U.S. Urges End To Laotian Fighting

Press, Volume C, Issue 29536, 10 June 1961, Page 11

U.S. Urges End To Laotian Fighting

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright I

NFW YORK. June 8 The United States has urged the Soviet Union, in a new Note, to cooperate in achieving an effective cease-fire in Laos, the “New York Times” said today. Competent Washington sources said the Note was sent to Moscow within the last 24 hours. The message, addressed to the Soviet Foreign Minister (Mr Andrei Gromyko) reflected the concern felt in the West about continued attacks in Laos bv the Communistsupported Pathet Lao rebels. The messege was sent by the Secretary of State (Mr Dean Rusk) and had been approved by the White House, diplomatic sources said. The Note was not an ultimatum and it set no time limits for action.

The tone of the message was accurately reflected in a call by President Kennedy yesterday for patience, perserverance and the “long view" in dealing with troublesome international problems, the “New York Times” said. Mr Kennedy said the negotiations in Geneve on Laos would continue. The President told a meeting of newspaper editors that it would be difficult to reach agreement with the Soviet Union on world issues if there was a failure to reach agreement at the 14-nation conference on Laos in Geneva. Questioned about Pathet Lao violations of the ceasefire. the President said: “I think we are going to stay at Geneva and see if we can come to a neutral and independent Laos."