reminded me of the migration of 4000 or so Polish veterans who came to Canada from the UK under contract as farm labourers, and were subsequently absorbed into our population as immigrants. I referred to a specific group of 400 such Polish veterans whom I personally conducted as TCO from Halifax to Winnipeg, and in which there was a Polish Naval Officer who in civilian life was an eye surgeon. The conversation switched from speculation on the present lot of this surgeon, to the numbers and position of Polish immigrants generally in Canada, Somehow or other Fred Rose (convicted ex MP) came to my mind and without naming him, I remarked that a Pole had attained parliamentary rank in recent times, but that unfortunately for him he came to a bad end and was deported. Lt. Col. Diatlowicki asked for his name, and when I replied "Fred Rose", he said, "I know him very well. He is a newspaperman in Warsaw and lives there with his wife and daughter. His daughter is an attractive person". He went on to say that he toured Bulgaria with Rose for e month last Autumn and that Rose had told him that he was an MP in Canada and that he had been jailed for 5 years and subsequently deported. He said that Rose talked frequently of Canada and that he wished he were back. He also mentioned that Rose spoke Polish quite well now, explaining that he was brought to Canada as an infant, and apparently had not been fluent in his mother tongue when he was forcibly returned. I gathered from the manner in which the Colonel spoke that Rose was nothing more to him than a well-known acquaintance, so I asked him if he knew why Rose was imprisoned. He replied that Rose told him that he was a Communist MP and that he was convicted and jailed because he dared to stand up and speak against the Government in Parliament. I expnained that the essence of our Parliamentary system lay in the existence of an effective Opposition and that lest he should have gained the wrong impression from Rose, the latter was, in fact, convicted with some other Canadian citizens for espionage. I very briefly outlined our famous Spy Case. He listened with interest, smiled and replied: "Well, anyhow, Rose said he was put in prison because he said bad things against the Government. �- 28 - SECRET 3 6 Nov. 57: AA installations at GIA LAM. The location of AA installations reported on 6 Oct. 57, are confirmed. Calibre of the guns appears to be not larger than 85 ram. A troop of four guns appears to be patterned as follows: intergun spacing is estimated to be 1- yards (a sketch showed four artillery symbols arranged in the shape of a diamond with a predicter or other gun control equipment located in the centre). Recently whet might be a second troop position was seen. This contained the same weapons arranged in the same pattern as described above. The location of both sites is within a 1000-meter perimeter of the airfield. 4Oct. 57: The following was received from a Team officer on being posted from Fixed Team HAIHiONG: (a) North Boundary: It is known that ships lighten in the Baie D'Along preparatory to berthing in Haiphong. It is also known that ships complete loading there, having loaded to approx. 24 feet in Haiphong. Neither lightening nor loading has ever been witnessed by the Team. (b) South Boundary: It is known that comprehensive dredging has been carried out in the inland waterways south of Haiphong. It is reasonable to assume that such dredging has included coastal entries. NuTE There are three alternative entrances to NAM DINH. Candel suspects that this inland city has been developed and includes a Naval Base. The Team has never been close enough to the coast to observe anything. (c) Haiphong Port: The Team is The warehouses and behind them is out walls. Oddly enough, the British may whenever they have goods consigned to only permitted to walk along the jetties. of bounds although inside the port area enter the warehouses and adjacent areas them. The Customs House is outside the Dock Area but is very close. Normally there is no trouble in checking manifests. The small coasting ships MUU NINH and HOA BINH run to VINH,, as a rule, and the Team, at Candel's suggestion - checks for "internal movement" at varying intervals. It appears that the documents for these ships are kept not in the Customs House, but in the Harbour-Master's office, which is inside the dockyard walls. The port is silting up and one good typhoon could possibly plug the canal which leads to Haiphong. A Russian dredger (large, suction, lelf-soading and discharging) has been stationed in Haiphong for over a year. Most of the time it lies alongside, occupying valuable jetty-space, undergoing repairs. If the Vietnamese are paying for the dredger's time, not the amount of work she does, they are throwing money away.' This year (1957) a Polish ship darawing not more than 28 feet was aground for three days in the buoyed channel. She was well to seaward of the canal and discharged approx. 1,000 tons into another Polish ship which then towed her off the mud. The cargo was transferred back in the Baie D'Along. The information concerning the amount of cargo lightened comes from the Master of the "rescuing" ship. There are a couple of small Viet dredgers here but they limit themselves to occasional puttering around the canals in the city. If the local authorities wish to, they could bring practically anything into Haiphong without the Team's knowledge. The only limitations would be weight, i.e. the ship must lift the object herself - if the local floating crane is not available - and it is doubtful if the jetties can support more than 20 tons of concentrated weight. The floating crane can, it is estimated, lift about 10 to 15 tons. Russian ships sighted here almost invariably have a 50 - 75 ton heavy lift. (For non-sailors this means a very heavy derrick can be observed stowed upright against one or more masts. This derrick can be used as a heavy crane). Steel barges have been built in �SECRET - 29 Haiphong. It is believed that Russian, Czech etc., technicians were in charge. These barges (about 6 of them) were built near the old slip area. This slip appears to be in good shape and quite useable. Lack of dredging may be the reason it has never, as far as is know, been occupied for the last 9 months. Local newspapers announced that, in honour of the 40th Anniversary of the October Revolution, the floating dock is to be raised. This dock has been submerged for some 10 to 14 years and is probably in very bad shape. A check on the Haiphong Shipping Reports will indicate the type and amount of traffic through the port. It is very noticeable that machinery, drugs, hospital equipment etc., almost invariably arrives in "satellite" shipping from "satellite" ports. Mother Russia seems to be very slow in putting her hand into her own pocket to help N. Vietnam. The two coasters NUU NINN & HOA. BINH were gifts of the Chinese government and are very smart little craft. (About 600 tons D.'".)