Economy no rein on N. Viets
Economically, North Viet Nam is in a shaky position, but this cannot be counted upon to drive the country to the conference table, JAN. S. Pyrblya, professor of economics at Pennsylvania State University, said yesterday.
"Often the underdeveloped countries are the last to cave in," he said. The people are used to low living standards, and hardships to them are not as serious as they are to more prosperous peoples. Also, the people usually have village reserves which do not show up in the official quotas.
THE NORTH Vietnamese economy is having difficulties, Prof. Prybyla said. Many industries are working below capacity. The labor force is young and unacustomed to the machinery being sent from the U.S.S.R. Numbering approximately 100,000, the labor force tries to meet its quotas by disregarding safety and using the machinery indiscriminately, Prof. Prybyla said. This is very costly, but they meet their quotas, he added.
In agriculture, problems have been encountered with collectivization, and natural disasters have taken toll of the crops.
The country is also having difficulty finding markets for its exports.
According to Prof. Prybyla, the North Vietnamese economy is being based more and more on exports. This is "part of a broader policy of self-reliance," he said.
"THEY SAY IF they are indebted too much to any one power this will lead to political dependence." Thus, in exchange for heavy industrial machinery, hydroelectric plants and industrial parts the North Vietnamese are exporting oil, corn, floorboarding and knitted underwear.
"They have been running a deficit of payments to the Eastern European and Soviet countries since 1955." Prof. Prybyla said. Aid from these countries and Red China has changed from grants given as outright gifts to credits which require payment at a low interest rate.
Prof. Prybyla was careful not to give any personal opinion about the North Vietnamese situation. He did say however, that the official North Vietnamese economic statistics may not be correct.
Martin, council reps to assume positions
The recently elected student body officers and All Student Council representatives will be sworn in at 7 p.m. today in a special ASC meeting
Invitations will be accepted at that time for the new ASC officers. The election will take place at the following meeting.
Outgoing council members will be given opportunities to speak tonight and the new student body
president, Al Martin. Shawnee Mission sophomore, will make an address.
Because of Centennial Week activities, new and old business will not be handled.
"The constant claims of spectacular improvement in the North Vietnamese economy are not supported by evidence in figures. Actually there is a tremendous difference in mining and agriculture."
Daily Kansas 13
Tuesday, April 12, 1966
IN DISCUSSING Soviet and Red Chinese military aid, Prof. Prybyla said the subject is a matter of considerable secrecy. Before 1964 the amount of aid going from China and the U.S.S.R. was minimal. There was very little
The Soviets began directly aiding North Viet Nam about February, 1965. At this time they asked China for railroad transit rights across China. This China granted, but officials of that country searched each train. This caused hard feelings between the two countries, Prof. Prybyla said.
evidence of large scale military assistance. After 1964 the quota of military aid was increased. This caused further rift in the Sino-Soviet split, he said.
Montagu to talk
An anthropology colloquium with anthropologist Ashley Montagu as speaker has been scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow in the Forum Room of the Kansas Union.
Montagu will speak on "The Human Revolution." He appeared this morning in a speech and drama colloquium with film critic Dwight Macdonald.
Patronize Your Kansan Advertisers
THONGS
17c reg. 37€
All Sizes...Many Colors
For men, women and children (with this advertisement)
VI2-1573
at the Malls
If you're looking for a store where you can find that good old time "cracker barrel" type service and quality, then stop in soon and let us help you...
The University Shop On the Hill 1420 Crescent Rd.
Country House At The Town Shop
The Town Shop Downtown 839 Mass St.
Only the service and quality are old fashioned, however, the styles and fabrics are as new as we can make them. You're invited to come in and look and feel at home.