366. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State1
136. At close of talk reported Embassy telegram 1342 Prime Minister said Souphannavong arrived evening July 31 and they had had hour of talk which fruitful. Souphannavong assured Souvanna he was not Communist, but was completely misinformed re purposes US aid and bases US-Lao relationship. Had idea US and RLG had defensive-offensive alliance, enable US use Laos as base to strike at Communists. Unable otherwise understand why US aiding RLG. Souvanna made clear no alliance whatsoever: militarily US wanted keep Laos from being invaded by Communists; economically and politically, US wanted prevent Laos being communized by helping people enjoy decent living and viable economy. US policy was to have maximum number friendly non-Communist countries in world. This was all, and if Souphannavong was as he said not Communist, he should have no quarrel with US position. Also, if Souphannavong did not believe him why did not he talk to American Ambassador himself. As for RLG policy it was to remain neutral and avoid becoming battleground (I interjected, it was Communists who had already done that) and be friends both East and West. Souphannavong [Page 781] adduced parallel of Egypt; Souvanna said, no, on the contrary, Egypt was “neutralist” not “neutral”. (British Ambassador tells me that he has been hammering away to get Souvanna see this distinction.) Souvanna again assured Souphannavong if he was indeed not Communist all could be worked out. Souphannavong spoke of “democratic practices”. Souvanna said, indeed that was RLG system. PL would be under parliamentary rule. If observed laws, they could do what they wanted without trouble; but if they set out to overthrow government, that was against the law and they would be arrested.
Meeting with Souphannavong scheduled afternoon August 1 to discuss broad principles. Souvanna will make clear RLG wants peace, avoid becoming battleground, but desires follow “neutral” not “neutralist” policy. In parting it was arranged that, since Souvanna’s time would be fully taken, Blancke would keep in touch with Sisouk3 re course negotiations.
I intend, however, to seek appointment with Souvanna whenever it seems desirable.
Embassy officer talking to Cabinet member learned five principal PL negotiators are Souphannavong, Phoumi, Kaysone, Nouhak and Major Uhao Phoun. RLG is including on its side representatives of principal political parties.
British Ambassador who learned I was seeing Souvanna called at Embassy this morning and I gave him substance foregoing. He is to see Prime Minister tomorrow and will brief me subsequently.