Indo-china: WHY THEY FLEE

Even in wartime, the flight of up to 2 million people from an opposing army has to be considered an extraordinary phenomenon. Why were they fleeing, and from whom? Through more than two decades of war in Indochina, some observers have maintained that most of the 20 million people below the 17th parallel were at best reluctant antiCommunists. Basically, the argument went, Northerners and Southerners were above all Vietnamese, separated by only the most artificial of boundaries. Despite some provincial animosities, they were capable of getting along pretty well if outside powers would...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!