Office of the Historian

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

Vientiane, May 20, 1964, 5 p.m.

1373. Ref: May 19 telecon; Embtel 1362.2 T–28 pilots. Request Dept authorize US civilian pilots for T–28’s not only for road cutting operation but in broader framework: 1) they are most immediately available; 2) their ability will be higher than [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] other possible alternatives; and 3) they would be most responsive to guidance resulting from aerial recon once undertaken (septel3).

We are actively canvassing possibilities for [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] pilots and will continue to do so but requirement is [Page 95] urgent and as indicated Embtel 13694 Souvanna now approves use of US civilian pilots. Would plan initially to assign only four or five to planes being transferred by COMUSMACV.5

We hope RLG will agree to issue papers to these pilots and adjust personnel records to “terminate” employment with Air America or Bird so that pilots would have status of civilian technicians hired individually by RLG.

[2 lines of source text not declassified] Aircraft would, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] operate out of Vientiane during day where combat loading and pilot briefing would take place. [4 lines of source text not declassified]6

Unger
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 LAOS. Top Secret; Flash.↩
  2. This teleconference among Unger and Embassy officials and officials at the Department of State contained a discussion of possible actions to counter the Pathet Lao offensive in the Plain of Jars. (Ibid.) In telegram 1362, May 19, Unger addressed questions unanswered in the teleconference. He suggested U–2 reconnaissance rather than low-level jet flights. Unger noted that Air America had seven pilots and Bird Company four. Utilization of these civilian pilots would require 10 additional T–28 aircraft. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Not further identified.↩
  4. Dated May 20. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 LAOS)↩
  5. In telegram 1034 to Vientiane, May 20, the Department granted Unger authority to use U.S. civilian pilots for T–28 aircraft in Laos. (Ibid., POL 27 LAOS)↩
  6. In telegram 1951 from Bangkok, May 18, Martin reported a 1–1/2 hour conversation with Thai Defense Minister Dawee and senior members of the Supreme Command Headquarters on the situation in Laos. (Ibid., POL 27 VIET S)↩