396.1 GE/4–2154: Telegram
The Chargé at Saigon (McClintock) to the Department of State
30. Sent Saigon 92, Paris 20. Paris for Ambassador Heath. In separate talks on April 15 and 17 with Crown Prince and Prime Minister the following was gathered re Laotian ideas on Geneva Conference.
Though still vague in its thinking, Lao Government will probably follow French lead but only under condition French and/or great [Page 541] powers guarantee all Viet Minh evacuate Laos. This holds true whether French desire talks re peace, truce or other negotiations.
Lao Government skeptical of chances of success either Korean or Indochina phases at Geneva.
Prime Minister stated he and Foreign Minister ready attend preliminary discussions and conference itself but are awaiting invitations.