Office of the Historian

248. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Embassy in Laos1

New York, January 22, 1957—9 p.m.

4. Re admission Vietnam. Laos acting chief delegate has questioned decision Ourot2 join US and dozen co-sponsors on introducing resolution calling for admission Republic of Vietnam, and asked his government for instructions on co-sponsoring and supporting draft resolution which has already been circulated with Laos listed among sponsors. To avoid embarrassment for Laos, and others, USDel hopes Lao Foreign Ministry will send affirmative instructions soonest. Debate begins in special political committee Wednesday afternoon, January 23 or Thursday morning.USDel would appreciate any action Embassy Vientiane can take discreetly stimulate favorable decision.

Ourot in Washington scheduled leave New York Wednesday for Vientiane.

FYI—deletion Laos from sponsors would have deleterious psychological effect on Vietnam membership.

Lodge
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.2/1–2257. Official Use Only; Niact. Repeated to the Department as Delga 561, which is the source text.↩
  2. Ourot R. Souvannavong, member of the Laotian Delegation to the Eleventh Session of the General Assembly.↩