1.
GV Cambodian troop carrier in town centre PAN TO LV other army vehicles
0.08

2.
LV tank on roadside
0.11

3.
GV soldiers walk by abandoned bicycles
0.14

4.
CU & SV Vietnamese trooper stands by bridge
0.21

5.
GV troops and tank moving into position
0.25

6.
SV Soldier in roadway PAN TO dead man near bunker (3 shots)
0.35

7.
SV troops by wall PAN TO bush
0.42

8.
SV & CU Generals and other army officials talking. 3 shots
0.49

9.
SV & CU Generals and other army officials talking 3 shots
1.01

10.
GV burnt out bus
1.06

11.
SV ditto PAN TO soldiers riding away on mopeds
1.12



Initials EH/BOB/BJ



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Cambodians are now in full control of the southwestern provincial capital of Kompong Speu, 24 miles (40 Kms) form Phnom Penh.

The city was recaptured yesterday (Tuesday) by South Vietnamese and Cambodian troops after a four-day battle with the Viet Cong. Civilian inhabitants complained about looting by South Vietnamese troops, who were withdrawn today and the city handed over entirely to Cambodian control.

The recapture of Kompong Speu was a major battle involving 1,000 Viet Cong, 3,000 Cambodians and 4,000 South Vietnamese. It left the Southern part of the town heavily damaged while the central commercial section was relatively intact.

Elements of the Ninth South Vietnamese Infantry Division were the first to enter the town and captured most of it in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday) morning. Reports speak of widespread looting during their search of empty buildings and - despite strict orders - of a continuation of looting further on in the market area. The Commander of the spearhead troops expressed his regret and speeded up the handing over of the town to the Cambodians.

Kompong Speu commands the main route to Kompong Som - formerly Sihanoukville - cambodia's chief port and oil refinery.