March 24, 1971

Defense Dept spokesman acknowledges S Vietnamese troops might have stayed longer in Laos if Communists had not reacted as strongly as they did; emphasizes that if N Vietnamese response had been even more powerful, withdrawal might have come earlier; says Laird, when he was briefed last Jan, was told by allied comdrs that campaign would last 5 to 8 wks, depending on enemy reaction; Mansfield challenges Nixon view that principal objectives of campaign have been accomplished; says it looks like trails will be in operation again shortly; says he was never optimistic about drive; Adm officials say extensive air strikes on mil targets throughout N Vietnam cannot be ruled out should Hanoi attempt major offensive in S Vietnam; cite Laird's comment; details on statements made by Nixon concerning Laotian operation; Defense Dept spokesman refuses to say whether US forces plan to abandon Khesanh; other Adm officials say there is uncertainty over whether Communists will mount major assault on Khesanh

Chancellor Scribner promises improvement of school security in effort to curb violence by intruders and disruptive students, news conf following meeting with school and community reprs, officials of parent groups, Mayor Lindsay and Police Dept reprs; says improvement measures under consideration include expansion of system's 400-man security guard staff, installation of intercoms in classrooms and establishment of special educ programs, possibly in separate bldgs, for chronic student disruptors; Educ Bd figures show 287 reptd assaults on school employes, 70% by students, compared with 213 in '66; no figures are available on assaults on students; Bergtraum says special task force composed of teachers and members of Police Dept have already started to visit school officials to discuss ways to deal with violence and disruptions; Supervisors and Admrs Council pres Degnan says school safety standards must be met or pss will be destroyed; UFT pres Shanker says situation is worse than official statistics indicate because many assault victims are reluctant to make repts for fear of further harassment; Repr Biaggi says additional penalty should be imposed on anyone convicted of committing crime in school; illus of conf

S Vietnamese operation in Laos nears end

Illus

A bill to permit a brief pe riod of silent prayer or re flection in public schools at the beginning of each school day was passed by the State Senate, 39 to 14, and sent to the Governor.

NYS Gov Rockefeller, introducing legis that will implement State's Temporary Comm to Evaluate Drug Laws recommendations, proposes substantial reductions in state penalties for marijuana offenses, including dropping of criminal stigma for minor 1st offenses; under bill, 1st offenders accused of possessing up to quarter ounce would be charged with noncriminal violation punishable up to 15 days; present maximum penalty for possession of more than 16 ounces would be reduced to 7 yrs; other provisions outlined

HR gives final Cong approval to proposed 26th Amendment to lower voting age in all elections to 18; ratification process begins

Mayor Aliota indicted, Seattle, on Fed racketeering charges concerning splitting of $2.3-million legal fee recd in '65-66 for representing Washington State pub utilities in antitrust actions; gave portions of fee to Washington officials J J O'Connell, G Faler and J McCutcheon, who are also indicted; has defended payments as lawful div of professional fees; Govt must prove div constituted bribery; penalty is $10,000 fine and up to 5 yrs imprisonment; case, 1st aired in Dec '69, revd; Alioto por

HR, 400-19, gives final Cong approval to const amendment to lower voting age to 18 in all elections; Repr Celler hails move; only real threat to passage comes when Repr Howard seeks to enlarge resolution to grant full rights to 18-yr-olds; proposal ruled not germane; 7 Dems and 12 Repubs who voted against amendment listed

1 killed, 140 injured as 80,000 W Eur farmers demonstrate against low produce prices, Brussels; illus

Amer tank crews covering retreat of S Vietnamese on last 4 mi of Route 9, between Laotian border and Khesanh, undergo daily ordeal from hail of enemy bullets and rockets and ambushes; 1 such mission detailed; US armor illus

illus