Clashes still in Vietnam

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33254, 18 June 1973, Page 13

Clashes still in Vietnam

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

SAIGON, June 17.

Fighting is continuing in South Vietnam 48 hours after the second ceasefire orders went into effect.

The South Vietnamese Military High Command says that Communist forces were responsible for another 129 violations in the 24 hours ending at dawn today, bringing to 309 the number of violations reported since the ceasefire went into effect at noon on Friday.

The Viet Cong has countercharged the South Vietnamese with violating the conditions of the cease-fire. Radio Hanoi has reported that immediately after the truce was declared, South Vietnamese artillerymen opened fire on Viet Cong-controlled areas from bases around Cu Chi, about 20 miles north-west of Saigon, and that heavy losses were sustained. The South Vietnamese command reports further fighting in the Mekong Delta, where there has been a number of heavy engagements in the last few weeks: Communist troops shelled and attacked an infantry position near the town of Long My, but wounded only six infantrymen. One of the immediate provisions of the Paris ceasefire communique, a meeting

of field commanders, failed to take place yesterday, and it appears unlikely that it will do so until at least midweek. The South Vietnamese command says that the meetings must be discussed and arranged by the two sides at Joint Military Commission level, but this body is not due to meet until tomorrow.