611.51H/5–1754
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the President1
Subject:
- Possible Appointment of Ambassador to Cambodia and Minister to Laos
General Smith from Geneva has suggested that it may be helpful at some stage in the Geneva Conference to announce U.S. intentions of appointing an American Ambassador in Cambodia and an American Minister in Laos. He suggests that necessary arrangements be made without publicity so that a decision, when and if it is taken, can be readily implemented.
I believe an expansion of our diplomatic representation in Cambodia and Laos, and an announcement to that effect, would have a salutary effect if it were undertaken as a part of a coordinated plan to help those nations defend themselves against Communist aggression. This step would tend to underline our recognition of the independence of the Associated States, and the importance we attach to that independence. It would be both futile and embarrassing to announce our intention to name new Chiefs of Mission to these posts unless and until we have determined upon a course of action directed to assure that Laos and Cambodia will be adequately defended.
I recommend that you authorize the appointment of Chiefs of Diplomatic Mission to Cambodia and Laos and the announcement thereof once this move would be part of a coordinated program with regard to defending these states. The final decision can be taken only in the light of subsequent political and military developments, but we should be prepared to move quickly if this course seems desirable.
If you do agree that such a move would be desirable, I will make recommendations to you as to persons who might appropriately fill these posts and will consult with you further regarding the decision to proceed with authorizing General Smith to make an appropriate announcement at Geneva.2
- Drafted by Sturm of PSA and Fisher of WE.↩
By memorandum of May 18, the President responded as follows:
↩“I agreed with your idea that:
- “(a) If we are to expand our diplomatic representation in Cambodia and Laos, it should be done as part of a broader program of assistance to those nations—rendered under conditions which have been generally described both in your public statements and my own.
- “(b) I think that we should now take all necessary preliminary steps so that in the event we decided to take such expansion we can do it without delay.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles papers, “Indochina”)