751J.00/12–3053: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation at Vientiane1
13. Secretary yesterday received Lao Minister and handed reply latter’s note December 26 which transmitted text Souvanna Phouma declaration.2 Text reply follows (complimentary opening omitted):
“Secretary of State would be most grateful if Minister would convey to Prime Minister expression his appreciation of clarity, conciseness and logic of declaration. U.S. fully aware of aims Communist imperialism as represented by Viet Minh, whose false claim to be allied with nationalism Laos now again effectively unmasked.”
“Secretary of State takes opportunity reiterate determination U.S. Government continue its material assistance to armed forces French [Page 936] Union including those Laos in their heroic fight against Communist aggression and imperialism. Secretary of State desires also reiterate his admiration of brave struggle being conducted by people of Laos under leadership Royal Government.”
Decided here public release this text more appropriately done by Lao Government Vientiane. You therefore authorized tell Lao U.S. has no objection such action. Lao Minister here informed and agrees. Notify Department when release made.3
- Drafted by Getz of PSA. Repeated for information to Saigon as 1134 and Paris as 2340.↩
- Neither the Laotian note nor a record of the conversation between the Secretary of State and the Laotian Ambassador on Dec. 29 has been found in Department of State files. A briefing memorandum by Drumright to the Secretary regarding the conversation, Dec. 29, is in file 751J.00/12–2953.↩
- In telegram 18 from Vientiane, Jan. 2, 1954, it was reported that the text had been published in Vientiane on Dec. 30.↩