1.
GV of Phouma's residence


2.
police guard at the entrance


3.
Interior of the press conference room


4.
Premier Souvanna Phouma


5.
interpreter


6.
Premier Phouma


7.
newsmen


8.
Premier arrives in Bangkok


9.
Welcomed by Thai leader


10.
RR leaving the airport




Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Before leaving for New Delhi, where he is at present, Laotian Prime Minister Souvanne Phouma called a news conference at his Vientiane residence to tell newsmen that he would discuss moves for strengthening the International Control Commission, of which India is chairman, for a hoped-for ceasefire.

He said that a political solution to the Laotian problem could be worked out in negotiations between his Government and the pro-Communist Pathlet Lao.

The Laotian Prime Minister, referring to the Vietnam ceasefire agreement, pointed out that North Vietnam had agreed to the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the kingdom. Prince Souvanna expressed the fear that any ceasefire in Laos might be preceded by a Communist offensive to gain more territory. But he said that the Laotian Army was ready to face any eventuality.

Prince Souvanna had dropped in Bangkok Saturday on his way to New Delhi for the first round of talks with Mrs. Gandhi on Sunday (28 January). He will leave India on Tuesday (30 January).