New Hebrides rebels try to keep negotiators away

Rebels on Espiritu Santo, the breakaway New Hebrides island, rolled oil drums onto its airstrip Tuesday to prevent government peace negotiators from landing. Three planes carrying peace mission members and reporters returned to Vila, the New Hebrides capital. The negotiators, who hoped to persuade secessionist leaders to lay down their arms, were delayed earlier Tuesday because French officials were unable to guarantee their safety, government sources said.