« Occasionally, sea-going barges are towed from China. These are controlled. The port is well served by harbour tugs. Up to six have been sighted at one time. There are a few small mobile cranes. Loading and discharging can be carried out at a very fast pace. Material can, and possibly is, moved very quickly indeed, by jetty or barge, out of sight. British junks from Hong Fong have been caught in large-scale smuggling. M594T (Wing Sang) has been held since 26 Aug. 57, to date. Presumably she will remain here till she pays the fine of 84,000,000 dongs for repeated smuggling offences. (d) Cat Bi Airport: Until recently, the Team could wander, at will, anywhere inside the airport perimeter. Progessively, the controllable area has been reduced. The Hanger area and hangars are now enclosed and laballed "Military" area. The Team now requires permission to proceed past the Control Tower, On Oct. 19, 1957, the Team was informed that it could no longer cross the runway to inspect the buildings on the other side. Thus, airport control is. now confined to a very small area adjacent to the Control Tower. Minor repairs have been carried out on the roads immediately adjacent to the runway. The runway white guide-lines and borders have been repainted very recently. The Met station seems to be manned. Electric cables round the perimeter have been dug up for inspection and connection repair. The Airport Staff have informed the Team that no register is maintained but have refused to answer the following: i) Is the Control Tower manned? ii) Should an aircraft make an emergency landing, will the Team be informed? iii) Should the airport be re-opened to air traffic, will the Team be informed? These questions and refusals will be pursued by the Team - at Candel's prodding. Date: December, 1957 Source: Canadian Delegation t o I . C C S . S ECHET ~~~": 000721 �AIVAJLJIA A - 30 TRANSLATION EXTRACT FROM NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 15th, 1957 Editorial THE DRAFTED LABOUR TO BUILD UP THE COUNTRY IS THE DUTY OF EVERY CITIZEN In the war time, various sections of people - mostly peasants - have eagerly met the drafted labour, done their best to overcome hardships and record big achievements so as to contribute to the success of the resistancewar. Since peace was restored, our compatriots in countryside as well as in town have many a time took part in the drafted labour to build and repair roads, dikes, irrigation systems, etc... In the work of restoring and developing economy with the aim to gradually improve the people's living standard, the operations of construction and repair become more and more numerous. These occupations have to need a large number of manpowers for which the State, due to its limited financial capacity is impossible to pay. Besides, the popular democratic power belongs to our people, therefore the State always relies upon the latter's contribution to realize every work. However, to be consistent with the peaceful time, to materialize the plan which consists in gradually reducing the people's contribution and at the same time to pay attention to the agricultural development in countryside, the policy of mobilizing and using the drafted labour at present aims to restrict the sphere of drafted labour so that the State plan be successfully fulfilled and simultaneously the production be ensured for the people. The provisionary regulations for the mobilization and disposition of the drafted labour in peaceful time which the VDR Prime Minister has promulgated on July 27 - 1957, define clearly that the labour is only drafted to meet a definite number of works concerning communication, transport, irrigation system supplies to armymen in mountainous regions having no conditions to use means of conveyance and to pay manpowers. Formerly, the drafted labourers were mobilized to go away but from now on, the labour is only drafted to meet the local work or that happened in surrounding provinces. The former regulations do not define the time taken for annually drafted labour of each citizen: from now on, each citizen has to do a drafted labour within 50 days in the construction site. The work regime of drafted labour is the piece-work having the effect to encourage the creation of initiatives, the increase of efficiency, the quick achievement of work planned, and to realize the economizetion of budget. The rights of the drafted labourers are clearly defined as follows: cancellation of the regime where the drafted labourers have to provide themselves during the first 5 or 7 days, and allowance for the case of accident labour ... The provisory regulations for the mobilization and disposition of drafted labour in peaceful time need to be widely popularized among various sections of people. Every administrative organ and mass organization have the duty of mobilizing the people to study the policy in question so as to make every body perceive the purpose, significance and interest of drafted labour in peaceful time. In every mobilization and disposition of drafted labour, the fundamental motto consists in educating and raising the spirit of willingness of people, �APPENDIX B. TRANSLATION Extract from NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 15th, 1957. PROVISORY REGULATIONS FOR THE MOBILIZATION AND DISPOSITION OF DRAFTED LABOUR IN PEACEFUL TIME In the war time, our people had endured hardness and eagerly taken part in the drafted labour with a view to contributing to the success of resistance war. Since peace was restored, due to people's contribution, a number of works of communication, transport, irrigation and other operations have been achieved. In the economic rehabilitation and reconstruction, the State must further rely upon the people to bring profit to them. Therefore, each citizen has the duty of favouring the drafted labour, emulating each other for the increase of labour efficiency and securing a rapid and good achievement of state operations. To guarantee the development of production along the diminution of people's contribution in peaceful time, it has been decided as follows: - to mobilize the drafted labour aimed at chiefly carrying out a definite number of works on irrigation, communication and transport: - the time put for the drafted labour is not limitless: - the drafted labourers have to work in their own localities or in the surrounding provinces. - the work-regime of the drafted-labour is principally the pieoe-work. CHAPTER I Persons having the duty to join the drafted labour Article 1 - All Vietnamese citizens frcm 18 to 50 years old for men and from 18 to 45 years old for women have the duty to take part in the drafted labour. Article 2 - To guarantee the State's reconstruction plan so as not to hinder the materialization of production plan of various branches and administrative machinery and at the same time to apply the governmental policy of priority treatment towards a number of persons, the following people enjoy either exemption, provisional exemption or provisional postponement of drafted labour: A - Are exempted from drafted labour: - permanent members of the administrative committees in village or city. - secretary of the administrative committee's office in village or city. - agents of liaison in village or city. - head of the statistic committee in village or city. - medical worker and mid-wife in village or city if these localities have only one medical worker and one mid-wife. �- 32 - disabled armyment - wife or husband of the war invalid if the letter's living depends on the wife or husband; - can bo (cadres), government officials and teachers working in the public and private schools. - workers and labourers who are working in the state-owned factories (colliery, construction site, collective farm, forestry