751G.00/11–2254: Telegram
The Minister in Laos (Yost) to the Department of State
131. Repeated information Saigon 192, Phnom Penh unn. Souvanna Phouma informed British, French and myself today that Royal Army outpost in Phongsaly province had been attacked November 20 by force of about 200 Pathet Laos and Viets. He is awaiting further details re casualties, circumstances, etc., but is sending to chairman ICC today request for immediate investigation. There have been several similar incidents during past three months but this one is on somewhat larger scale and is first to occur after supposed withdrawal Viets, which according their radio had already been completed November 16.
ICC will doubtless investigate but, if usual pattern followed, will arrive too late to ascertain facts. (We recommend, nevertheless, no publicity until ICC has at least had opportunity to investigate). Indian chairman informed me Saturday1 he was “morally certain” all Viets withdrawn but had not yet received final reports from ICC teams in north. We surmise organized Viet units may have withdrawn but have left cadres with Pathet Lao.
Incidents of this kind almost certain to recur in two northern provinces as long as two armed forces confront each other and jurisdiction over provinces remains unsettled. As soon as new government takes office we would hope it would take following steps: (1) Attempt to ascertain directly from Pathet Lao whether they are prepared to demobilize and turn over administration two provinces, in exchange [Page 2277] for promised share in administration these provinces and renewed assurances re reprisals, democratic rights and free participation in elections; (2) if Pathet refuse, appeal to world public through circular note to Geneva signatories, perhaps appeal to UN, etc.; (3) if this fails to shake Pathets, reoccupation of provinces by force. Latter step could probably be carried out relatively painlessly now (Pathet troops estimated about 2,000), whereas if left in prolonged control they will grow in strength and eventually commence infiltration into neighboring provinces.2
During same conversation Souvanna denounced in strong terms ineffectiveness of ICC and said he felt it is accomplishing no useful purpose and believes new government will request its numbers be drastically reduced, particularly in Vientiane and south.