1.
LV. Troops in single file through jungle.
0.08

2.
SLV. Ditto.
0.13

3.
CU. Soldiers emerge from jungle.
0.19

4.
LV. Troops patrolling Vientiane streets.
0.25

5.
LV. Ditto.
0.29

6.
CU. Soldiers with machinegun PAN to group.
0.39

7.
SV. Troops boarding lorry.
0.48

8.
LV. Ditto.
0.58

9.
LV. Jeep and lorry leave.
1.14

10.
Defence post on Mekong River - Soldier on guard.
1.31



Initials KJ/V



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Vientiane, administrative capital of laos, defences within the city perimeter were strengthened, Sept 28, after the shelling earlier by troops of the "Revolutionary Group" headed by pro-American General Phoumi Nosavan.

Radio broadcasts from the General's headquarters in Suvannakhet have hinted at an "impending assault" on Vientiane, and the neutralist Government of Prince Souvanna Phouma are taking no chances. Troops loyal to the Government are patrolling the streets while the paratroopers of Captain Kong Lae have been despatched to fortify villages on the fringe of the jungle.

Talks are now in progress in the Royal capital of Luang Prabang to bring about a settlement of the civil war. Meanwhile, occasional skirmishes and clashes involving the three Laotian factions - neutralist Prince Souvanna Phouma, pro-western General Phoumi Nosavan and pro-Communist Prince Souvanouvong - punctuate the uneasy situation in the Kingdom.

Following friction between the Vientiane and Thai Governments - Vientiane leaders allege that Thailand is supporting General Phoumi Nosavan - Laotian forces have set up defences along the Mekong River, which forms the border between the two countries. Soldiers are keeping watch on the frontier and screen civilians crossing into Laos.