work yard) and in the private factories. - those who practice the religious profession such as: clergyman, priest, monk, bronze, sorcerer (minority people's area), etc... - cripples and those who affected by a chronic disease are unable to do hard labour. B. Are temporarily exempted from drafted labour - teachers in the mass education who are fulfilling their duties. - demobilized armymen living in their villages (if the demobilization time does not yet reach one year). - Southern people going to the North and taking part in the production to provide themselves, if the time of this does not yet reach one year. - pupils in public and private schools, - pregnant women. - women who are giving suck to their babies for a time under one year: in the case where the baby is not yet weaned and the family has no nurse, the mother of this baby may enjoy a provisory exemption of one and a half year. C. Are allowed temporary postponement of drafted labour. - Those who directly practice the handicraft under the contract signed with the State-owned trade organ enjoy a temporary postponement during the time stipulated for the application of the contract. - Fishers and salt makers who are exercising their crafts during the fishing and salt making season. - '"'food-cutters who are carrying out the State Plan. - Those who are recognized by the people as principal labourer to keep their families composed of old folks, children and invalids. CHAPTER II Operations Asking for Drafted Labour Article 5 - The drafted labour is mobilized to do following jobs: 1. T!?ater-works are composed of: dikes (river and sea dikes) major and medium size irrigation works. In the dike and irrigation operations, are considered as joining the drafted labour those who undertake the work of researches and building. Are not considered as taking part in the drafted labour those who assume the following works in their own localities: combat against 000724 �- 33 flooding, drought, typhoon, inundation and operations relative to the permanent protection and repair of portions of dike and channel. In case of needj the local administration and mass organizations will mobilize the population for these works. When repairing the dike surrounding the town, the people living in the town will be mobilized to dd itt If the strength of the people in town is insufficient to meet the Repairj there will be further mobilization of labourers in surrounding villages for the Common operation. 2. Works on transport and supplying to servicemen in the mountainous regions where the means of transport in car, boat, buffalo, horse and the hire of manpowers are impossible. 3. Special works authorized by the Permier's Office to employ drafted labour. Concerning the mountainous region, beside the works stipulated above, the drafted labour is possible to be mobilized to do following jobs: waterwork, construction and repair of communication road, work to study bridge and road, the dredging of river bed to facilitate the water traffic, the construction of school, hospital, market and habitation of public organs from the district level upwards, in the case where there is shortage of manpower. (to be continued) �TRANSLATION - 34 Extract from NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 16th, 1957. TEMPORARY REGULATIONS FOR THS MOBILIZATION AND DISPOSITION OF DRAFTED LABOUR IN PEACE TIME (continued) CHAPTER I H Obligations and rights of the people taking part in the drafted labour. Article 4 - Each person has every year to join the drafted labour to work in the construction site during 30 days not including the travelling and leave days. Article 5 - After 9 successive days' work, the draftees have the right to 1 day leave. The draftees should work 9 hours a day. At the mountainous area in winter or in the case where the draftees have to work far from the lodging they are admitted to work 8 hours a day. Article 6 - In the construction site, the draftees must respect the labour discipline and work conscientiously so as to ensure the quantity and quality of the efficiency; the draftees should bow to the orders of the leading organs, respect and safeguard the public properties, not violate the people's properties, not disclose the State's secret and take measures against sabotage. Article 7: The draftees are entitled to contribute their opinions to the organization of work and to the organization of living in construction site. Article 8 -The drafted labourers will work in the sphere of their own localities. Referring to the mountainous regions, the draftees from any district or province, work in the sphere of their respective district and province. In the case where the province or district lacks in manpower utilized for the common profit of the 2 or 3 contiguous provinces or districts, the Zonal Administrative committee will mobilize the manpowers in the surrounding provinces or districts to execute the same operation. Article 9 - When coming to work in the construction site, the draftees must carry on them the working instruments; the organ mobilizing the manpowers should notify the concerned villages so that the draftees can make preparations before arriving in the construction site. The tools belonging to the construction site and remitted to the draftees must be kept in good care, if the draftees lose or gravely damage them, there will be compensation for the losses suffered. Article 10 - The work regime of draftees in the construction site is principally the piece-work; except a few jobs which must be carried out in daylabour. �The piece-work has 2 aspects: - 35 - 1. Piece-work entrusted to village - The construction site entrusts the village with the amount of works, fixes the time of completion and the sum of reward so as to enable the village to make arrangements for the successful execution of the scheduled amount of works. If the operations are terminated before the due time in accordance with the conditions laid down to the draftees, the latter are allowed to go home before the specified time and are considered as having fully fulfilled the total number of labour days and admitted to enjoy the integral sum of reward. 2. Piece-work entrusted to construction site: That means the construction site entrusts each unit of draftees with an amount of works, fixes the time of completion and the sum of reward. If the draftees succeed in finishing the scheduled work before the due time in strict accordance with technical conditions, they are admitted to go home before, are considered as having completely fulfilled the total number of drafted labour days and are allowed to enjoy the integral sum of reward. When receiving the piece-work, the village administrative committee or the organ commanding the units of draftees has to sign a contract with the commandment service of the construction site. When the draftees work in the construction site, the village administrative committee is liable to organize and lead the draftees in emulating one another for the increase of efficiency so as to ensure the materialization of work in the scheduled time. If the concerned village or the draftees do not fulfill the specified work in accordance with the proposed requirements and have to do an overtime work, there will be no more payment of reward by the construction site if the responsibility falls on the concerned village or on the draftees. On the contrary, if the responsibility belongs to the construction site the draftees have the right to enjoy the payment or overtime work. (to be continued) �- 36 - TRANSLATION Extract from NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 16th, 1957 TEMPORARY REGULATIONS RJR THE MUBILIZATION AND DISPOSITION OF THE DRAFTED LABOUR IN PEACE T E E (continued) Article 11 - Allowances granted to the draftees who work by the piece are calculated following the amount of their works. The pay by the piece (for instance a cubic meter of earth, a square meter of road macadamized, a kilometer of transport, etc..) will be fixed by the construction site as follows: 1) Average efficiency of drafted labourer for a day in accordance with the conditions laid down by the interested organ. 