396.1 GE/7–1954: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Department of State

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Secto 679. Repeated information Paris 110, Saigon 79. French delegation has circulated new draft unilateral declaration proposed to be made by Laotian delegation. Reactions other delegations not yet known.1 Unofficial translation follows:

“The Royal Government of Laos:

Anxious to assure the harmony and unanimity of the populations of the Kingdom;

Declares it is resolved to take the necessary measures in order to integrate all citizens without any discrimination in the national community and to guarantee to them the enjoyment of the rights and liberties provided for in the constitution of the Kingdom which has been in effect since 1947;

Makes clear that all Laotian citizens will be able to participate freely as voters and as candidates in the general elections with secret ballot anticipated in Laos in conformity with the dispositions of the constitution and of the existing electoral law;

Indicates additionally, that it will promulgate the appropriate measures to organize in the provinces of Phong Saly and Sam Neua during the period from the cessation of hostilities to the general elections, a special representation attached to the Royal administration of these provinces to benefit the Lao nationals who fought in the ranks of the People’s Army of Vietnam.”

Smith
  1. For Soviet amendments to this draft, see memorandum from Bonsal to Johnson, July 20, infra .