REBEL RETREAT FROM LAOS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27039, 14 May 1953, Page 9

REBEL RETREAT FROM LAOS

French'Defences Held Responsible

PARIS, May 12. The speed with which the French Command and the Laotian Government organised the defence of Laos caused the Vietminh invaders to withdraw, the French Prime Minister (Mr Rene Mayer) told the National Assembly today.

The rapidity and importance of these reactions had surprised the enemy, and at the moment, when the rainy season was beginning, were certainly the reason for the halt by the Vietminh, and their withdrawal. The Prime Minister indicated that France was in no hurry to decide whether to refer the invasion of Laos to the United Nations.

“It isn’t easy to decide whether this appeal involves more disadvantages than advantages for the Associated States, for the community which France forms for them, for the conduct of the war, and for the establishment of peace.” The Government considered it preferable not to take any irrevocable position now. One Vietminh division is still concentrated near the French stronghold in the Plain of Jars. Other units appear to be operating south and southeast of the plain. The French Command said it did not believe these units were capable of reopening a major offensive, but if the need arose French reinforcements would be sent to Vientiane, the Laotian administrative capital, and to Paksan on the Laos-Siam border.

Some anxiety is felt in Paris about the transfer of a Vletminh division to the Tonking Delta area, bringing the rebel strength there to about three divisions.