Planet News

Pentagon Plans Vietnam Reintervention

The Defense Department is warning that American air and naval troops might be sent back to fight in Vietnam if the North Vietnamese launch a major offensive against the South.

The fact that use of American forces in combat is "under consideration" was revealed by Deputy Defense Secretary William Clements. Clements issued his statement shortly after returning from a "fact finding mission" to South Vietnam.

Clements said that re-introduction of American troops was only an "option" under consideration, and is not necessarily a fïrm Pentagon policy.

Clements also said there is a "strong possibiiity" that the Ford administration will ask Congress to substantially increase the amount of military aide to the Thieu government early next year.

Clements stated that the U.S. currently maintains 27,000 military troops at various U.S. Air Bases in Thailand.

-ZODIAC