790.5/12–2854: Telegram
The Minister in Laos (Yost) to the Department of State
secret
Vientiane, December 28, 1954—1
p.m.
204. Repeated information Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok unnumbered. Joint Legation/USOM message. Reference Department telegram 133, repeated Saigon 2295, Bangkok 1456, Phnom Penh 181.1 Suggest following objectives and projects at this time:
- A.
- Training of Lao officers and noncommissioned officers by Thai Army. Since Geneva accords do not permit MAAG establishment in Laos and in view French limitations in this field, training by Thai Army would seem best alternative. Similarity of language and proximity Thailand should permit easy implementation such project.
- B.
- Improvement transportation connections Laos–Cambodia–Thailand. This objective basic to any development Laos as hinterland with no access to sea. Its success will govern importance of objectives suggested paragraphs C and D below. Loss of Hanoi and North Vietnam to Communists has further cut off Laos from outside world. Present sea outlets limited [garble] Tourane (both almost inaccessible), Saigon in South Vietnam, and Bangkok. Road network almost entirely oriented to Vietnam and Cambodia. Although shipment commodities to southern Laos as far as Savannakhet via Saigon economically acceptable, similar shipments to northern Laos prohibitive in cost and slowness. One of first objectives USOM/Laos will therefore be to continue improving means of transportation between northern Laos and Thailand. Projects for additional ferries, barges and landing ramps on Mekong River will receive favorable consideration, as will project for improving Luang Prabang and Vientiane air fields (where traffic has doubled every year since 1952) and road construction projects leading to landing ramps on Mekong (such as Vientiane-Thadeua road, leading to future landing ramp opposite Thai railhead at Udorn).
- C.
- Agreement Thailand–Laos for free transit of commodities shipped to Laos via Thailand. Preliminary discussions have taken place Bangkok this subject but little apparent progress to date. USOM keenly interested this matter in anticipation that goods formerly shipped via Saigon will increasingly be shipped through Bangkok, particularly for north Laos.
- D.
- Trade development Thailand–Laos–Cambodia. Feel that important percentage trade Laos–Thailand is on clandestine basis across unguarded Mekong River, that French policy and Indo-Chinese war have reduced potential trade these two countries. Also informed that present Lao exports far below prewar.
- E.
- Educational, technical and public administration training of Lao personnel in Thai and Cambodian institutions. Lao officials have ambitious plans for creation Lao university and various technical institutions. Although such plans should not be discouraged, feel they are beyond realm immediate realization and much time could be saved by taking advantage existing institutions Cambodia and particularly Thailand. Since effectiveness Lao administration determining factor instability and development this country, as well as in success of FOA program, our first emphasis should be in training public administrators who are sadly lacking in Laos today. Remaining French officials have been stripped most their authority, many Vietnamese expelled, while Laotians do not appear aware of fact that independent status now emerging implies responsibilities and numerous administrative functions. Example of Thailand as relatively well-administered neighbor with long tradition independence should provide badly needed stimulus to Lao officials [garble] Bangkok comment this project.
- F.
- Will also investigate as soon as practicable feasibility of hydroelectric dams in Mekong River, as possible source of power for adjacent areas Laos and northern Thailand.
- G.
- This subject is matter of continuing concern to Legation and USOM and furthermore detailed proposals will be submitted as soon as time permits.
Yost