SECRET way of loosening the French hold on Indo-China. We think that their object is to set up a "Free Laotian" government in North Laos, and that, in order to achieve this, their immediate military aim is probably to occupy Luang Prabang, the royal city, and perhaps also Vientiane on the Siamese frontier. 9. The outcome of the present offensive is still uncertain. The rainy season (May-September) will greatly increase the formidable supply difficulties of the Viet Minh, who are almost entirely dependent on coolie transport.