751G.00/12–1753: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
1045. Sent Paris 312; repeated information Hanoi and Phnom Penh unnumbered. I lunched yesterday with Prince Savang in Laos and later called on Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma at Vientiane. I asked both Princes what Laotian attitude would be toward a negotiated armistice in Indochina and was disturbed when both calmly replied that once Viet Minh withdrew from Laotian territory, further conduct of war and its conclusion was of no concern to Laos.
At luncheon conversation with Savang it was not possible to refute his proposition, but later with Prime Minister I energetically dissented from this point of view. I said in light of new international status Laos following signature of conventions with France, fact that Laotian Government last spring had sought even though unsuccessfully to bring Viet Minh invasion before UN, from aspect of Laotian self interest it essential that Laos be a signatory of whatever arrangement brought hostilities to a conclusion in Indochina. Prince Souvanna Phouma, after consideration, said he agreed with this line of reasoning, and I likewise sought to leave no doubt in mind of Foreign Minister that Laos could not simply let the Viet Minh depart and wash its hands of further developments in Indochina involving conduct of war here.