|
8. The troop movements reported by the generals indicate that all major combat units adjacent to the capital are supporting the coup. Elements of the 5th division north of Saigon, including its headquarters at Bien Hoa, are actively participating; the 7th division south of the city with headquarters at My Tho, reportedly is also supporting the coup. Two marine battalions from Bien Hoa, one airborne, and one infantry battalion from Vung Tau (Cap St. Jacques), and two airborne battalions from Binh Duong Province just north of Saigon have moved into the city to participate in the coup.
9. The II Corps command in central Vietnam is sympathetic to the coup as are major elements of the IV Corps in the delta; the status of I Corps in the far north is uncertain. The navy apparently was not sympathetic, but seems to have been neutralized. One report states that Navy Commander Quyen has been killed. Air Force elements are participating. Major pro-government forces, including the police, Special Forces, and the Presidential Guard Brigade appear largely to have been neutralized or suppressed except in the immediate palace area. Unless there is some wavering on the part of units participating in the coup, the generals appear to have the situation under control.
10. Careful planning by the coup group is further indicated by reports from several provincial cities that the military appear to be in charge; at Nha Trang leaflets signed by General Minh have already been distributed acclaiming the new government. There are also reports of popular jubilation in the provinces as well as in Saigon.
|
|