In a report prepared at the request of President Nixon, counterinsurgency expert Sir Robert Thompson explains that smashing the Viet Cong is a prerequisite for solving the political troubles of South Vietnam. After a five-week secret mission to Saigon in September and early October at the request of the president, Thompson reported that U.S. and Allied intelligence and police efforts had failed to destroy the Communist subversive apparatus in South Vietnam. His report concluded that success in other areas of pacification could not solve the basic political problems of South Vietnam after the withdrawal of the bulk of U.S. forces as long as the Viet Cong apparatus remained virtually intact.
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Oct 13, 1970:
Sir Robert Thompson advises President Nixon
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This Week in History, Oct 13 - Oct 19
- Oct 13, 1966
- McNamara claims that war is progressing satisfactorily
- Oct 13, 1970
- Sir Robert Thompson advises President Nixon
- Oct 14, 1964
- Khrushchev ousted as premier of Soviet Union
- Oct 14, 1968
- U.S. servicemen sent to Vietnam for second tours
- Oct 15, 1965
- First draft card burned
- Oct 15, 1966
- Operation Attleboro continues in Tay Ninh Province
- Oct 15, 1969
- National Moratorium demonstrations held across the United States
- Oct 16, 1968
- Bombing halt discussed
- Oct 16, 1973
- Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho awarded Nobel Peace Prize
- Oct 17, 1966
- President Johnson goes to Asia
- Oct 18, 1955
- Emperor Bao Dai attempts to dismiss Diem
- Oct 18, 1968
- Stock market soars with rumors of bombing halt in Vietnam
- Oct 19, 1965
- Communists attack Plei Me Special Forces camp
- Oct 19, 1972
- Kissinger discusses draft peace treaty with President Thieu
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