This would be a tragedy for the people of the area. But much more than this. it would have a disastrous influence on VietnameseAmerican relations and would play into the hands of those who have been urging American withdrawal from Vietnam. Father Hoa. who came to South Vietnam in 1959 with a group of Chinese refugees. has succeeded in setting up what is generally considered to be the most effectively organized regional popular defense against communism to be found anywhere in Vietnam. With a force of 1.200 men. he is defending a population of some 18.000 villagers. and his influence has extended far beyond the region he himself commands. His achievement is all the more remarkable because the Camau Peninsula is perhaps the most heavily Communistinfested area in South Vietnam. and the territory he now holds had to be freed from Communist control by hard fighting.
Keywords matched
refugees