May 3, 1979

CABINETMAKING in the United States is not only alive and flourishing, it has become a highly innovative craft expressed in a dozen different ways by scores of artisans. This is the message of “New Handmade Furniture: American Furniture Makers Working in Hardwood,” a provocative exhibition of 36 designs opening today at the American Craft Museum, 44 West 53d Street. Much of the furniture selected is destined to make the furniture history books. As Paul J. Smith, director, put it, “These pieces will become the heirlooms of tomorrow.”

Campaign for British Parliament ends, with Prime Min Callaghan asserting that his Govt has wrought 'an economic near miracle' during its term in office; illus (M)

China says army suffered 20,000 killed and wounded in Feb‐Mar war with Vietnam; Deputy Chief of Staff Gen Wu Xiuquan says 50,000 Vietnamese were killed and wounded in invasion; US Defense Dept officials express surprise at extent of Chinese casualties; Wu repts 200,000 Chinese troops were deployed against Vietnamese force estimated at 100,000; comparatively high Chinese casualty rate may be ascribed to its army's doctrine of engaging enemy as soon as possible; Amer mil sources cite shortage of modern arms and equipment; Wu notes army is 15 yrs behind Western armed forces (M)

Article on increase in number of refugees fleeing Vietnam notes more than 150,000 Laotian and Cambodian refugees have fled to Thailand, and about 6,000 arrive each month; illus of Cambodian refugees (M)