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Fragile Existence. The goals for 1966 are relatively modest. The campaign will center on four priority areas (see map). Ky hopes to clear and hold 900 new hamlets, consolidate government control in 1,000 already cleared villages, build 2,251 new classrooms, 568 miles of road, 57 dams, 148 bridges, and dig 118 miles of canal. Equally important is training more cadres, and that will take time. At present there are 22,838 trained men and women in the field, and by year's end, another 20,000 or so will join them. But at least 440,-000 will be required to blanket every province.
Until these cadremen are trained-and for a long time after-South Viet Nam's fragile existence will still depend on the protection of U.S. fighting men and the funds of U.S. taxpayers. American aid will rise to $600 million or more this year, is apt to rise higher still as the U.S. underwrites the construction of the schools, power stations, hospitals, roads, ports, and communications systems that are essential for the creation of a viable nation and a healthy unified economy.