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On paper, the Royal Laotian Army supporting Prince Boun Oum looks twice as strong as the Reds. It numbers 29,000 regulars and more than 30,000 self-defense units. In the past year, the U.S. has. poured nearly $25 million into Laotian military salaries and subsistence, as well as undisclosed millions more in arms, munitions, vehicles and planes. Twenty-four U.S. Special Forces teams are busy at combat and tactical training. "The troops in the field are getting their mail, rice and pay," said a U.S. officer. "Whether they'll fight is the key question."
In the capital city of Vientiane last week. Soviet Ambassador Aleksandr Abramov was telling whoever would listen that "peace"—meaning Western retreat—is necessary in Laos because, should hostilities start again. Red China would enter the fray to ensure a Communist victory. For the West, it represents a Hobson's choice: surrender Laos by default, or be prepared to send in troops to hold at least the Mekong River line as a bulwark for what is left of free Southeast Asia.