751G.00/11–654: Telegram
The Minister in Laos (Yost) to the Department of State
priority
[Received November 7—12:11 p.m.]
92. Repeated information Saigon 143, New Delhi 5, Phnom Penh unnumbered by pouch. Reference Legtel 90.1 Souvannaphouma informed me shortly before issuance this communiqué that, as result his negotiations during past few days with Pathet Lao delegate to current joint meeting ICC and mixed commission, declaration would be made to ICC by Pathet delegate (1) recognizing sovereign Royal Government all Laos (2) recognizing right Royal Government administer two northern provinces. Prime Minister very proud his achievement and remarked correctness his policy government handling Pathet Lao would soon be demonstrated. In reply my question he insisted Pathet had demanded no quid pro quo. Said he intended overtly negotiate with Pathet procedure re establishing Royal administration two provinces.
I saw Souvanna again after issuance of communiqué and pointed out it fell far short of assurances to him, in fact apparently confirming Pathet intention retain administration northern provinces. Prime Minister appeared considerably deflated and admitted readily declaration unsatisfactory this point. He added it would have to be negotiated out but that would be responsibility new government. He was obviously embarrassed by direct reference to himself in communiqué. Nevertheless he has since issued statement to press welcoming Pathet declaration as step forward but emphasizing that “unity of the government necessarily implies unity administration and unity armed forces.”
Initiative for negotiation and declaration probably stems from Indian ambassador whose favorite theme is everything can be settled between Lao and Pathet Lao brothers if they will only sit down at table together. Souvannaphouma inclines this view but more cautiously. His hope is to lead Pathet by gradual stages into national camp.
Agence France Presse story, published here and abroad and picked up by VOA, claiming Pathets have conceded to Royal Government jurisdiction over northern provinces, most misleading.
- Telegram 90 from Vientiane, Nov. 4, concerning the work of the International Control Commission in Laos, is not printed. (751G.00/11–454)↩