CIA • 1971

HANOI TCHEPONE AND CHINESE TROOPS IN NORTH VIETNAM: A SPECULATION

Approved For Release 00967A001500010002-3 7 9 March 1971 SUBJECT: Hanoi, Tchepone, and Chinese Troops in North.Vietnami A Speculation SNIE 13-10-71, "Communist ChinaTs Reactions to Developments in Laos," (18 February 1971), set out a number of possible moves that China might make in response to the allied incursion into southern Laos. These included the re-introduction of Chinese logistic personnel into North Vietnam, a show of stepping up road construction in northwestern Laos, the dispatch of reconnaissance personnel beyond the present area of road construction toward the Thai border, and the assignment of military personnel in an advisory role to NVA forces in southern Laos. All of these measures would be designed to raise apprehension, particularly in the US, over a larger Chinese intervention without in fact involving much real 17...