CEASE-FIRE BY PATHET LAO

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 15

CEASE-FIRE BY PATHET LAO

Appeal To All Rebel Units

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

LONDON, May 3. A Pathet Lao radio broadcast monitored in London early today appealed to all Pathet Lao fighting units in Laos to cease fire. The appeal said fighting should stop at 10 a.m. G.M.T. today. At 8 a.m. G.M.T. today nothing further had been heard on this. The pro-Communist Pathet Lao stopped fighting on the vital front south of Vang Vieng on Monday and further talks on a general cease-fire in Laos were said to have taken place yesterday.

As soon as the cease-fire is effective on all fronts, Britain and Russia are expected to order the three-nation commission now meeting in New Delhi to move into Laos. Hanoi Radio, monitored in Hong Kong, said Captain Kong Lae, the Left-wing commander. ordered his forces to cease all military activity from 8 a.m. local time (2 a.m. G.M.T.) and "proposed” that the proCommunist Pathet Lao forces,who have been fighting alongside his troops, do the same. The radio said Captain Kong Lae demanded that the Right-wing Government send a cease-fire delegation “without delay” to a village south of rebel-held Vang Vieng. He demanded that the Right - wing Government forces also cease all attacks, remain in their present positions and not violate the air space over regions controlled by his and the Pathet Lao forces. Reporting both the Kong Lae and Pathet Lao ceasefire orders, Hanoi Radio said later that Captain Kong and Prince Soujjhanouvong. the Pathet Lao leader, urged their troops in a broadcast to heighten their vigilance

and “be ready to smash any provocations by the other side." The radio said Captain Kong demanded that the Right-wing Government send "competent representatives” to Na Mon village, about seven miles south of Vang Vieng township, “or to another place situated between the front lines of the two sides in Hin Hop, on highway number 13.” They should discuss with a delegation of the Left-wing forces and the Pathet Lao “regulations governing a cease-fire and armistice.” he said. Captain Kong said he had issued a cease-fire in order "to create favourable conditions for the 14-nation conference to open on May 12 in Geneva, and for a conference of interested parties in Laos and to carry out the instruction of Premier Souvanna Phouma.” The British United Press reported from Vientiane that Lieutenant - Colonel Siho Lanphouthakoul. a member of the Boun Oum Government. was said to have made contact with a Pathet Lao officer near Ban Khy, about 50 miles from Vientiane, yesterday.