September 25, 1968

visit to Moscow, set for Sept 24, put off after conf between Dubcek and Kuznetsov indicating no settlement of Czech-USSR disagreements; unusual delay in reptg conf noted; Kuznetsov confs with Deputy Premier Strougal and Soviet-Czech Friendship Soc; Presidium to meet to consider next move; Kuznetsov said to have informed Dubcek that removal of troops is contingent on Czech's acceptance of conditions

Humphrey says many antiwar hecklers who have plagued his campaign are 'anarchists' who are 'determined to destroy effectiveness of Dem party'; says he will not be driven away from pub meetings

Sen votes to exempt almost $1-billion in farm price support payments from ceiling on Fed spending; cuts estimated $500-million Fed payments to states that extend Medicaid program to persons not on relief rolls

Repr Laird says current Johnson Adm plans call for reducing US forces in S Vietnam by about 90,000 men by June 30, '69; says he knows of plans because of his position on armed services appropriations com; says reduction will not be effected by outright withdrawal, but by not sending replacements when 1-yr tours of duty end; says US forces will be reduced to 450,000; speculation on why Laird, who is accompanying Nixon on cmapaign tour, should undertake to discuss Adm plans; 1 theory is that he wishes to forestall dramatic announcement by Johnson; White House, Pentagon and Congressional sources say they have heard nothing of any plans for reducing US forces in near future; comments of Repr Mahon, Asst Sec Goulding and Sens Mansfield and Dirksen noted

Rockefeller aide says there is agreement that added revenue sources are needed to cover expected $700-million budget deficit, fiscal '70, but that no decisions have been made; 50% rise in sales tax to 3% is under consideration; Levitt aide says liquor tax rise is being weighed, but that yield would be insignificant in comparison to sales or income tax rise