60. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State0
1943. Ref: Deptel 1153.1 Muong Sai has fallen. MAAG representatives report Siho forces north of Nam Lik have bad morale and likely dissolve if struck hard. They have received some artillery fire. Their dissolution would leave clear way open to Vientiane.
I do not see how we can afford to let enemy continue his forward movement toward key centers of Laos beyond a certain point. See no way to stop him except by use B–26’s, probably followed up by U.S. or SEATO troops. Therefore, I request authority with advice Chief MAAG and ARMA to employ B–26’s against such enemy movements if 1) enemy moves south of Nam Lik, 20 or in case of (A) Luang Prabang, (B) Thakhek, (C) Paksane, (D) Savannakhet or other major center near Mekong Valley if enemy threatens occupy terrain which commands city.
I realize that such action would blow whole cease-fire negotiation wide open, torpedo conference and most likely involve immediate intervention [Page 140] U.S.–SEATO forces, but see no alternative if enemy presses beyond limits indicated above.
I suggest these facts and gravity situation be brought immediately to attention our SEATO Allies and also that we advise Soviets that while U.S. earnestly desires cease-fire and peaceful solution, it will not stand by awaiting agreement cease-fire while enemy forces continue pressure RLG forces to such degree and should such actions continue steps as necessary will be taken. Roberts reports Pushkin said he also against further troop movements now.
Suggest SEATO now begin preparation respond immediately to appeal from RLG if enemy moves south Nam Lik in any force or if we have to use B–26’s elsewhere. Phoumi has not made such request nor will I yet suggest to him, but we should be ready to act on it.
Suggest Bangkok be instructed clear this ASAP with Sarit.
You may wish alert British, Australians and French to possible use B–26’s.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/4–2661. Top Secret; Niact. Received at 12:26 p.m. Repeated niact to Bangkok, London, Paris, CINPAC for POLAD, Canberra, and Moscow. Also published in Declassified Documents, 1977, 335A.↩
- In this telegram, April 23, the Department of State informed the Embassy in Vientiane of the Soviet and British call for a 14-nation conference on Laos (see Document 59), authorized aerial reconnaissance flights, and, in the event the cease-fire was delayed or there was evidence of a Pathet Lao push on Vientiane or another major objective, the use of bombs for Lao T–6 aircraft. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/4–2361)↩