Face-Lift for a US Puppet 'Democracy' " TOl for Viet Nam

EfffffffffffffffIffFFEE IN their efforts to disguise counter-revolution as 'defence of the free world', the US State Department runs into frequent difficulties. Dependence on regimes like that of Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam can sometimes bring embarrassment for a "progressive administration like Kennedy's.

Everyone knows that Diem was installed as a US puppet after the French were ejected in 1953 and their play-boy stooge Emperor Bao Dai was finally pensioned off. Everyone knows that Diem rests on American dary schools.

The re-establishment of normal functioning of democratic institutions.

The FEANP in remembering the significant contribution of the revolutionary intelligentsia and of students faithful to the well-established tradition of continuing struggle for national liberation, democracy and peace:

Reject, because they are without foundation, the accusations made against patriots on trial.

Support the youth and students of Guinea in the hard struggle they wage at the side of the people. Demand from the PDG and the government of Guinea the annulment of the measures of pressure, intimidation and banishment taken against the pupils and students of Guinea.

Honour the memory of the innocent victims who fell as a result of the use of the army at Konakry and Labé.

Launch a pressing appeal to democrats of all parts of the world to intervene on behalf of democrats and patriots of Guinea, who are in danger of death. Promise that all African students will aid their comrades in Guinea who are threatened. Mandate the EC to take all the measures which any unfavourable development of the situation would render necessary. (Resolution adopted unanimously amidst great enthusiasm.)

71 8 } IL SMITH financial, military and technical aid.

Last October, Frederick Nolting, US Ambassador in Saigon, had suggested that a few minor reforms in Vietnam's administration might improve its democratic camouflage.

Perhaps one or two fewer of Diem's relations in lucrative government jobs would give the effect of 'broadening the base' of the regime.

Diem denounced such proposals as 'foreign interference'. . Clearly, innovations such as free elections or the release of a few political prisoners, whatever their propaganda value, would not suit this representative of the 'democratic camp'.

Now, however, when Diem's regime is threatened with overthrow, some slight changes have been announced.

These include 'a broad social and economic programme' and the establishment of an Internal Security Council to co-ordinate the war against the Viet Cong rebels.

Praise

In return, US officials are giving more support to Diem. Ambassador Nolting recently praised his 'dedicated and courageous leadership'.

Newspapermen have been told that President Diem is greatly respected among his own people.

Meanwhile, 40,000 US troops are reported to be training on Okinawa, ready for large-scale intervention in South-East Asia. Considerable forces are already in action in Vietnam and Laos.

Equipment in the Okinawa base includes nuclear missiles and nuclear - armed fighter bombers.

This is American imperialism's answer to the Asian workers' and peasants' struggle against corruption and exploitation.