1.
LS Tilt entrance to rally grounds with Laotian national emblem.
0.08

2.
LS PAN.. Crowd.
0.21

3.
MCU Chan Pao speaking.
0.25

4.
MLS Crowd clapping hands.
0.26

5.
MS Prime Minister Phouma speaking.
0.35

6.
MLS Ditto.
0.42

7.
MLS PAN.. Crowd.
0.56



Initials BA/V/JH/AS



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the Laotian capital of Vientiane, November 26, nearly 2,000 people attended a mass rally to celebrate the Laotian Government's recent decision to accept Russian aid. Until now the United States has been giving the bulk of foreign aid to Laos.

The rally was addressed by Mr. Chan Pao, leader of the Peace and Neutrality Committee, organizers of the rally.

Laotian Prime Minister, Prince Souvanna Phouma, later addressing the meeting, charged that some foreign powers were interfering with Laotian internal affairs. He said his only desire was to bring peace to Laos, but that "foreign interference" was creating a dangerous situation. He warned that if all the political factions in Laos could not agree on a coalition government, there could only be war in the country.

Prince Souvanna Phouma said recently that a Laotian pro-Communist party was ready to join a coalition including right-wing elements. It is considered unlikely however that the anti-Communist right-wing party, led by General Phoumi Nosavan, would agree to the coalition.

Russia is to apply Laos with petrol, sugar, milk and flour from Communist North Vietnam. Neighbouring Thailand, which is pro-West, recently stopped sending supplies to Laos.