VIETNAM IN BRIEF

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31385, 2 June 1967, Page 9

VIETNAM IN BRIEF

Developments in the Vietnam war include:

Troops And Tanks.—American troops supported by tanks reported killing 77 North Vietnamese soldiers today as they remained locked in battle in a Communist stronghold in South Vietnam’s central coastal flatlands. In the air war, an American plane was shot down over North Vietnam during heavy raids in the Hanoi-Haiphong area. —Saigon, June 1. Agreement Expected. President Johnson and the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Harold Holt, are expected to reaffirm the need for continued American bombing of North Vietnam when they confer at the White House today. The Australian leader is paying a 24-hour visit to Washington. Washington, June 1.

Mine Inquiry.—The Australian Army Minister, Mr Malcolm Fraser, has ordered a top-level inquiry into the deaths of five Australians in Vietnam mine disasters in the last three weeks. Experts will investigate if the mines are faulty and if Australian soldiers get sufficient training in the use of mines.—Can-

berra, June 1. Old Battleship.—The United States Defence Secretary, Mr Robert McNamara, has authorised the Navy to spend $BOO,OOO for exploratory “demothballing” of the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey. The funds would enable the Navy to see just how much it would cost to get the warship and its 16in guns reidy for service off Vietnam. Washington, June 1.