Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, East Asian Security; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XXI

424. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State¹

Vientiane, February 13, 1957—6 p.m.

1315. Department pass ICA, Defense, USIA, USUN, CINCPAC. Joint Embassy USOM–PEO–USIS message. Reference: Deptel 946² and Embtel 1288.³ With exception of question of emergency funding concept of civic action as presented reference substantially correct.

Believe, however, there may be some misunderstanding of role ANL commando units. ANL currently reorganizing and training commando elements with objective placing one company of 100 men in each of 56 districts with appropriate battalion and group headquarters. Primary role these units is to maintain security within respective districts. Army recognizes this impossible without cooperation local populace and placing large emphasis on commandos securing this cooperation through auto-defense and local assistance programs. Latter ties in directly with civic action program whereby commando companies would make available limited personnel (junior and non-commissioned officers) vehicles and commo facilities to assist civic action teams and to provide impetus to sustain program as civic action teams move on.

See Embtel 1288 regarding funding during emergency period. If annual civic action expenses met from existing USOM funds it would cause elimination of major segments USOM program in direct contrast to our interests in Laos. At same time reduction funds to these programs would generate opposition in Lao cabinet to whole concept civic action. Preliminary indications such objection already noted: some members of government evidently under misapprehension have voiced objection civic action because they understand this program could result in elimination of reduction of already existing programs. While steps taken correct this impression this reaction is danger signal which is most useful in indicating clearcut need fund civic action as new activity which distinct and complementary to existing programs.⁴

Following are replies specific questions:

1. Objects of $300,000 expenditure during emergency period are as follows:

a. Establishment civic action school and office—$20,000;

b. Basic equipment for nine teams—$207,000;

c. Transportation of equipment—$40,000;

d. Re supply of expendable items—$33,000.

It is estimated of total dollars 157,000 would be expended in dollars, 2,365,000 in baht and remainder in kip.

2. …

3. Plan draw upon MDAP surplus stocks Saigon.

4. Inter-agency committee estimates annual cost civic action program will be approximately $2 million.

5. Colonel Oudon Sananikone appointed Commissioner Civic Action February 6. Considered energetic, highly qualified officer and one of best candidates for job. Wife Vice President Lao Women’s association and holder of study grant in US where she resided six months.

6. Civic action teams will initiate village projects on basis priority needs and will return periodically to assess progress, meet problems which may have arisen and initiate new projects.

7. Will comply with request.

8. Army would precede teams into two provinces. Civic action teams would operate in areas under ANL control irrespective of PL contaminated or possibly contested areas. If current negotiations break down there is still imperative and urgent need for civil action in other ten provinces. In this regard it important appreciate goal of program as directed toward enhancing much-needed stability of RLG as well as anti-PL characteristics.

9. As this primarily support organization, it is only organization of its size with characteristics of centralized command, communications, logistics, etc. which covers entire country. Essential point is army garrisons already established in key areas and it important use their latent capabilities which could make important contribution to Lao economy. ANL considers such program as essential to primary mission of guaranteeing security these areas and at same time obtaining full support and cooperation local population. Program as envisaged will in no way interfere with conventional military training or operations and if anything would enhance capabilities of Army.

Parsons

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/2–1357. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Saigon and Bangkok.
2. Document 420.
3. See footnote 4, Document 420.
4. According to Icato 662 to Vientiane, ICA agreed to allot $300,000 in addition to $12 million Defense Support nonmilitary funds for Laos on the understanding that no additional funds for civic action could be provided to meet FY 1957 costs and FY 1958 requirements must be absorbed within the total approved FY 1958 program for Laos. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/2–1457)