2) Daily allowances fixed to each kind of drafted labourer: 600 "dong" a day for ordinary draftee, 800 "dong" for transport-draftee and from 800 to 1,000 "dong" for the technical draftee disposed following the degree of one's technical capacity. 3) Various expenditures (such as allowances to be paid to leading cadres, nurses, cooks and so on...) Cadres in charge of the construction site and cadres in charge of the drafted labour should organize and stimulate the draftees to surpass the target set under the Plan in order to secure the scheduled operations and at the same time to make the draftees enjoy more allowances. Only in the case where the amount of work is impossible to be calculated, are the allowances paid following the regime of day-labour. The payment of allowances for the day-labour is fixed as follows: - 600 "dong" a day for ordinary draftee - 800 "dong" a day for transporter and victualler-draftee to armymen in mountainous area - From 800 to 1,000 "dong" a day for technical draftee employed following one's technical capacity. Through executing the day-labour, the draftee is also obliged to ensure the quality as well as quantity of the daily operations fixed by the construction site. For ordinary leave, holiday, sick leave, rain, typhoon, the ordinary and technical draftees are entitled to enjoy an allowance of 600 "dong" a day, and the draftee in charge of supplying to armymen in mountainous region enjoy an allowance of 800 "dong" a day. In the construction site where the draftee comes to work in the morning and returns home in the evening has no right to allowance for the leave. For the travelling taken from the village to construction site and vice versa, the ordinary draftee and technical draftee enjoy an allowance of 600 "dong" a day, the draftee who transports and supplies to armymen in mountainous area is paid 800 "dong" a day. The draftee will not be paid of one's travelling is under 10 kilometers; from 11 to 15 kilometers' travelling, the draftee obtains half of daily allowance; from 16 to 30 kilometers' travelling, full allowance is paid; from 31 to 45 kilometers* travelling, allowance of one and a half day is paid; for the long travelling, every 15 more kilometers will be paid half of allowance. �- 37 Article 12 - In the course of work in the construction site, the drafted labourers will enjoy the following holidays: - International labour day (May 1st), a day leave: - National Day (September 2nd), a day leave: - Solar New Year (January 1st), a day leave: On the occasion of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, there will be no mobilization of drafted labour. If the drafted labourers who are working in the construction site, the Vietnamese New Year celebrations will be held there. The Catholic draftees are entitled to enjoy Christmas holiday (December 25th). The Buddhist draftees are entitled to enjoy the Buddha birthday (the 8th of the 4th Lunar month). Article 15 - Health service to the drafted labourers in the construction site is mainly the preventive work against diseases. In the regions where the climate is not so well, preventive medicines against malaria will be distributed to draftees. The sick draftees will be treated at their units or at the informary of the construction site. If the construction site is unable to cure them, they will be medically treated in the hospital of province. Expenditures for these treatments will be in charge of the construction site. The sick draftees may ask the permission to return home for treatment at their families. In this case, with the proposal of the nurse or of the commandment service of the construction site, a few medicines are granted to these people. The sick draftees medically treated at the construction site are entitled to, by the proposal of the nurse or of the leading organ, obtain beside the allowance, an indemnity of 150 or 300 "dong" a day following the state of their maladies. If the draftee dies, the burial expenses will be in the charges of the construction site. Article 14 - The women draftees, during the time of their menses, are entitled to do light work and if they live near their houses, they are admitted to return home for rest. After their menses, they should work in compensation. Article 15 - The drafted labourers who are victim of accident labour will be medically treated at the informary of the construction site. If the construction site has no informary or if it is unable to treat these victims, the latter are submitted to the hospital treatment in the province. During the time of medical treatment in infirmary or in hospital, the draftee victim of labour accident will be the object of the Government's care. Treatment expenses will be undergone by the construction site. After one's recovery, if the draftee suffers from an infirmity which exerts great influence upon one's labour capacity, this victim will be entitled to enjoy a sum, as an indemnity. If the victim dies of labour accident, the victim's family will enjoy an indemnity. (to be continued) �.- 38 - TRANSLATION Extract from NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 16th, 1957 TEMPORARY REGULATIONS FOR THE MOBILIZATION AND DISPOSITION OF DRAFTED LABOUR IN PEACE TIME Article 16 - Following the condition and situation of work, the construction site may organize collective living for the draftee. The latter may also return home in the evening if one's house is located near the construction site. Article 17 - If the draftee lives a collective living in the construction site, the collective expenditures such as: oil-light, newspapers, and other materials necessary to the leading cadres' activities are covered by the construction site. The kitchen utensils are provided by the draftees themselves, in case of need, the construction site may lend some, but the draftees are requested to carefully conserve them. All losses or damages suffered should be repaired. Article 18 - All units of draftees recording brilliant achievements in the work will be congratulated. CHAPTER IV Obligations of Concerned Organs Article 19 - Following are the duties of various organs having the responsibility on the distribution, mobilization and disposition of drafted labour. - The State planning board sets the drafted labour plan to meet the requirements of various branches. - Basing itself upon the requirements of the State plan, the Labour Ministry has the obligation to distribute the number of drafted labourers to different localities and at the same time to control the application of drafted labour system by the concerned localities. The zonal and