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COMMENT OF
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Unenviable Task
M
Eden's role at the
Genova conference has been,described as that of n conciliator-a tank that ja
Do difficult as it has become necessary, The amount of common ground which the delegatos on both sides have reached
concerning Indo-
CHINA
No. 35816
Established 1845
FRIDAY, MAY 14, 1954..
THE WEATHER: Moderate SE winds. Fair apart from isolated showers Inland.
New Indo-China Fighting
Laniel
Scrapes
Through
Wins Confidence Vote By Two
Paris, May 14.
China s so for pitifully small. About the only point on which there has been anything approximating agreement (and that merely in principle) in that there should be a general eenge. fire. Possibly one of the reasons why more tangible progress has not been made is that the Communist, the French and the Associated handling of the Indo-China States delegates have all crisis by only two votes in package the French Assembly last
concentrated
M. Joseph Laniel, French Prime Minister, gained It vole of confidence on
his
ten-month-old Govern- ment survived by 289 votes tor 287 in one of the closest votes in French Parliamentary history.
for more than 30 minutes R
Flares Up
BOTH SIDES SUFFER HEAVY CASUALTIES
Rebel Offensive
Predicted
Hanoi, May 13.
Several thousand Vietminh regular troops fought a bitter battle with French Union battalions one mile south of Phuly, in the western delta, early this morning, the French High Command an-
His late was In the balance counting of the National Assem- bly ballot dragged on, with privilege of changing their mindenounced today.
many Deputies" exercising the
after their original vote.
Su close was the decision that
proposals, endeavouring, at † night. one fell swoop, to resolve the whole of the Indo-China problem--military and political. Allled with the Idea of
A simple ceasefire have been proposals for partition, independence, coalition governments, in- dependent regional adminis- trations, uitation with the French Union, and recognis tion of the No-called domocratic republics wf Cambodia and Laos, no that
monst war in Indo-China buzzed today it is almost impossi-feverishly around the Parliamen-
tary lobby. ble for the ordinary person
The Government tout to understand the com.
an earlier
storm on the eve of plicated
proposals and
the full of Dien Bien Phu last counter-proposals. Mr Eden brought to the conference fidence vote Home very welcome cold ¦ by a margin of 51.
M. Laniel has maintained that
Vietminh casualties were stated to be heavy
FURT'S the Government's and French casualties serious.
defeat on this crucial issue of the conduct of the anti-Cum-
week, throwing down a no con- on the same issue
Ita
internationa]
delat for the Government while the Geneva conference continues would be
a major setback for French policy Affairs.
He insisted that any debate on the
Government's handling the
Indo-China war ve just- poned unul The Geneva ference has either produced a positive result or failed,
<on-
The Vietminh attack was their biggest on- slaught in the delta this year.
Officers here consider it might be the begin- ning of a new Communist offensive in the delta, as many thousands of regular Vietminh troops are stationed in hills around Phuly, a provincial town only 36 miles from Hanoi.
Just in time to Kroup
TAKEN SERIOUSLY
of They struck the French unit on the outskirts reason with his five ques-
Phuly from two sides simultaneously. tions,
Meanwhile, an- They were stripped
other of all rhetoric and dent
Vietminh battalion thrust 500 infantrymen with fundamentals.
between the French and their headquarters in Phuly. And because of this,
Vietminh commanders early in the morning launched they are probably unwelcome to the
several battalions in a "nutcracker assault” against a Communist delegates who
single French Union battalion, the High Command said. are much happier clouding: issues than getting down to
After furious Bghting, French However. in
the apite of dealing with basic matters
reinforcements blasted a way | Vietminh efforts, the railway in a businesslike way. What
through to the trapped battalion, and rond remained open most of POLICIES AT STAKE
the French spokesman said. the day-France-Presse. the world now waits to see Speeches before the vote is whether
They were the Reds ure showed that whule of the har-
rescue
uf prisoners prepared to give Mr Eden'a russed Government's political being marched away.
including *** pollars were serious considera-oxd military ронега
the Majer commanding thu tion: whether they
battalion, whee hands wore The Gaullist Parliamentary bed behind his buck with willing to give objective
string. replies to them; whether, in
group met immediately after the
of the votr result fact, they have any inten- helicted. tion of indulging in genuine
Earller, the Ave Gaullist negotiations
indo- over
Ministers had threatened to re- China. The ball has been
sign in majority of the Gaul- passed back to them: will
lists voted against M. Laniel. they make use of it
A large majority of Gaullists-- deliberately kick it out of 40-voted aganist the Govern- play?
ment, only 27 supported it.
are
נן
WRR
uk
The group was now expected to bring pressure to bear on its
IT has also been left to Mr Ministers to withdraw from the
11
ly supervised and provision
Cabinet.
