Soviet Call For U.S. Withdrawal

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29775, 19 March 1962, Page 11

Soviet Call For U.S. Withdrawal

(N .Z.P .A.-Rcut er—Copyright) MOSCOW, March 17. Russia has suggested to Britain that as co-chairman of the 1954 Geneva conference on Indo-China they send a joint message to Washington urging an end to American “interference” in South Vietnam.

The suggestion was contained in a note accompanying the British copy of a Soviet Foreign Ministry statement sent to all countries participating in the 1954 conference. which ended the fighting in Indo-China

The statement called on the United States to stop arms deliveries to South Vietnam, to withdraw its military personnel, and to abolish the American military command there

Strong South Vietnamese Army elements supported by paratroopers have moved into position against an estimated 60' Communist guerillas along South Vietnam's coastal lowland. United Press International reported from Saigon Authoritative military sources said no fighting had broken out by noor. local time today but that the rebel Viet Cong looked as if It might be “digging in” for a battle U.PI reported. The possible action was in an area of Tam Ky. between the citie- of Quang Ngaii and Danano Paratroopers landed in the area today after a South Vietnamese division reported it had the Viet Cong pinned down.

In the Sam Neua Province ot Laos Communist-led rebels waged a three-front attack against Government forces today in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to open a new supply.

route to North Vietnam. The new assault began last Thursday when a mixed force oi Pathet Lao rebels ami soldiers struck at Govern ment lines east, north-east and south of the town Muong Peun.