Indochina

The National Steering Committee (the policy making body of VVAW/WSO) voted unanimously to declare Oct. 1-8, 1973 as Indochina Solidarity Week. The purpose being to bring the realities of the continuing role of the U.S. government in Indochina home to the American people. This will be done through postering, house-to-house canvassing, leafleting, speeches, political education through media displays, guerilla theater and direct action wherever possible.

The movement to end U.S. involvement in Indochina developed over many years of hard struggle. People were arrested, beat and shot trying to stop the war machine. We must complete our job. We, the American people, must force the government to completely end U.S. aid to Thieu and Lon Nol. We must force the CIA to stop its subversion of independent governments. We must unite.

Contact the local chapter, regional or national office of VVAW/WSO and WORK.

UNITY-STRUGGLE-VICTORY

Laos

On September 14, 1973 an agreement was signed in Laos making way for a new coalition government. This will be the third coalition in Laos in twenty years. Hopefully, the Laotian people will be able to settle their own problems without outside interference by the U.S. government. The past makes this extremely unlikely.

In December of 1956, Souphanouvang, (head of the Pathet Lao), and Souvanna Phouma ended the civil war and formed a coalition government. In April of 1957 the United States, along with Britain and France issued a joint statement condemning the coalition government. Within a year the Pathet Lao were expelled from the government in a right-wing CIA backed operation. Souphanouvang and other leftist officials were jailed and their supporters attacked.

Souphanouvang later escaped and led the Pathet Lao until 1962 when again as a result of the Geneva accords, joined in a coalition government. In February of 1963 again at CIA instigation fighting broke out. The head of the neutralist party was assassinated and Thai, Chiang Kai Shek and Saigon mercenaries were hired with U.S. funds to fight for the right-wing. The neutralists joined with the Pathet Lao and together fought until now when they control over 2/3 of Laos.

Again in the hope of peace and for national reconciliation the Pathet Lao are entering into a coalition government. Hopefully it will work this time, but it can only become a reality if we continue watch the activities of the U.S. government and the Central Intelligence Agency.

LAO PEN LAO !!!!

CORRECTION!!

OOPS! In the August issue of Winter Soldier we ran an article on discharge upgrading which incorrectly stated that the San Francisco Discharge Upgrading Project was initiated by VVAW/WSO. The SF DUP is in actuality an independent project in which several members of VVAW WSO work. We regret if this error caused any serious repercussions.