Rusk Defends Use of Gas Against Vietcong Guerrillas

Secretary of State Dean Rusk yesterday defended use of U.S.-supplied tear and nausea gases by South Vietnamese troops. Responding to rising criticism, mainly from abroad, he said that we are not embarking on gas warfare in Vietnam, but added that non-lethal gases will continue to be used in riot control and unusual actions against Vietcong troops. Michael Stewart, Britain's Foreign Secretary, and a group of House Republicans were among those criticizing the use of gas.

In other Vietnam developments, both Russia and China talked of sending "volunteers" to fight in Vietnam in response to the latest raids on North Vietnam. U.S. and South Vietnamese planes hit again at Dong Hoi and Quang Khe, disabled another radar stations, and sank four enemy ships.

Radio Hanio said that the Vietcong would call for the proffered volunteers and other aid from Red nations.

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