FIGHTING IN LAOS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32265, 7 April 1970, Page 15

FIGHTING IN LAOS

‘Recruiting By C.I.A.’ (NZ.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) NEW YORK, April 6. The American magazine, “Newsweek,” reports today that Saigon-based agents of the United States Central Intelligence Agency are actively recruiting American civilians there to serve as mercenaries in Laos. The magazine reports that one such offer, made last week, included a salary of 3USIOOO a week, and a week’s leave in Taiwan for every four weeks spent in the field. According to “Newsweek," the mercenaries—construction workers, former United States Government employees, and discharged military men—are used to lead raiding parties of Meo tribesmen against the North Vietnamese.

Prospective recruits, the magazine adds, are asked to submit their applications, giving details of any military experience, to Bangkok, where there is less chance of unfavourable publicity than in Saigon, “Newsweek” claimed.