Evening star., 1961-03-29
u. 5. Accepts
Softer Stand
- ~ - ~ = - ~ %
By SEATO

BANGKOK, Thailand, Mar.
20 (AP).-The United States
agreed today to q compromise
resolution that left the SEATO
powers saying only they would
take appropriate action" un-
less the Communist bloc ends
military intervention in Laos.
United States Secretary Of
State Dean Rusk sought a
tougher tone in the statement
Of the Southeast Asia Treaty
ORGANIZATION, but France
threatened q veto. The French
argued that a stronger state
ment. indicating the anti Com
muniSt alliances readiness to
use force, would present q vir-
tual ultimatuIn to the Russians
and perhaps torpedo hopes for
negotiations.
The French views became
known simultaneously with dis
closure that France has refused
to pay q share of United Ma
tions costs in the Congo, an
other area where French and
United States views diverge.
Another factor leading up to
the compromise resolution here,
apparently, was Soviet peace
feelerS, raising hopes among the
British and some other mem
bers for q negotiated settlement.
U. s. Seen Disappointed
The United States delega-
tion appeared disappointed. A
spokesman said the resolution
was considered a strong one
but Secretary of State Rusk
did nothing to dispel the belief
that the action of the eight
foreign ministers was not en-
tirely satisfactory.
Mr.. RuSk told a news con-
ference Southeast Asia is
threatened and I'VE shall meet
these threats" He declined to
answer questions about possible
SEATO military intervention
in Laos.
Il don't think 1t is wise oil
prudent to get into questions
like those at this stage" he
said.
The ministers final COM
Imunique said that II q British
proposal for q cease fire and
Ipeaee negotiations fails "anc
there continues to be an active
tComniunist) military attempt
to obtain control of Laos
members Of SEATO are pre-.
,fpared. within the terms of the
treaty. to take whatever actor
lmay be appropriate in the cir.
icumstances,"
Tougher Stand Sought
The United States had come
to the conference trying to sci
IA plan that would have hac
lSEATO publicly commit itSell
TO sending troops and weapons
Ito Laos II the rebels did moi
stop their military drive anc
1.-THE Soviet Union did not stoI
lsupplying them with weapons
i But Foreign Minister Maurice
i Couye de Murville Of France
argued in closed sessions thai
the American plan would an
tagonize the Russians while
there was still q prospect they
would accept the Western cease
fire proposals. e. ~.
Moscow did not answer the
proposals while the conference
was in progress, but the Krem'
: lin sent Foreign Minister Gro
myko to visit President Ken
nedy. Mr.. Gromyko expressed
hope for negotiations to enc
|, the Laotian fighting. Pravda
the Soviet Communist Party
paper. also published a loni
article supporting negotiation
to bring peace and neutrality
to Laos. The article also pic
tured the Kremlin as at least
interested in the Western ceasC
!, fire proposals.
i After the resolution wa
, adopted, Mr.. Couve de Muir
, vile told reporters a toughel
statement would have repre-
sented an ultimatum to tn,
Russians. He made 1t clea1
that he could not have ap'
. proved such o statement, Thi
. would have meant q French
. veto because major SEATO de
cisions must be unanimous.