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NEWS SUMMARY April 17, 1973 (Monday nets, wires) Major stories of the day: "The US has taken another step back into the Asian conflict," led Cronkite as all nets opened w/bombing response to NVA overruning village of Tha Vieng in Laos. Chancellor noted it's been 7 weeks since US bombed in Laos. CBS noted length of bombing campaign is unknown, but Valeriani reported from WH that raids wouldn't be daily and would depend largely upon the other side. DOD's Friedheim on ABC film expression Admin's deep concern for this "major violation" of C-F, and NBC also noted Laotian C-F has "broken down. 11 ABC said while situation is additional military danger, it's also political slap at US efforts to establish compromise Laotian gov't. Pastore and Hatfield on CBS film -- they didn't like move "a bit, 11 said Cronkite. 40th straight day of US raids in Cambodia noted by all nets as planes came w/in 7 miles of Phnom Penh. CBS film from city as supplies arrive and reports circulate that Lon Nol will make a major change this week in gov't. ABC film of "alleged vast destruction" from bombing found only 2 villages of about a dozen w/craters and noted absence of craters means destruction logically was caused by ground fighting Brief note of EMK hearings on CBS tho they were on film on ABC/NBC w/latter's Duke pointing out lack of Hill concern was reflected by fact that only Teddy showed for questioning. RN got a warm personal welcome at Building Trades Conv, said Cronkite but his economic policies were greeted w/a "chill. 11 ABC/ NBC noted RN "ignored" (NBC) main issue of inflation. Film on all nets as RN defended Brennan while Meany on ABC/CBS doubted if Pete was even on the taxi squad let alone the team. NBC film of Meany calling Ph 1, 2 and 3 "disasters. 11 CBS also w/film of RN urging a strong defense, and ABC film as he defended vetoes. Brennan on ABC film "answering Meany's challenge. 11 On CBS he said nothing's to be accomplished by walking out over a disagreement. Schorr said Brennan got "a good reception" but he's still in trouble w/labor. ABC's Sherwood said most believed the Secy when he said he's fighting for labor.