provincial administrative committes have the obligation to order the mobilization of manpowers and ratify the needs on the drafted manpowers of various localities. Article 20 -The Administrative Committee is liable for the drafted labour done in the sphere of its locality, such as: - Managing the drafted labour done in the sphere of its locality, providing a sufficient number of manpowers so as to meet the realization of the plan of the construction site. - Popularizing the policy relative to the drafted labour and supervising the application of the policy in question. - Organizing the mobilizing the drafted labourers to work eagerly. - Supplying documents and reporting on the situation of drafted labour to higher authorities. The Administrative Committee at all levels must send in the construction site, a cadre in charge of following-up the mobilization and disposition of drafted labour. �u 39 Air$i0.ieit 21 - The Command Service of the construction site has the obligation oft - Ensuring the fulfillment of various clauses concerning the drafted labour system. - Organizing, leading and mobilizing the draftees to compete with one another for the increase of efficiency and for the rapid achievement of operations and at the same time taking care of the draftee's living. - Applying necessary measures against accident labour. - Timely congratulating or proposing to congratulate every unit or individual draftee having recorded metitorious achievements in the work. Article 22 - If the construction site dissolves before settling the draftees' interests, the responsible organ should liquidate them instead. Article 25 - The mobilization of drafted labourers must aim at ensuring the needs of work and at the same time the production of the locality. The village administrative committee should study the situation of manpower in its locality so as to mobilize only the strong people. The village administrative committee has the obligation of securing the number of manpowers and leading the draftees for the successful fulfillment of the target laid down by the construction site. When mobilizing manpowers, the concerned organ must make explanations on the duty of people toward the drafted labour and base itself upon the situation of each person so as to apply mobilization in accordance with the present regulations. Article 24 - To avoid waste of time, the draftees have to concentrate at the district and province before coming to the construction site. CHAPTER V General Provisions Article 25 - The Administrative Committee in autonomous area base itself on the present clauses and on the concrete situation of each area to fix particular regulations after having discussed with the labour Ministry. Article 26 - The Labour Ministry is liable to explain and lead the application of the present regulations. July 27th, 1957. The V.D. R. Prime Minister Signed: Priam Van Dong. 000731 �APPENDIX C - 40 - TRANSLATION E x t r a c t from NHAN DAN (PEOPLE) November 1 8 t h , 1957 FURTHER EXPLANATIONS ON MOBILIZATION OF MAN-POWER To f i t with the time of peaceful construction in accordance with the people's d e s i r e , the Prime Minister of the Government has issued a new regulation on man-power aimed a t lessening the people's contributions and concurrently a t ensuring the fulfillment of S t a t e ' s important plana Trie regulation is being introduced to the population. JUrttier explanations are given below to trirow a l i g h t on a few points in the regulation: 1» Under the terms of trie new regulation, age, condition i s reduced, time-limit of hard labour lessened to 50 days a year and draftees only have to work in t h e i r own provinces or in neighbouring areas; in t h i s case, how can State Plans be f u l f i l l e d ? That clearly proves the S t a t e ' s good cares for the population and i t s good will in granting, the l a t t e r ' s legitimate desire by determining the duration of t h e i r work. That i s made possible to the fact that the Government, in peace-time, only allows certain branches to draft man-power in accordance with the prescriptions in the State plans. The services that used to draft man-power ih vter time and that now are no longer allowed by the new regulation, are not e n t i t l e d to r e c r u i t laborers except p a r t i c u l a r cases authorized by the Prime Minister of the Government. Thus, people's necessary contributions to the fulfillment of State Plans have been carefully calculated. A good drafting - not r e c r u i t i n g old people and children over or under the age conditions stipulated in the regulation, granting exemptions and postponements in s t r i c t accordance with the policy, organizing cleverly, guiding wisely - would ensure success to the work. The decision that draftees work in t h e i r own provinces or neighbouring area i s aimed a t sparing people from unnecessary t r a v e l l i n g s , reducing expenditures of work-yards and combining S t a t e ' s i n t e r e s t with the p e o p l e ' s . If the work requires long t r a v e l l i n g s , adequate allowances and cares w i ll be granted. In t h i s case healthy persons should be moved the f i r s t and assistance be granted to t h e i r families. 2. Why cases of exemption and .postponement are reduced. In war time, there were considerable works to do in the rear front. Exemption was therefore granted to those entrusted with resistance work in the rear front. At present, drafted labourers serve the constructions d i r e c t l y advantageous to t h e i r l o c a l i t i e s a t the same time they are not busy with production work and have not to go far and long. Cadres w i l l stay and work together with drafted labourers and t h a t wil l encourage the l a t t e r in f u l filling their tasks. 3. Draftees have to work 9 hours daily and only get a day leave every 9 working days; i s t h a t contradictory to the labour law? According to the regulations, the working regime of drafted labourers i s mainly task-work. Here, the policy als o aims a t combining the i n t e r e s t of draftees with t h a t of public work. Drafted labourers are meant to f u l f i l l t h e i r duties for a c e r t a i n time and doing a c e r t a i n amount of work. Every draftee wants to achieve t h e i r task the sooner the b e t t e r so that they might go home to mind t h e i r own business. Whoever properly f u l f i l l s h i s task ahead of schedule i s considered as having served h i s time and i s e n t i t l e d to the salary set for the whole work. 000732 �- 41 Jbrmerly, draftees had to serve a l l the time scheduled. Certains worked nonchalantly and i n e f f e c t i v e l y . That was a mere waste of time for draftees and caused losses to national budget and State Plans. For t h i s reason; the regime of working 9 hours d a i l y and leaving one on every nine days i s p r a c t i c a l and appropriate to both the i n t e r e s t s of draftees arid public work, Holidays for draftees are a l s o determined in such a way that the l a t t e r might shorten t h e i r service time and yet> s t i l l ensure the fulfillment of State Plans. Thus, the working regime applied for draftees are defined by the regulation of July 27-1957 and the decree number 358/TTg of the Prime Minister of the Government; I t has no r e l a t i o n with the labour law applied for other factories arid work-yards. Draftees' i n t e r e s t s are guaranteed by the provisions of the regulation such as working time, paid leaves, allowances, wages and so o n . . . 