1- The campsSetting up and number

The camps were set up in, distant, not very accessible, generally insalubrious places - this reduced the likelihood of a French incursion. The further away the camp was, the fewer Vietminh soldiers were stationed.

The number of camps is estimated to about 130; they were mainly located in Indochina (Tonkin, Annam and Cochin China), but also in Laos (in the Pathet Lao bush) and in Cambodia (where the Issarak Khmer ruled the region), and even in China (Yunnan). The biggest camps were in Tonkin, not far away from the Chinese border, in the Claire River area (Song Lo). Some were called “hospitals” like camp n°128, others were flying camps.

French army, navy, air force, war prisoners of all races and nationalities as well as civilian hostages (men, women and children) who had been abducted during the conflict and sometimes deserters were gathered there.