Mar. 17, 1962 - The Soviet Union accused the U.S. today of fighting an “undeclared war” in South Vietnam and demanded the immediate removal of American military personnel. At the same time, Moscow defended incursions into South Vietnam by Viet Cong guerrillas as a “national liberation movement.” The statement asserted that the guerrillas had been prevented from toppling the Government of President Ngo Dinh Diem only by the presence of U.S. troops. The statement insisted that the U.S. take the following steps. 1.) Suspend delivery of military aid to South Vietnam. 2.) Evacuate all U.S. military personnel. 3.) Liquidate the U.S. Military Command in Vietnam headed by Gen. Paul D. Harkins. The statement did not suggest that any brake might be put on the Communist guerrillas. Western powers say the guerrillas are being trained, equipped, and directed by the Communist regime in North Vietnam.
