(VIETNAM HISTORY) term coined by the authorities in South Vietnam to refer to the patriotic
insurgency against the
Saigon regime. The term has been traced to the head of
Ngo Dinh Diem's secret police, although at this time (1960) the insurgents were not always Communist. The correct term is "National Liberation Front" (
NLF).
"
Cong" is used to mimic the term "Com," for "Communist." The Vietnamese language does not really allow speakers to pronounce "Com."
The National Liberation Front was originally an association of many organizations, including religious organizations. The leader, Hua Tho, was not a Marxist at all. However, the
Diem administration organized the physical extermination of all opposition, including peaceful opposition, so the result was that only underground guerrilla movements could actually engage in politics. Naturally, the survival of the NLF depended on its ability to fight the Saigon regime, which meant rural insurgency, which meant gradual integration into the
PAVN command structure.
The NLF grew quite strong; by 1968, it was able to carry out crucial operations in the
Tet Offensive. Unfortunately, it was almost eradicated by the US military in the offensive, and had to be recreated.
The most popular aspect of the National Liberation Front program was the promise to take the land from the rich and to distribute it to the peasants.
After
Diem had gained power in South Vietnam, he reversed
Viet Minh land reforms, causing his regime to be
bitterly hated by most peasants. So they joined the Viet Cong.