FOR PL1ESS P. M. No. 124/ 1966
ADDITIONAL AUSTRAiLIAN VOCSFOR VIETNAM
On Tuesday I promised to release further details of the proposed increase in Australia's forces assisting the allied effort in Vietnam. Followiing the discussions then in train with our allies, to which I then referred, I am now in a position to
announce detailed arrangements for the deployment of the
additional Australian units which will shortly move to Vietnam.
As I indicated in statements before the elections, it is
the policy of the Government to review from time to time the
Australian contribution to the security of Vietnam. I have also
said on behalf of the Government on several occasions that
Australia is determined to make wuith others a fitting and
responsible contribution, in the light of our capacity and other
commitments, to the winning of peace and stability in Vietnam.
Assistance in the economic and social fields is an
essential part of our contribution to the peace and stability of
South East Asia. The Departments concerned are at present
preparinE material wYh, i ch will enable the Government to review at
an early date its existing prograrm~ ie of economic aid and w-. elfare
for South Vietnam. The purpose of our review will be to see
can usefully be done for the development of Australia's
efforts in these fields.
The Government's policy takes into account the agreements
reached by all the participating countries at the 1knila Heads of
Governmient Conference, held at the end of October last, in . which
the Ifinisters for External Affairs and Defence also took part.
At Manila, the seven nations ( Australia, Korea, New Zealand,
Philippines, Thailand, United States and Vietnwn) firmly
declared -I
that the freedom of South Vietnam should be secured
that their military and all other efforts would be
continued as firmly and as long as miay be necessary
that such imilitary action and support must depend for
its size and duration on the intensity and duration
of the coiunist aggression itself.
The Government had before it assessments of the military
situation in South Vietnam and. of the intentions of North Vietnam.
, Jhile the military picture is encouraging, it is clear that a
balanced and sustained effort is vital if further success is to
be won. As yet, we have seen no indication that North Vietnam
is slackening in its attempt to bring about a conmnunist victory
in South Vietnam by force. The cormmitment of regular North
Vietnam combat units continues at a substantial rate, infiltration
being estimated at between 5,500 and 6,000 a month.
The numerous soundings and exploratory moves on the
possibilities of peace have as yet produced nothing fruitful.
The search for peace will continue. In the moantime, our
military efforts are directed towrards reaching a position where
the othor side will become convinced that aggression will not
succeed, and that South Vietnam and its allies have the resources
and the w--ill to prevent it from succeeding.
The Government's view is that Australia's military effort
in Vietnam should be a substantial and measured response,
deriving from our capacity to contribute and with regard to our
obligations as a whole.
Our existing conmitment is an important one which has been
and is bein discharged to the greatest credit of the commanders
and men of the Australia Force Vietnam. Their efforts have
already clearly demonstrated that the Australian contribution is
meaningful and effective. W. 4e intend that the commitment shall
continue to be honoured fully, and that we play our part as a
reliable ally.
After considering papers brought for Cabinet consideration
by the { Iinister for Defence in which he reviewoed the position, the
followiing detailed arrangements for additional forces for Vietnam
were decided upon.
Early in the New Year, additional ground and air forces and
two units of the RAiN will be deployed to South Vietnam. The
total effect of these neT. deployments will be to increase the
number of our personnel by more than one third from the present
level of 4,600 to approximately 6,300. With these additions the
Australian Force aill be significantly strengthened and balanced.
These additional comnitments will require no increase in the
present level of the National Service intake. All three Australian
rmed Services are ready for combat operations under the particular
circumstances of the present conflict. With the South Vietnamese
themselves and with the United States, Australia will then be
making a contribution in the air and at sea, as well as on the
ground. The existing Army strength of over 4,300 men is to be
increased to about 5,200. Both combat and logistic support units
will receive increases in personnel and this will provide all
units with greater capacity to meet their tasks. This expanded
Army contribution to Vietnam of some 900 officers and other ranks
will improve the operational effectiveness of the Australian Task
Force. There will be no change in the operational relationships
between our ovn and other allied ground forces.
The additional men being provided vwill also enable a greater
contribution to be made, through military civic acbion, to the
welfare of the civilian population in our area of responsibility
in Phuoc Tuy Province.
The Government has also decided to make available for
service in the area, TIiS HOBART, a well-equipped modern destroyer
which joined our fleet a few months ago. HOBART wiill operate as
an integral part of the American Naval Forces, with similar roles
and tabk. For a considerable period American and South Vietnamese
forces have conducted sea and air patrols with a viewi to the
interdiction of coastal traffic and in order to counter the supply
by coastal shipping of comiunist forces in South Vietnam. For
maximuin effectiveness, these operations must be continuous and
require many ships and consuant vigilance. HOBART will also be
available to operate as required in general support of naval forces
at sea. A small under-water Naval Clearance Diving Team of " frogmen"
vwill also be attached to American mine and obstacle clearance
teams.
3.
In addition to its existing contribution of two squadrons
of Caribou and Iroquois aircraft, the PiAAF is to deploy to South
Vietnam a squadron of 8 Canberra bomber aircraft. These aircraft
will be positioned to operate in support of our own ground forces.
They rmay be employed as part of the allied combat air contribution
in support of other allied ground forces, and against enemy
movements and concentrations.
It is expected that the additional forces will move to
Vietnam during the early months of the New Year.
22nd December, 1966: