JANUARY 1970  Extensive use was made of psychological warfare in Southeast Asia, with the greatest emphasis directed at areas in South Vietnam where the Viet Cong was known to be operating. Primarily, it consisted of messages in the native tongue which were broadcast over loudspeakers, both on the ground and mounted on aircraft circling overhead, leaflets (including safe conduct passes) dropped (by the millions) from airplanes, also posters were passed out to villagers in regions where the people were friendly in the daytime and the enemy at night.

The intent of these efforts was to convince members of the Viet Cong to give up their guerrilla ways, return to a productive life in their villages, and give support to the (non-Communist) South Vietnamese Government. Although there were many defections, there was never an overwhelming response for reasons ranging from fear of being executed for desertion, to a deep-seated conviction that Communist promises offered a better life.