Office of the Historian

361. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1

Washington, June 8, 1956—8:07 p.m.

1260. Please deliver following personal message from the Secretary to Crown Prince Savang:

“Since our last exchange of messages in March 1956 I have followed with interest the sustained, courageous and effective efforts of the Kingdom of Laos to maintain its security. As I assured Your Highness at that time my country is standing, and is determined to continue to stand firmly behind its commitments in SEATO to, the nations of Free Asia. As Your Highness knows the SEATO powers unanimously included Laos in the Protocol of the SEATO Treaty for purposes of Article IV. The SEATO powers, particularly the United [Page 774] States, possess powerful forces, especially in the air and on the sea. The Chinese Communists and the Viet Minh are fully aware of the strength of these forces and of SEATO Treaty and its Protocol.

I remain confident therefore that the common determination of your government and mine to strengthen the security of Laos would accomplish its purpose and would continue to contribute to the peace of Asia.”

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/6-856. Secret; Niact. Drafted in SEA and signed by Dulles.↩