MORE TROOPS FOR THAILAND

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29824, 17 May 1962, Page 13

MORE TROOPS FOR THAILAND

U.S. Seeks Political Solution For Laos

<ti 4. P.A -Heuter—Copyright i

WASHINGTON, May 16.

American marines were preparing to land in Thailand today as the United States and its allies continued to seek a solution to the Laotian crisis through diplomatic channels.

The first units of a 1800-man marine infantry group are due to land in Thailand at dawn on Thursday (10 p.m. G.M.T., May 16). They will reinforce a group of 1000 American troops already established in the Mekong River area near the Laotian border.

Additional reinforcements being brought '.j will boost the total of American troops to about 5000 In his announcement yesterday. President Kennedy said he had ordered “additional elements of the United States military forces, both ground and air, to proceed to Thailand and to remain there until further orders These forces are to help insure the territorial integrity of ’his peaceful country." he said

Units ot the powerful United States 7'h Fleet already are in the Gulf of Sam They include the aircraft carrier Valley Forge with a battle group of marines

The State Department called in ambassadors from the Asian countries to inform them of the new American troep movements into Thailand while Mr Kennedy was briefing Congressional leaders in the White House President Kennedy’s decision to move a fully equipped United States force into Thailand was taken with the knowledge of the other S E A T O Powers — Britain. France, Australia. New Zealand. Pakistan, and the Philippines With the military build-up dearly demonstrating Arner can determination to stand bv Thailand in the event of tny Communist incursions f om neighbouring Laos, the

United States was continuing its efforts to seek a political solution to the uneasy Laos situation

United States officials said the Administration's hopes still centred on an agreement between the three Laotian princes to form a coalition government under the neutralist leader. Prince Souvanna Phouma Prince Souvanna Phouma was reported to be planning to return to Laos from Paris at the end of this week Hopes were expressed in Washington that a meeting could be arranged soon between him and the Rightwing leaders Prince Boun Oum. and General Phoumi Nosavan. as well as Prince Souphanouvong. the head of the pro-Communist Pathet Lao

During the day of fastmoving developments. the Soviet Union, through its Washington Ambassador, agreed with the United Slates yesterday on the necessity of maintaining a cease-fire in Laos Policy Reaffirmed it reaffirmed its policy of supporting the establishment of a neutral, independent government in the South-east Asian kingdom. The Soviet reaction to Western urging that it use its influence to res'ore a ceasefire in Laos so far has been negative How’ever. latest reports reaching Washington

have indicated that' there is no fighting going on in Laos at present. _ President Kennedy and his advisers hope that the even is in Laos, culminating with the landing of marines in Thailand will shock the Laotian princes into forming a neutralist government, according to Reuter's chief Washington correspondent. While the Soviet Ambassador iMr Anatoly Dobrynin) declined to say after a sud-denly-called meeting with the Secretary of State (Mr Rusk) whether Moscow would use its influence with the Pathet Lao to maintain a cease-fire, he did not strike anv hos ile note The United States and its allies are now working strenuously to bring about another meeting between the three princes, with the aim of an agreement being reached to form a coalition Government under Prince Souvanna Phoumi Blamed

Genera] Phoumi. the “strong man" in the Roval Laotian Government. was severely criticised by a high United States Government official today This official placed the blame for the deteriorating Lacs situation on Genera) Phoumi who, it was said, had been “dragging his feet" in negotiations looking toward a coalition government and had therebv endangered the security of the whole of South-east Asia

The hepe is that Prince Boun Oum and General Phoumi will now see the writing on the wall and agree to give up their claims to the Ministries of Defence and Interior Affairs, which hitherto has been the stumbling block in the negotiations for a government of national union

Prince Squphanou'*ong seems to hold now the key to peace or further war in Laos If the Soviet Union is willing to use its influence to persuade him to halt any military action and to continue talks with the other princes, then observers in Washington believe, the crisis will be eased and progress possibly made toward a coalition government