European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 11, 1968, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Stakes in Asia by Sam Bauman staff writer in the midst of Busy political Campaign oratory peace demonstrations and negotiations it is Worth pausing to attempt to assess just Why the United states is involved in a by now major War in a land some 10,000 Miles away from Home. Happily new York times correspondent Drew Middleton their Man at the United nations these Days and for almost 30 years before their Man All around the world has taken time outto offer some solid thoughts on the Vietnam War. His America s stake Zinasia based on a 14-week swing through that area offers some harsh reality to the peace at any Price advocates and some equally cold water on the hard lining Hawks. Middleton who Points out in his introduction that his View differs Mark edly from that of the times editorial pages defends the War in Vietnam mainly As a Means of buying  Southeast Asia is the focus of world struggle he writes. If the free nations win there with american help in the sense that they Purchase time to build political institutions an economic Well being As opposed to total Victor then the nature of the struggle will change and the contest with communism May Well enter Aless explosive  m., potato out repeatedly that during his swing through Asi diplomats and government leaders alike were cheered and heartened bythe american determination not to throw away South Vietnam. The  in Saigon has Given Hope to the other nations of Asia he reports that they May be Able to withstand the giant to the North red China. Luckily one single movement has Given the West and its allies a gift of free time in Asia China s Cul Tural revolution. It is this near civil War As Middleton Calls it that has eased the pressure of peking on Asia from Pakistan to Japan and has give America the Chance to act in Viet Nam. Middleton ties another recent development to the future of Asia the development of a Strain of super Rice tagged a. Able to double in some cases triple crop yields ir-8holds out Hope for an Asia Able to feed itself and thus avoid the crisis conditions of famine a moment when communism is Quick to move in. Chapter by chapter Middleton ticks off the opportunities for a peaceful Asia. Japan he finds hesitant unsure of which Way to leap but As the world s third Industrial Power after the so Viet Union and the United states a mighty Power base in Asia. Laos Malaysia Thailand and Singa pore Are important As pivots writes Middleton they Are viable states but Only As Long As they Are protected from communist expansion Stic pres sure. Burma is sadly a Page out of old Asia contemplating ruin As it Economy gradually sinks into a Bureau cratic morass. . Effort in Vietn has Given other n in Asia Hope withstanding red Chaj according to Middle sat   is a Xvi