Chieu Hoi programme DPR/TV/1059

The Australian Task Force Psychological Operations Section has adopted a new approach in its efforts to convince Viet Cong forces to give themselves up to the South Vietnamese Government. The technique is to move a convoy of soldiers into a known enemy area and set up a Chieu Hoi or Open Arms Centre. Here meals and a medical clinic are available for surrendering Viet Cong, while a voice aircraft flies overhead broadcasting messages to the enemy. The messages emphasise the hardships they endure and prevail on their worries for their families and loved ones. The Viet Cong is also reminded of the promises of a better life that his leaders have broken time and again. Leaflets assuring safe conduct have already been dropped into likely enemy areas before the psychological operation. The latest variation in providing music and meals in the field is being directed by the Officer Commanding the Task Force Psychological Operation Section, Captain Algy Bruzga of Newcastle, NSW. No returnees gave themselves up during the first day of the experiment and success at this stage of the project is difficult to gauge since most Viet Cong surrender to the Government forces, when they get the opportunity to defect. The effects of the latest Task Force expriment and its influence on the Viet Cong might take weeks to assess. (Also identified: Pte Alan Norman of Redfern, NSW; Pte Charles Sparrow of Manly, Qld; Pte Brian Reeks of Victoria Park, WA; Pte David Aspden of Grovelly, Qld; Pte Peter Walker of Inglewood, WA, C Coy, 4 RAR; Pte John Haslett of Lancefield, Vic).