After two and a half hours'
- fighting, The tide or baltie turned and the Vietminh troops Ped into the hills beyond the water-logged deitu, leaving 70 of their men dead on the battle- Iteld.
Bombers and fighters pursuevi them back to their mountain bases, which were bombed and strafed throughout the forenson,
Reuter
AMBUSH SET
Hanol, May 13. The pitched battle, which began last night round the Im- portant centre of Phuly on the mouth of the Red River delta as serious, since was regarded
the Vietminh hurled several battalions into the fighting, and cucceeded in capturing a French commander and his men.
The Vietminh lost 00 killed. and the Franco-Vietnamese losses were also described 45 "SUTIOUS"
be
According to a French CUTTI mand spokesman, this may the beginning of greater activity in the delta Another serious One of these Ministers, M.
Hspect of the situation is that it Mare Juequel, Secretary
shows that the Vietminh can at- of
Hanol, May 13.
with delta arca State for Indo-China, 19 vitafly
Strong Vietminh elements set a tack in the
trained regular forces, the Far Eastern territory. Other concerned with French policy in second ambush on the Hanoi- fully
south-full of bite."-France-Presse, 20 miles Phuly rond, Ministers hold the posts, recon-
east of Hanol yesterday, and EVACUATION TO BEGIN struollon. budget and Minister violent fighting took place,
Paris, May 14. of State portfolios.-Reuter.
Evacuation of the wounded Sherman tanks equipped with from the lost French fortress 90-mm, guns, which came to the of Dien Bien Phu will
start the Franco- rescue,
this morning, according to late Vietnamese forces after
night press reports received hours fighting.
here from Hanoi.
Fire Threatens Entire City
Wellington, May 13. miles north of Wellington, was Palmerston North, a city 100 threatened with
was disclosed here today.
two
A French command spokesman aid that the Vietminh suffered very heavy losses, but Fry Vietnamese losses were also sub. stantial
French
Price 20 Cents
Safe Arrival In Finland
About 50 British and Flanish officials grected the
Aus- staff, tralian Embassy
ordered out of Russia, when they arrived at Helsinki. The party of 19 Australians, includin two children, were ordered out of Russia after the breaking off of relations with Australia over the desertion of Mr Vladimir Petrov, third Secretary in the Soviet Embassy in
Australians, led by the Canberra, The
former Chargo d'Affaires, Mr Brian Hill, seen here as be carries his 18- month-old son, Edwin, from the train on arrival at Helsinki
London Express.
Eden Working Hard But Worried About Geneva Conference
(OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
Geneva, May 13.
Mr Tom O'Brien, last year's President of the Trades Union Council, made a dramatic appeal for British and Empire unity on Far East policy here tonight.
After lunching with Mr Eden at the Foreign Secre tary's villa, Mr O'Brien said: "If this conference fails, the failure cannot be laid at the door of the British Foreign Secretary.
"Everyone here, diplomats-It M. Bidault is also expected to they spoke the truth-and cer- stand fast today on his demand tainly the journalists who know for international supervision of it, would agree that without his an Brmistice in Indo-China. presence the conference would Reuter. have been washed up already.
"I want to let the British; people, Socialists and Conserva- start lives alike, know that Mr Eden
Morane helicopters and Beaver planes will
evacuating the first group of is genuinely worried about the
Completion Of H-Bomb
Tests
Washington, May 14. The Defence Department and the Atomle Energy. Commission yesterday... an- Menounced the "successful
completion of the 1954, hydrogen explosion tests in' the Pacific.
