FIGHTING IN LAOS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29479, 4 April 1961, Page 13

FIGHTING IN LAOS

More Rebel Gains (Rec. 11 p.m.) VIENTIANE. April 3. A broadcast by the rebel “Voice of Laos” radio, quoted by the New China news agency today, claimed that rebel forces had driven Government troops more than 60 miles to the north and south of Sala Phoukhoun. on the road leading to Luang Prabang.

It added that Government troops in Muong Phan, Muong Ngam, Ban Pu and Ban Thia, all situated south of Xieng Khoung, were shelled by rebels and a number of Government troops killed or disbanded. In central and lower Laos and in Houi-Sai province, guerrilla units stepped up their operations against the Government troops, the broadcast said. It claimed that about 400 Government troops were killed and more than 200 others wounded during March More than 300 others were captured or crossed over to the rebel side. The rebel forces also destroyed about 10 tanks and armoured cars, brought down or damaged three aircraft and captured about 600 small arms and 10 tons of ammunition. Official reaction in Laos to the Russian reply to the British Note on Laos is reported to be one of mild disappointment.

Officials say the Note’s proposals are an effort to drag out talks on the future of Laos while fighting continues, to the advantage of the pro-Communist rebels who are staging a general offensive in eastern and southern Laos.