McNamara: Communist Viet Cong Making “Considerable Progress”

Jan. 27, 1964 - The situation in South Vietnam continues to be “grave,” Defense Secretary Robert McNamara (pictured) said today. After the coup that installed a new Government in South Vietnam last fall, he said, Communist Viet Cong activities increased — “and I must report that they have made considerable progress since the coup.” McNamara presented his assessment as he gave the House Armed Services Committee a review of the worldwide military situation as it affects the U.S.

“No region is more vulnerable and exposed to Communist subversion than Southeast Asia,” he said. He added that it was therefore “understandable that a policy of neutralism should look attractive” to some governments. The U.S., while not requiring Southeast Asian countries to be allies, has sought to “convince them that any tendency to be neutral on the side of Communist China will inevitably lead to Communist control.” “In the case of South Vietnam,” McNamara continued, “our help is clearly wanted, and we are deeply engaged in supporting the Vietnamese Government and people in their war against the Communist Viet Cong.” “Unfortunately, the Diem Government did not choose to follow the advice we offered,” the Secretary said. “In November, that Government was overthrown and replaced by a new Government made up of military officers and civilians. The Viet Cong were quick to take advantage of the growing opposition to the Diem Government and the period of uncertainty following its overthrow. Viet Cong activities were already increasing in September and continued to increase at an accelerated rate in October and November, particularly in the Mekong Delta area. I must report that they have made considerable progress since the coup. The new Government, however, has more popular support than its predecessor, and the military revolutionary committee is beginning to take action to intensify military operations and to improve civil administration.”