Red General Giap last week concentrated eight regular Viet Minh divisions against the 300-mile edge of the Red River Delta. The French, anxiously awaiting reinforcements from Europe and North Africa, still believed they could hold. The position on the eve of the Delta battle: Communists: Giap has deployed two infantry divisions and one heavy-weapons division against the Delta's northern rim; he has two divisions ready in the south.
Giap has also infiltrated the Delta with the equivalent of three more divisions.
Best estimate of the Communist strength: 110,000 regulars, up to 200,000 irregulars.
French: General Rene Cogny has a smaller forceĀ27% French Union...
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