Inside Report (1)

A report from India indicates that the Soviet Union is in Afghanistan to stay. After a visit to the Afghan capital Kabul, a correspondent for the journal India Today reports that Soviet bases made up of tents are being replaced by permanent facilities with dining rooms and recreational centers.

Soviet troop strenth, usually put at 85,000 to 88,000, may be as high as 120, 000. TWo new divisions have been stationed in the Wakhan corridor, bordering on China's strategic Xinchiang Province. Five new airstrips have been built in the corridor and two new landing fields for helicopters.

The report confirms prevalent Western thingking that the Soviets do not seek to control of the whole country, but only Kab ul and a string of secure bases.m