Word: conge
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...their traditional authority figure. In the past decade, the Viet Cong have systematically wiped out some 15,000 local offi cials?disposing of the worst as well as the best. Killing the best undermines Saigon capacity to govern; killing the worst wins the villagers' gratitude. The result not only makes for mediocrity among those remaining, but serves as a sharp warning to them not to prosecute their tasks too diligently...
...note on the chest of a victim describing the reasons for his execution. They do not like to be blamed for other people's murders. Sometimes the V.C. go so far as to issue leaflets denying responsibility for a killing and blaming the death on bandits posing as Viet Cong...
Larger attacks, such as the shelling of Saigon on National Day last Nov. 1, are designed to demonstrate that the Viet Cong are everywhere able to strike at will, even in the cities that are under government control. Oddly enough, there is evidence that the National Day attack was spoiled by the Viet Cong's own stupidity. Loyal V.C. often operate on Hanoi time, an hour behind Saigon, and set their watches accordingly. The shells fell before the festivities had begun, while the reviewing stands were still comparatively empty?in short, an hour too soon. Timing has been ruthlessly better...
Contradictions of Government. For the task of ruling the people they have stolen from the government of South Viet Nam, the Viet Cong use every type of propaganda and coercion at their command. Loudspeaker teams travel through V.C. villages, whispering rumormongers scuttle through government zones, U.S.O.-type song-and-dance troupes and armed propaganda teams enter a village to "protect" it after advance men have sounded out the villagers' grievances. Whatever the complaints?whether they deal with a corrupt headman or a lack of land reform?the Viet Cong move in and offer redress where they can. Their methods...
...propaganda and fact. Though the Communists claim to drive out bad government, soon after they capture a village there is usually a marked decline in public services: schools close down, medical aid disappears, roads are cut and sabotaged. As they liberate the peasants from Saigon's "oppression," the Viet Cong demand far more than Saigon would dare ask. Taxes are several times higher, and though the Viet Cong rail against the government's draft laws, which conscript young men at 20 for three years' service, the Communists take boys as young as 14 and 15 for service until...