Freedom at Last
The first phase of the long-delayed prisoner-of-war exchange called for by3 Lao accords was successfully implemented laat week. The next exchange is tentatively scheduled to be held on29. The non-Communist side released seven Fathet Lao prisonersorth Vietnamese For their part, the Communiats set freeao Armyhai volunteers, and onecontract pilot Emmet Kay.
Kay's release occurred one day earlierothers because, according to Pathet LaoCommunists considered his case "different." the Pathet Lao attempted to gainpropaganda mileage from Kay's release. Theyonly twoPathet Lao officialAFP journalist Jean JacquesBritish aircraft ferrying Kay from Sam Neua. basisaped interview with Kay in Samsubsequently published highly derogatoryhe claimed Kay had made regarding US policy Tha auhafcanos of CaTwamt's claims haa
iiu the praise he heaped on his Pathet Lao captors appeared well-rehearsed and stage-managed by his Communist captors.
Upon arriving at his home in Honolulu several days later, Kay told newsmen that he had received onlyinutes notice of his release at Sam Neua and that he was convinced that his captors had intended to destroy him "mentally" and send himvegetable."
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The Septemberxchange
Lao, Thai, and North Vietnamese prisoners were exchanged on September IS at Phong Sevang interritory on the Plaine des Jarreshree-ring circua atmosphere. What was to haverief repatriation ceremony turneday-long affairao air force oargo plane transporting Communist prisoners from Vientiane landeduddy bomb crater on Phong Sevang'sdirt airstrip.
North Vietnamese prisoners deliberately tried to embarrass their non-Communist captors at theceremony. They refused to wear fresh uniforms or shoes provided for the occasion, and upon arrival at the Plaine des Jarres, the prisonors--who for the most part appeared to be in reasonably good health-complained of maltreatment by Lao army authorities, poor quality food, and lack of medical care. Some of them feigned illness and were given "Injections" by Pathet Lao medical personnel. ew were evacuated on stretchers. In an effort to bill themselves as Lao nationals serving with the Pathet Lao at the time of their capture, the North Vietnamese unfurled Pathet Lao bannera they had smuggled aboard their aircraft and shouted cheers for Pathet Lao leader Souphanouvong and th? Lao Communist movement*
The Lao and Thai prisoners repatriated by the Pathet Lao appeared to be in generally good physical condition and their morale was high. The Lao toldthat they had traveled by truck for two days to reach Phong Savang, while the Thais reportedlyoaythat they may possibly have been incarcerated somewhere in North Vietnam. The Thai releasees indicated that at leastore of their colleagues remained tohangedater data. These figures fall far short ofhais that were previously estimated to be in Communist captivity.
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Original document.
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