751J.5/11–2252: Telegram
The Ambassador at Saigon (Heath) to the Department of State
1061. Rptd info Paris unnumbered. I visited Luang Prabang Nov 19 and 20 at invitation Crown Prince Savang. King Sisavang Vong, suffering severely from gout and liver ailment, did not receive me.
Contrary to my expectations, Savang was not anxious discuss question of representation in Wash, other than state his desire that mission be established fairly promptly and candidate found who wld be fully acceptable to Laotian Govt including Assembly. He mentioned no names. (In this connection, Ourot Souvannavong has informed FSO Thomson that he intends leave for Paris within next few days resume his activities as Councillor Fr Union while awaiting possible nomination as Min to US. His Fr citizenship has been major pretext for opposition in Cab to his nomination.)
Savang’s principal desire was to unfold thesis which Laotian Govt presently trying to put over in Fr Union High Council and elsewhere, running as fols: Who [So] far as Laos concerned, war is virtually over, with remaining VM intruders, in north and in Boloven plateau, numbering not over 500, about to be eliminated within next few months. “Indochinese” war, therefore, henceforth misnomer since Laos has achieved natl unity and independence and is entering quasinormal situation. In absence Chi invasion, remaining conflict is essentially VN civil war. While continuing accept treaty obligations to France and other AS entered into at time independence granted, Laos does not consider itself obliged expend natl effort in settlement VN civil war. This issue arose shortly after death De Lattre when Gen Salan requested use Laos paratroop battalion in Tonkin; Laos refused, and will refuse any similar request.
[Page 300]Laotian National Army, according Savang, is capable assuring natl def against any threat short of attack by China. Def posture can be improved by transformation two relatively immobile infantry battalions into paratroop units, thus providing mobile counter-striking force of three parachute battalions and separate commando units. Overall increase in numbers Lao Army neither necessary nor economic; only modernization is needed. Material aid for latter purpose promised by Fr will be slow in arriving, and need addit transport planes is vital.
Aside from desire avoid mil commitments in VN, another factor behind Savang‘s thesis is desire encourage fon econ investment through popularization idea that war risks of IC no longer applicable to Laos.
Altho I did not take occasion this visit to argue question, I am concerned by this new evidence Laotian separatism extending beyond purely internal matters and into sphere common def. Safety of Laos, whose slight weight in regional power complex Savang is first to admit, is patently dependent upon outcome of Commie-maintained war whose focal point is in Tonkin, despite Laotian natl antipathy to VN.