4, The carrying out of trie regulation on the drafting of man-power consists not only in mobilizing labourers in accordance with the policy but s t i l l ensuring a good achievement of the State work. As mentioned above, the new regulation i s aimed a t lessening people's contributions and ensuring appropriate i n t e r e s t for draftees so as to f i t the need of construction and peaceful circumstances. Village administrators have to draw a l i s t of inhabitants to be drafted and to ensure the supply of man-power necessary to each type of work, In case of task-work, contracts should be made and the 2 p a r t i e s have to f u l f i l l the terms agreed upon. Village administrators not only have to draft the number of labourers as required but s t i l l ensure the fulfillment of the work specified in the contract, Therefore, encouragements, emulation drives , sanitary cares are necessary to make draftees e n t h u s i a s t i c and confident in t h e i r work. For the past few years, people's contributions were considerable but part of these was wasted due to careless arrangements (for instance lack of organization and t o o l s ) . I t i s therefore trie duty of the concerned branches to calculate carefully and of regional administrations to heighten t h e i r s p i r i t of r e s p o n s i b i l i t y so that the planned work be achieved properly. ' For t h i s reason, task-work needs to be explained c l e a r l y . A proper carrying out of t h i s working regime would spare the State from unnecessary expenditures, the population from waste of time and encourage drafted labourers to promote t h e i r creativeness, to properly and rapidly f u l f i l l t h e i r task and heighten the people's s p i r i t of r e s p o n s i b i l i t y with regard to t h e i r dutie s i n r a t i o n a l construction. �S E C R E T APPENDIX D HANOI, 7 O c t . REPORT SUBMITTED ON RE-ASSIGNMENT FIXED TEAM DONG DANG General 1. O f f i c e r s a s s i g n e d to Fixed Team DoNG DANG have a c c e s s t o t h a t a r e a w i t h i n 10 km. of the CHINESE Border from i n c l u s i v e SOC GIANG and CHI MA, and t o t h e t e r r i t o r y immediately a d j a c e n t t o Route C o l o n i a l 4 between SOC GIANG and DINH LAP. 2. Importan t towns v i s i t e d d u r i n g mobile c o n t r o l s i n c l u d e CAO BANG, DONG KHE, THAT KHE, DONG DANG, LANGSON, LOC BINH and DINH LAP. A l l of t h e s e a r e s i t u a t e d on Route C o l o n i a l 4 . PHUC HOA l i e s n o r t h of Route C o l o n i a l 4 and i s w i t h i n t h e Team's Zone of A c t i o n . Route i n T r a n s i t 3. O f f i c e r s p r o c e e d i ng t o Fixed Team DoNG DANG a r e routed from HANOI t o DONG DANG v i a r a i l , on trie I n t e r n a t i o n a l T r a i n which l e a v e s HANOI on Mondays, Wednesdays and F r i d a y s . The r e t u r n journey i s made via trie same r o u t e l e a v i n g DONG DANG on t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l T r a i n s scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and S a t u r d a y s . The journey time i s 6 h r s . 45 rains. 4. CANDEL members a r e given a "compartment" in 1 s t c l a s s coach No. 52. U s u a l l y t h i s i s shared with t h e INDEL c o u r i e r i f t h e CANDEL member i s t r a v e l l i n g a l o n e . Baggage may accompany t h e member i n h i s compartment or i t may be placed in t h e open baggage c a r a t t h e end of t h e t r a i n . This car i s c o n t i n u o u s l y guarded by a policeman i n uniform. R a i l r o a d HANOI-DONG DANG 5. The r a i l r o a d i s e f f i c i e n t l y operate d and accommodates upward of 20 t r a i n s a day. The number of t r i p s per day seems t o vary a s d i c t a t e d by i n t e r n a l domestic n e e d s . An i n t e r n a t i o n a l schedule shows nine t r a i n s per day North bound f o r CHINA and nine t r a i n s p e r day South bound from CHINA. Only one of t h e s e d a i l y . North bound and one South bound, a r e passenge r t r a i n s . The schedule i s a v a i l a b l e a t trie Team s i t e . 6. T r a i n s run f a i r l y c l o s e to schedule - d e l a y s of 10 minutes being f r e q u e n t and a p p a r e n t l y t o l e r a b l e . DONG DANG i s a major s t o p p i n g p o i n t (Customs P o s t ) and t r a i n s t o p - o v e r times of 30 t o 45 m i n u t e s seem customary. The s t a t i o n a t DONG DANG i s a major l o a d i n g p o i n t f o r t r a n s - s h i p m e n t of road-borne l o a d s . The s t a t i o n has a t u r n around c i r c u i t and t h r e e s i d i n g s . H a l t s a r e made a t LANG SON ( f l a g s t o p ) BAC LE, CHAHN MOI, PHU L'NG THUONG, BAC NINH. The l e n g t h of s t o p i s v a r i a b l e and seems dependent on running time between s t o p s . 7. Major r a i l r o a d b r i d g e s a r e l o c a t e d a t LANG SON, PHU LANG THUONG, DAP CAU (BAC NINH) and YEN VIEN. A major b r i d g e (perhaps road and r a i l ) i s b e i n g b u i l t a t e i t h e r HIU LANG THUONG o r DAP CAU, ( I t h i n k the f o r m e r ) . The road bed between BAC NINH and HANOI has been weakened by floods in s e v e r a l p l a c e s and has been "patched " but n o t substantially repaired. �SECRET - 43 - 8. Internationa l passenger t r a i n engines appear to be French. The engines on commerce t r a i n s may be Chinese or Russian. They are new and in good condition and they a r e large r than the passenger t r a i n engines. Points to Observe En Route: 9. Military Insta; ations: LANG SON (PAW HQ and Training Garrison) (Airfields), BAC LE (PAW Garrison?) PHU LANG HUONG (PAW Garrison) DAPJCAU (Bridge Garrison^ BAC NINH (PAVN HQ and very large concentration of a semipermanent nature. Estimate difficult but larger than a Brigade group). PHU TU SON GIA LAM NOTE: (PAW Garrison?) (AA emplacement of 4 guns and what may be radar or gun control equipment 5 minutes train time NORTH of GIA LAM (approx. l| km.)! (Airfield 85 mm.) Bridge garrisons of varying size are located at every bridge, 10. Factories - Only factories to be seen are located at PHU LANG THUONG, BAC NINH, and on the Northern outskirts of HANOI. The one at PHU LANG THUONG could be a textile factory. The one at BAC NINH has considerable quantities of construction steel (for reinforcing concrete), pipes of from approx. 2 inch diameter to 30 inch diameter and some sheet steel in its associated compound. The buildings are large and modern and may cover an acre in extent. The mainhuildihg has a large geared wrieel insignia on trie front of it - rather like a rotary club symbol. 11. Crops - Almost exclusively rice which varies from excellent to poor. In general very good. Description of Team Area by Sectors 12. SOC GIANG - CAO BANG a) Not always accessible. Visited for first time in approx. 6 months, on 27 Sept. 57. lerry at CAO BANG is the regulating feature. b) The road is passable by jeep in good weather. Military pattern vehicles up to •§ ton could use the road in its present condition. Load capacity of bridges and culverts would be the limiting factor. Trie river at CAO BANG is crossed by a suspension foot bridge on the original bridge site but vehicles wishing to cross at CAO BANG must use the ford SOUTH of the foot �- 44 - SECRET bridge approx. 