Editorial Note
On May 9, 1953, the Secretary of State delivered a press conference statement on the situation in Laos, which read in part as follows:
“Communist Viet Minh forces began their movement toward the Royal Capital City of Luang Prabang in Laos on April 12.
“Following an appeal from the Government of Laos on April 13 to the free world to condemn the aggression, the United States issued a statement of support and sympathy. [See footnote 2, page 471.]
“The urgent need for cargo aircraft to aid French and Lao forces in meeting this aggression was discussed by me with French officials during our stay in Paris for the recent NATO meeting.
“Within 24 hours it was agreed at the highest level that such aircraft, if available, should be dispatched to Indochina. Within another 24 hours the aircraft were located with the Far East Command. Within another 24 hours civilian operators were located to fly the planes, because the French did not have crews accustomed to handle these planes and we did not desire that our military personnel should fly into the combat zone. The plan was actually put into operation within a few hours after our return from Paris, and the aircraft arrived at Hanoi on May 5 and were made operational immediately.”
Secretary Dulles also indicated that funds were being made available to ease refugee problems and that small arms ammunition and certain naval items were being made available to Thailand in light of the situation. For the full text of the statement (Press Release No. 253), see Department of State Bulletin, May 18, 1953, page 708.