McNamara Reports On Vietnam: New Moves Counter Red Infiltration
McNamara Reports On Vietnam: New Moves Counter Red Infiltration
Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara tells a news conference that the United States intends to step up bombings until all key supply lines from the north are knocked out. Showing photos of some of the 24 bridges demolished so far, the Defense Secretary rules out the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Displaying a Red Chinese machine gun, Mr. McNamara says that regular north Vietnamese troops are now in the south. Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara pointing to bombed out supply routes from North Vietnam. McNamara holding up a Chinese machine gun. CU - McNamara point to pictures of bombed out bridges. CU - The press taking down notes. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, "I can't be too specific or accurate in estimating the size of that battalion I would guess its on the order of four or five hundred men. As to its significant I think it primarily significant in indicating that the North Vietnamese have used up or dried up the source of individual fillers who can be recruited, trained and sent back to fight in South Vienam. And that they are now having to call upon the regular units of their forces for that purpose. And this is understandable. I believe I'm correct in saying in the past 4 1/2 years the Vietcong, the Communists, have lost 89 thousand men, killed in South Vietnam. Not all of these men have been infiltrated from the North, but an important number have been. And with that plus the expansion of the Vietcong forces in the South, you can see the heavy drain upon the filler resources of the North and the reason why they are having to turn to their regular military units to continue the supply of men over these infiltration routes. A supply that is absolutely essential them if they are to offset continuing casualties."