1000 yds. This ford is passable by jeeps during the dry season only. The river must again be crossed approx. 6 km. NORTH of CAO BANG. This crossing is accomplished by a state operated ferry having an estimated 5 ton capacity (one 3 ton vehicle, loaded, per trip - two empty 3 ton vehicles or 4 jeeps.) Time of crossing approx. 10 minutes one way (varies with condition of current). Ferry is poled across by two attendants and is secured by an anchored cable. In addition, two small streams within 5 km. of the ferry are fordable without difficulty. Existing bridges were destroyed and have not been replaced. c) Very little vehicular activity NORTH Of CAO BANG. Souie state transportation trucks (3 ton) employed on crop gathering. Perhaps six vehicles in all. d) The valleys of CAO BANG province are under maximum cultivation and are now burdened by rice crops of excellent yield. The better crops are now being harvested and the paddies drained preparatory to harvest. The crop of two plantings ago in the higher paddies is likely to be a fa ilure. e) No bridging. Rudimentary road improvement, i.e. scratch and patch, between NUOC HAI and CAO BANG. The LO once informed me that the frontier provinces of CAO BANG and LANG SON had a "one-year" plan for road improvement whicri expires witri 1957. The amount of labour involved is difficult to assess but is based on the system of having each family living in the vicinity, provide the labour of one person for 30 days. f) No industry of consequence. Some cabinetmaking and pottery production at NUOC HAI. Good hydro potential. g) No P A W garrisons seen, but two "camps" whicri could accommodate a platoon sized garrison each are in the vicinity of NUOC HAI. CAO BANG - DONG KHE a) CAO BANG is an important administrative centre. Trie town contains a fair sized hospital and a P A W garrison of unknown size but thought to be not less than a battalion. The town is connected to LANG SON by a single, steel telephone line. b) A great deal of activity is apparent especially in crop gathering and shipment. The shipping is accomplished by state transport of the familiar 2 x 4, 3 ton, dual rear wheel type produced at the MOLOTOV Automotive Factory. For the most part, the vehncles are old and tired. (A bad pun since in fact the shoddiest part of the vehicles are the tires which are worn and cut through to the cords. One tire seen had actually been sewn closed where it had ruptured on the side. What new tires there are, are from China and are marked "Export" in Chinese characters, ) �SECRET - 45 - c) A great deal of activity observed in road improvement. All manual labour. No heavy equipment - in fact no equipment other than locally produced hand tools, used. One small bridge being rebuilt 7 km. South of CAO BANG on Route Colonial No. 4. For the most part other improvements consist of clearing the verges of encroaching vegetation, digging drainage ditches along cuttings (6 inches deep), tamping crushed rock into pot holes, reinforcing embankments with stone ballast. The road could be negotiated one way only by 5 ton traffic. d) The populace seem contented but subdued. They listen avidly to the "Peoples Broadcasts" from 0550-0630 hours, and 1800 - 2300 hours daily. e). CAO BANG has its own electric power which operates from about 0600 to 0630 and 1800 to 2300 hours. The quality is poor and fluctuates from below 90 volts to approximately 110 volts. Breakdowns are commonplace, f) All French fortifications have been destroyed by demolition and no attempt seems to have been made to rehabilitate them. One cavernous magazine (suspected) remains intact on the LEFT side of the road to SOC GHANG on the outskirts of CAO BANG. g) What appears to be a radio transmitting or relay station is located on the highest point NORTH of the river on the towns outskirts. A good view could be gotten from the Catholic Church. The LO said it was not a radio station but the evasive manner of his reply indicates that it might be. DONG KHE - PHUC HOA a) The road is in good repair not having been extensively demolished as was Route Colonial No, 4. It climbs and traverses a mountain range and a stretch of jungle-like forest. b) Two streams within 5 km. of DONG KHE must be forded. No difficulty in dry weather but could stop a jeep in the rainy season. Three tonners 4 x 4 might make it. The river at PHUC HOA is deep and swift (10 feet from the LEFT bank it drops to 15 feet. This is the shallowest part of the river bed). The river is crossed by a ferry of approximately 10 ton capacity (2 loaded 3 tonners or 4 jeeps). Motive power is human hand on liana vine. The ferry is anchored by cable. c) Crops vary from very good to fair. Because of the nature of the land, little of it is under cultivation. d) Beyond PHUC HOA at TA LUNG is a Border Customs Post connected to its counterpart in CHINA by a good all weather road. The road appears to be much used. e) No P A W installations seen. �SECRET - 46 - 15. DONG KEE - THAT-KHE a) A wild b i t of c o u n t r y with some f e r t i l e but narrow v a l l e y s . Crops a r e e x c e l l e n t t o poor depending on trie time a t which t h e r i c e was p l a n t e d . P r e s e n t h a r v e s t i s very good. . b) THAT-KHE i s a major g r a i n t r a n s - s h i p m e n t p o i n t . I t i s n e c e s s a r y t o t r a n s - s h i p because t h e bridg e a t THAT-KHE has never been r e b u i l t . At p r e s e n t a suspension f o o t - b r i d g e i s i n place on t h e o r i g i n a l b r i d g e - s i t e , connectin g the two bank p o r t i o n s of t h e o r i g i n a l beavy b r i d g e . Grain from t h e LEFT bank, down bound from CAO BANG, i s manhandled over t h e f o o t b r i d g e t o w a i t i n g t r u c k s on t h e RIGHT bank. I have seen a s many a s 30 s t a t e 3 t o n n e r s in THAT-KHE a t the c r o s s - r o a d s a t one t i m e . c) Road b u i l d i n g i s n o n - e x i s t e n t , but road r e p a i r i s proceeding a s p r e v i o u s l y d e s c r i b e d . Bridges a r e being b u i l t of l o c a l m a t e r i a l s and old r a i l w a y t r a c k s a t p o i n t s 4, 7 and 11 km. NORTH of THAT-KHE on Route C o l o n i a l No. 4 . No road b u i l d i n g o r b r i d g e b u i l d i n g equipment s e e n . d) A PAVN G a r r i s o n of small s i z e i s s t a t i o n e d in THAT-KHE. might be a b r i d g e g a r r i s o n , though I doubt t h i s . It e) A bamboo v e h i c l e f e r r y about 1 km. up stream from t h e f o o t b r i d g e accommodates one j e e p a t a t i m e . Time of round t r i p f o r 4 j e e p s v a r i e s between 1 and 2 h o u r s . The s t a t e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i l l e s t a b l i s h a f e r r y a t t h i s p o i n t sometime w i t h i n a f o r t n i g h t . The LO s t a t e s t h a t i t may be in p l a c e a s e a r l y a s one week from now. At t h e p r e s e n t time no v e h i c l e h e a v i e r than a j e e p can c r o s s t h e r i v e r u s i n g e x i s t i n g f a c i l i t i e s . f) Metal s c r a p i s being scavenged from t h e v a r i o u s ambush s i t e s and c o l l e c t e d a t THAT-KHE. Armoured c a r s a r e being l e f t i n s i t u because t h e l o c a l s c r a p - g a t h e r e r s have n o t h i n g with which t o move them. Two p i e c e s of road b u i l d i n g equipment, a s h e e p - f e e t r o l l e r , and a d r u m - r o l l e r , l i e abandoned but useable a t THAT-KHE. g) Both DONG KHE and THAT-KHE were l a r g e l y d e s t r o y e d by f i g h t i n g and few good b u i l d i n g s remain u s e a b l e . 