South Vietnam: First Step Toward Reform

Corruption may be no worse in South Viet Nam than elsewhere in Asia, but it is far more costly. One corrupt official in a district or province can undo all the South Vietnamese government's efforts to create an image of responsible government genuinely interested in the welfare of its people. That image has never been more vital than in the days since the Communists' destructive Tet offensive. Last week, responding to strong urgings from the U.S. and from within its own ranks, the government of President Nguyen Van Thieu finally showed some...