315. Editorial Note
In a memorandum to Murphy, Sebald suggested that the Department of State raise the question of bilateral military talks between [Page 691] Thailand and Laos (see Document 310) at a Department of State-Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting on October 14. (Sebald’s memorandum, October 13, is in Department of State, Central Files, 751J.5/10–1355) At the meeting, the issue was discussed as follows:
“Military Coopération between Thailand and Laos
“Mr. Sebald discussed the desirability of encouraging military cooperation between Thailand and Laos and outlined the program contained in Bangkok’s telegram 856. He asked for JCS concurrence to a telegram to Bangkok which would express our agreement in principle to this program.
“Admiral Radford said he personally saw no harm in encouraging the Thais and Laotians to get together. Admiral Burke questioned a sentence in Bangkok’s 856 which reads ‘create impression in mind Thai and Laotians of US intention provide substantial support in event armed attack’. He felt it was most unwise to create any ‘impression’. We should know what we are going to do in this area and be ready to back it up. Mr. Murphy fully agreed with Admiral Burke’s comment. Admiral Radford said he regarded the Laotian situation as a test of SEATO. If we do nothing affirmatively SEATO will collapse. If we take a strong stand he feels we will be able to control the situation. General Taylor wondered whether we should engage our prestige with ground forces in this area and seemed to have serious reservations about the advisability of extensive commitments here. Admiral Radford replied that our prestige was already engaged. Admiral Radford said the Joint Chiefs would take a further look at this problem.” (Department of State, State–JCS Meetings: Lot 61 D 417)
On the next day, the Department of State, with Department of Defense approval, sent the following telegram to Bangkok and Vientiane:
“Your 856 repeated Vientiane 181.
“Concur in principle recommendations a, b, c, d, e. Addressees should coordinate manner and timing approaches to Lao Thai authorities and other details implementation. Impending visit Lao military mission to Thailand may give opportunity express views to two governments. No impression should be given Thai or Lao authorities that US does or does not intend provide military forces.
“Transmit details your jointly recommended plan action soonest before any approaches made to Thai or Lao in order fullest Washington support can be rendered.” (Telegram 1248 to Bangkok, 283 to Vientiane; ibid., Central Files, 751J.5/9–2355)