Pathet Lao Launch Strong Attack

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30158, 15 June 1963, Page 13

Pathet Lao Launch Strong Attack

(h-Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, June 13. t+ , Pathet Lao forces launched a strong infantry attack on Attopeu, in South-east Laos, early today after softening up its perimeter defences with artillery bombardment, according to reports reaching Vientiane, British United Press reported irom Vientiane, Laos.

The reports were received by radio from Attopeu by Laotian officials. The latest information indicated that fighting was going on less than a mile from the town’s single airstrip.

Attopeu. about 500 miles from Vientiane, is in a region controlled largely by the Communists guerrilla forces. It has become dependent on the a.rstr.p for receiving supplies because the Pathet Lao has long since cut off all roads.

Intelligence officials said at least two North Vietnamese battalions were stationed in the region to keep infiltration routes open into South Vietnam.

There was no indication, however, that any Vietnamese tioops were involved in today's fighting, British United Press said.

Attopeu is defended by Right-wing Royalist troops loyal to General Phoumi Nostvan. The commander of the Attopeu garrison. Colonel Kong, said in his radio report that five Pa .bet Lao battalions were approaching the airstrip, located on the north-western outskirts of the town. Intelligence officials in Vientiane have reported that one battalion of North Vietnamese troops is stationed cue south of the town, near the Cambodian border and a second battalion has been seen east of the town.

Reports of the fighting in Atsopeu arrived art almost .the same time as the British and Russian Ambassadors were leaving for the headquarters ef Prince Souphanouvong, the Pathet Lao leader, at Khang Khay. They are trying to arrange peace talks between him and Prince Souvanna Phouma, the Laotian Premier, British United Press said.