Laos Offensive Slackens

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30452, 28 May 1964, Page 15

Laos Offensive Slackens

(N Z. Press Association-Copyright)

NEW YORK, May 28. The 10-day-old Communist offensive in Laos appears to be slowing to allow Neo Lao Haksat (Communist Party) leaders time to take stock of international political moves afoot to solve the crisis.

Western military men said Communist troops threatening the Mekong river town of Paksane, 70 miles east of Vientiane, have withdrawn several miles, and that pres-

sure there has decreased. General Kong Le, the Neutralist commander, reported to have between 4000 and 5000 troops left, said they have only light Americansupplied arms and ammunition. He said it might be difficult for him to hold his present command post at Bah Na because his airstrip for bringing in supplies was damaged and his communications were bad. He said it was impossible to mount a counterattack. Seeks Aid General Kong called upon the Government of the Neutralist Premier, Prince Souvanna Phouma,- to request military aid from all who would give it. He said the Pathet Lao and Viet Minh (North Vietnamese) troops were getting military supplies “from the outside” to attack the Neutralists. “We have the determination to fight but not enough arms,” he said.