Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 1

396.1 MA/8–3154: Telegram

The Minister in Laos (Heath) to the Department of State¹

secret

Vientiane, August 31, 1954—11 p.m.

22. Deptel, sent Vientiane 18,² repeated information Saigon 775, and Deptel sent Saigon 795, Vientiane 19, repeated information other addressees.³

I called on Foreign Minister yesterday and, following instructions, discussed Lao ideas re Manila conference and what Laos desires see as results. As reported first reference telegram Laos would have liked become member SEAP but in view difficulties and dangers as explained by me, Laotian Government hopes for and would accept strong clause in proposed treaty guaranteeing Laos against overt aggression. If this done he feels Laos may be able win internal fight against covert infiltration by Communists.

With respect decision on sending observers Manila conference Foreign Minister placed problem before Cabinet late yesterday and has since informed me that government will not send observers. No reason given but at dinner 29th for French Ambassador Daridan, number-2-Frenchman Indochina and going Manila, Prime Minister⁴ (during brief conversation when I broached subject) told me Laos unable afford expenses and already had two Ministers absent in Paris. I also suspect Daridan may have had something to do with decision for Foreign Minister appeared convinced necessity sending someone until afternoon Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister.

Though not represented Manila, Foreign Minister requested Laotian Government be kept informed as possible by Legation of progress and decisions conference.⁵

Heath

1. Sent also to Saigon and Manila (for the U.S. Delegation at the Manila Conference); repeated for information to Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Karachi, Canberra, Wellington, London, and Paris.
2. Dated Aug. 26, p. 802.
3. Dated Aug. 27, p. 803.
4. Prince Souvanna Phouma.
5. In telegram 40 to Phnom Penh, Aug. 31 (repeated to Saigon, Manila, and Paris), the Department reported: “Cambodian Ambassador today stated he instructed by government express appreciation US for its position regarding inclusion Cambodian territory within Southeast Asia defensive pact. Said Cambodia understood because of presumed agreement between Eden and Chou En-Iai, Associated States would not be members of a Southeast Asia pact. This was accepted by Cambodia so long as its area covered specifically by a defensive guarantee by the pact members.” The Ambassador had stated also that Cambodia would not send any observers to Manila because of a shortage of personnel. (790.5/8–3154)