Eden to put forward the first really cogent principles for renching » Korean settle. ment. If disinterestedness were the guiding influence at Geneva the whole of the del gates would And I im- perative to accept Mr Eden's principles. Manifestly they provide the only framework within which
durable settlement can be renched. In telescoped form Mr Eden's conditions are the holding of completely free and secret elections in both
Including 450 wounded,
250 conference. He is working South and North Korea for
serious cases, the French news hard to make a go of it. major isng.
the past two weeks, the agency
Bald the formation of an all- ter this afternoon, when
In quoting
"The Korea and Indo-China giant
high command has French High
Command an-discussions mean two interna. Korean Government; the jets of flame bust from ruptures stepped up its local mopping up
nouncement. The Dien Blen tional conferences are going on elections to be international- in the elly's main garometer,
but operations,
with means Phu
is still not able tout the same time, airstrip Firemen fought the fames for which have been insufficient to take Dakotas,
"I would appeal to the Bri- to be made for the eventual with. the danger of a
three hours, faced constantly stop the general Vietminh thrust The French Forces gigantle against the western part of the
Radio fish people; and the people of withdrawal of all foreign explosion if the plates of the delta, and against the Handi- broadcast to the Vietminh last the Commonwealth, to give Mr troops from Koren, Nothing, gascmeter
100 Vietminh Edon buckled. The
cent backing in the per night agreeing to a out Haiphong railway and highway. on the face of things, could break began when a spark frem Observers here suggested that proposal for the evacuation of delicate negotiations he is con
from the an electric drill, being used on this generalised Vietminh action wounded
northern ducting with all sides In the be more siruple than that,
the side to
plates, might be possible offensive Indo-China Kortress of Dien cause of world peace," and any serious or justified repairs
with Hanoi as the main target, Blen Phu-Router.
Mr O'Brien Is Socialist ignited the gos-Reuter. objections to the plan aro
tar West Nottingham, unthinkable. That the Com- muniata will object A Inevitable, but not because they really consider the pro- ponals as unfair, but because they fear them to be put into effect. This has been the predominant influence in the Russian rojection of the
The statement said; various Blg Three proposals
"The 1954 serie of thermo- at for settling the German and
the Atomic They said he will make this nuclear tests
Commision's Pacifo Austrian problems. They
clear in his reply to the Vietminh Energy
proving ground has been com- dare not contemplate, tho
peace plan for Indo-China, elimination of Communist With 305 rosulis declared out their chances in a national poll, elections for nearly 400 city and Western tactics for today's pleted."
nine-nation
"The tests were successful in power through free and of a total of 390, the Socialists if the Prime Minister springs a town Cound in England and fourth session of the
Indo-China talks were agreed the development of thermorsalear popular Becret
elections. had a net gain of 243 individual general election soon,
were essen They last night at a An unusual feature of today's 70
a 45-minute meet weapons.
tial to And it la precisely this sents of the 3,840 at stake,
to our national interest, and of the Big Throo" Mini- had taken over 11 results was the number of
With all but a few ́results 10 Me Anthere Eden of Bri.have contributed -eristerinliy¿ tai prospect which they face if
formerly such elections take place in Council
ruled by labour gains in traditional enti declared, Socialists had gained Conservatives
or other anti-Socialist areas. Labour made 504 extra ments out of a total of tain, M. Bidault of France and the security of the United States Korea, Indo-China or Ger Socialists but lost their ices progress in some of its own 3.548 contested. They also cap General Walter Bedell Braith and the free world.
„sybe į taula' being concludedĮ many. None will envy Mr
jorities In three others,
acknowledged strongholda, ·, tured control of la minicipal of the United States, “,
within a few days aen madh air Eden his unique position and "Today's polling in the largor Until today Socialists con-les, formerly nded by their
their The Trench sources said Mr frame may be sadely remixed heavy task at Ganova, and municipailuco was the climax trolled 100 of the 395 boroughs, opponents Conservatives Bike Eden would probably ree Birinin the waming area, Walt
other anti-Socialists
Vyacheslav Molotov none will point an accusing of Britain's annual municipal Reuter.
Later Labour pollidan declared Yorsign Ministeriet was set up for Petey purpos
whom Anger at him if his efforts alections for local Councils of
Bir. Wiston Churchill' Con today the outcome would queen be whares the chairmanship of the time when the toata were
taking plac8, fail to strike an encouraging all kinda throughout the coun
nervailves, suffered a major meto any plans the Prime Minister, the Indo-China: (mike, betare, tow Odkial notice, to airemen” response from the ComThe outcome will provide the back today
when
BOGLATERRA | may have had KORT CRES" IN days amstones tongdiscuss the marmate will be published. munlit delegates.
political parties with a clue to recorded wweeping | acostems Ini general election, BOGENASLOVNA work of the craterence.
