Aug. 12, 1961 - South Vietnamese troop units are reported to be operating in southern Laos to cut the flow of Communist supplies and guerrilla reinforcements moving down from Communist North Vietnam. They have taken up strategic positions and are patrolling the route the Communists use through southwest Laos known in Saigon as "the Ho Chi Minh" trail. There are also strong indications that small U.S.-trained special units of South Vietnamese troops are operating inside North Vietnam. Some observers feel these could be the first steps in a program to turn the tables against the Communists, who have sent a steady flow of guns and men for almost seven years to bolster rebel forces in South Vietnam.