16. THAT-KHE NA CHAM a ) Largely mountainous but with o c c a s i o n a l f e r t i l e v a l l e y . Rice crops a r e e x c e l l e n t t o good depending on t h e time of p l a n t i n g . H a r v e s t i s under way and the crop being h a r v e s t e d i s v e r y good. b) Road improvement i s g e n e r a l a s i n t h e s e c t o r s f u r t h e r n o r t h . Bridge c o n s t r u c t i o n of l o c a l m a t e r i a l s a t p o i n t s 18.7 and 26.5 km. North of NA CHAM. I n g e n e r a l road i s rough but good. I t i s used c o n s t a n t l y by t r u c k s of t h e s t a t e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e b r i n g i n g r i c e and maize down from THAT-KHE, c) R a i l r o a d bed ends a t NA CHAM. Much d e s t r o y e d running stock s t i l l l y i n g a b o u t . d) No PAW camps s e e n . No m i l i t a r y installations. 000738 �- 47 - SECRET, e) River flowing from NA CHAM to THAT-KHE is swift and contains rapids at several points. Some fair hydro electric possibilities since configuration of the ground would permit backing the river up into a fair reservoir without innundating much arable land. NA CHAM - DONG DANG a) Rolling hills of sedimentary origins, laced with rugged limestone outcrops and narrow fertile valleys. Rice crop very good to good. Harvest in progress. b) Road improvement general as in other sectors. One bridge under construction using local materials, approx. 5 km. from DONG DANG and another approx. 6 km. past. Road is rough but all weather and easily negotiable by 5 ton vehicles. c) Railway road bed to NA CHAM has been stripped of all rails and in the odd place of ballast (for use on the roads). d) No evidence of P A W except at DONG DANG where approx. 20 soldiers man the ISC detachment. These are armed witri small armp only. e) All road traffic to NA CHAM and points north west must pass directly in front of the Fixed Team accommodation. DONG DANG - LANG SON a) Fertile and under good rice crops. Harvest in progress. b) Road is all weather and though narrow could accommodate up to 10 ton loads without difficulty. Bridge width would be the limiting factor. The road parallels and trien crosses the railroad which enters D R W at NAM QUAN, c) LANG SON is the provincial capital and a centre of much administrative activity. The town has a good solid looking power station situated immediately SE of the railway bridge. No industry is apparent though much activity is directed to collection of grain and other produce. d) The bridge at LANG SON was built recently and is well constructed. It bears the rail traffic which crosses it, with little difficulty and in spite of this the bridge attendant is averse to permitting more than one wheeled vehicle across it at any one time. Traffic over the bridge is controlled by flagmen, one at each end. The flagman at the NORTH end has a telephone in his sentry box. e) A substantial P A W Garrison mans the town. P A W use the surrounding area for training. The P A W HQ is in the town proper, situated in the SW corner. Adjacent to the HQ is a fairly large Garrison. Close by is a hospital not exclusively military though used by the P A W . Very little transport belonging to the P A W . Mostly jeeps of Russian make and the occasional 3 tonner of Russianfliake.TheGarrison is now engaged in annual weapon training. Silhouette targets of tanks, side view, £- view and head-on view as well as figure targets, side as well as head and shoulder views, dot the landscape. One mortar was seen by my predecessor,iwhile on one occasion I saw an anti-tank �SECRET - 48 weapon whicri I thought mught be a 75 mm. RCL. Apart from these two sightings only small arms have been seen* The SMCs are mostly pre-Korean of Russian and Chinese v i n t a g e . Latest manufacture date was on a 1952 Chinese machine carbine. Some carbines, A l l r i f l e s seen were bold-action Russian weapons of world war 2 age. Areas in which PAW are b i l l e t t e d a r e shown in the sketch below: Approx. 1 Coy KY LUA River^=::::yA^y \ <_—. May only be occupied for training purposes. Scene " T ^ N X of air training. LANG SON AT LEAST ONE BN The P A W are very proud of the caves at LANG SON, in which they made ammunition during the war.. The French dropped by air in 1953 and put an end to trie production of ammunition. However, the caves still represent excellent natural magazines. In particular trie ones to the SW Have large excavated chambers which were previously used by hoth the Japanese and Viet Minh. The local Commandant was and may still be a Colonel Kim who is alleged to command subordinate formations at least one of which might be 5 - 6,000 men. f) The airfield at LANG SON is probably not used for landings but the buildings are occupied by P A W or police. The wireless masts are still operable and trie weather station has two anemometers and three other pieces of equipment not identified, g) French fortifications destroyed by demolition have not been rehabilitated. LANG SON - LOC BINH - DINH LAP a) Rice crops Very Good to lair. b) Road rough and unattended. Good for vehicles up to 5 ton. c) Substantial P A W garrison in LOC BINH extending from the town proper to the village 9 km. EAST. There are approximately 6 small villages between these limits, each with its quota of billetted soldiers. Estimate NOT less than one battalion, perhaps two. Some P A W transport seen -2 jeeps (Russian) and 2 3 ton 4 x 4 Molotov Trucks. This formation may be an engineer or pioneer battalion since immediately adjacent to billets in all villages and also in LOC BINH are large caches of peeled logs. There are all placed under thatched cover. IN LOC BINH the timbers cached there have been roughly finished square. . Looking at them end on they might be railway ties but are probably longer. 000740 �SECRET - 49 d) The bridge at LOC BINH is out and a manually operated ferry (bamboo poles for power) which can take 12 tons approx. (2 loaded trucks or 6 jeeps) is in operation. e) The crossing place is "overlooked" by P A W bridge garrisons in eitrier bank. f) Road work between LOC. BINH and DINH LAP rather more active then between LANG SON and LOC BINH. Work consists of patching and ballasting. No bridge work. TIP BITS a) Multi engined aircraft flew SOUTH from CHINA crossing at approximately 1520 hours 1st October, 1957. Sounded to be under 5000 feet. Visibility obscured by cloud. b) P A W allegedly will reorganize into a rank structure, comparable with other armies, after the New Year. LO who volunteered this information was not certain whether or not badges for different corps would also be adopted. He also stated technically trained P A W officers were returned to civil status in order to contribute more to trie technical development of the country. c) I saw no armoured vehicles, aircraft or artillery. d) I did not see or hear a round fired. e) P A W utilized wireless, telegraph and runner as signal media during their "war of liberation", expect to do the same if fighting under similar conditions in the future. f) Church in BAC NINH (double spire) has a wireless, rod, aerial 16 ft. (approx.) on spire. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource CDVN00014 Preview pg. 1-50