Better
Swing To The Left In British
Municipal Elections
1
London, May 13.
Britain swung to the Left in elections today for nearly 400 English and ' Welsh city governments, pointing to a marked decline in popularity of Sir. Winston Churchill's national administration.
They
ME
Wales.
WON'T BUDGE
Geneva, May 14. M. Georges Bidault, French The announcement came in a Foreign Minister, will tell the joint statement from Mr. Lewis Communista at today's resumed L. Strauss, Chairman of tho Indo-China prace
Commission, and the Secretary talks that
of Defence, Mr. Charles E Franco will not budge from its
Wilson. refusal to negotluta over Laos and Cambodia, Frosch sources sald here last night.
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Court-Martial Of Soldier Who Went AWOL Into Red China
Speaking in his defence, Craftsman M. A. Tobin, REME, said at the Court Martial at Head- quarters, 27 Infantry Brigade, Fanling, today, where he is being tried for desertion, that he had been upset by news of his mother's death, and while hiking in the country he thought of his mother and had a feeling of wanting to lose him- self.
He kept walking toward a mountain across the border, and when he arrived there he was sur- rounded by farmers and peasants who took him to a military post.
The Court comprises Major The Court ruled that the de- J. D. H. Boyt, RA (President); } fendant had a prima farle case Captain W. R. Hughes, King's to answer. Regiment; and Lt K. J. David, MC, Welch Regiment
Tobin testifying on his own behalf, sald that he had
The Prosecuting Officer is ceived news of hls mother's Captain 11. Scott of the Royal death and had been very upset. Signals, while the Defence 19 "I nearly went mad," Balch tho being conducted by LA T. R. defendant. Willis, RA.
One day, continued defendant, «wi di he went hiking, and during a The charge against Tobin was
rest he thought of his mother that he had been absent from and had a sudden feeling of duty from August 10 last year wanting to lose himself. until April 17 this year.
Seeing mountain across the Lanc: Corporal Hoskins, of border. in front of him, said the Wiltshire Regiment, testify-Tobin, he kept on walking. Jog for the
the other Prosecution, said When he arrived at that he called the roll at 8 a.m., side he WE surrounded by on August 10 and had found farmers and peasants who took the defendant was absent. Wit-him to a Milltary post. A few ness added that the defendunt's days later he was taken 10 bed had not been slept in. Canton where he was confined
for three months.
Hearing is continuing.
Another witness for the Prosecution, Sgt. W. Williams,
of the Royal Military Police, told the Court that on April 17 at 2.30 p.m. he went to a Police post and accompanied by Police officer he went 10 The Lown Railway Station,
+
About 200 yards from the bridge, continued witness. he Aaw the defendant standing be- tween three Chinese Communist soldiers.
The defendant, sald witness, and talked to recognised him him, after which he was allowed to cross the border-and immediately taken into custody.
sala
WDs
THE QUEEN
--IS HOME
London, May 14. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh are back home at the end of their six- month Commonwealth tour.
The Royal
Britannia yacht dropped anchor Just before midnight last night in the Bay
St Austell, on
a secluded
ot
MADE NO PROTEST Cross-examined., Sgt Williams stretch of the coast of Corn- that when the defendant wall, southwest England, as her appeared with the three Chinese escort of four warships circled soldiers, he did not make any round her. protest when he was sent across the border, and at no time did he express any wish of refusing to come across the border.
Witness added that Tobin seemed quite pleased at return
Const guards and people watching from the cliffs sighted tho twinkling lights of the yacht just before 11 p.m. and scores of small immediately boats set out to welcome home the had After the Prosecution completed its case, the Defence Duke, submitted
ing
returning Queen and the
that there was no An Admiralty spokesman the I said last night that the yacht's because Prosecution had failed to prove
cast
to answer
that there was intent on behalf had been speeded up
cysure the maximum
of the defendant of not return- amount of rest for all in the ing to the Service, and that Royal yacht in view of the the defendant was absent forthcoming 48 hours' cere-
monies," Reuter.
| avoid an important service,
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