DISINTEGRATION IN SAIGON
The arrest of bourgeois figures in Saigon by the Thieu-Ky regime has puzzled Many commentators as irrational. Jean- Claude Pomonti, writing in the March 3-4 issue of the Paris daily Le Monde, also thinks it is little likely to increase the popularity of these puppets. But he indicates why they thought it was the thing to do.
In the past year, in addition to the opposition represented by the Buddhists, a critical current has been developing among the bourgeois liberals. Educated in the West, they maintain close connections with the U.S command but have become more and more uneasy about the deteriorating situation. Since last June some of the most prominent of them have favored a ceasefire and serious negotiations.
They are gaining influence. "Even within the government," reports Pomonti, "some, likewise thinking of their future, have established rather close contacts with the opposition, and in private do not hide their concern, even their disgust over the brutality with which the government units, in Saigon and Hue in particular, repressed the Tet insurrection."
The Saigon regime wants to halt the disintegration; and is doing it in the way of all doomed regimes -- by smashing in all directions with a club.