Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, East Asian Security; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XXI

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

Washington, August 15, 1956—7:35 p.m.

181. Since further attempts postpone Peiping visit would be completely unavailing we believe advisable now try prevent Lao commitments to Chinese Communists during trip.

Souvanna’s desire please everyone and easy agreement with last person to see him appear counsel steady but fairly low-keyed friendly advice reminding him of US position and support and of Laos’ commitments to West. Each response by Souvanna and other Lao leaders concurring in existence such ties may have psychological effect strengthening actual pro-West commitment. (In this connection believe Thai-Lao planning and maintenance Seno should be mentioned every appropriate opportunity.)

Unless you perceive objection, request you see Souvanna and Katay before departure for Peiping and state though US continues regret Lao for reasons not clear to us have decided travel Communist China before settlement Pathet question (you might at your discretion point out Souphannouvong himself seems think settlement still pending as indicated his statement at August 7 ceremony presenting communiqué to ICC) we are gratified they intend visit be purely social and plan make no commitments Peiping. Souvanna might find it useful know US Congress and people would be seriously concerned if Laos accepted Chinese Communist aid which experience has indicated is given only for political objective penetration and subversion.

Re possible Souvanna statement before leaving for Peiping (Vientiane 183²), believe Prime Minister has already gone as far as he will go on foreign policy in radio broadcast on PL settlement (Vientiane 214³). Any Lao declaration re courtesy nature trip would of course be helpful.

With respect airport send-off (Vientiane 238⁴), we inclined prefer no Embassy representative be present. Nevertheless if you believe Souvanna might be offended absence US representatives you have discretion send junior officer. Suggest you merely inform British French Thai colleagues your decision without attempting influence their actions.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.51j93/8–1556. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Byrne; cleared by SEA and in substance by U/PR; and approved by Sebald. Repeated to London, Paris, Bangkok, Ottawa, New Delhi, Saigon, and Phnom Penh.
2. The proposed statement outlined in telegram 183 from Vientiane, August 7, was British-inspired; in it Souvanna Phouma would declare that Laos was neutral, but not neutralist, (nil, 751J.00/8–756)
3. Telegram 214, August 11, transmitted a summary translation of Souvanna Phouma’s radio broadcast to the nation of August 10. (7 Ibid., 751J.00/8–1156)
4. In telegram 238, August 15, Parsons requested instructions as to whether, as was customary, he should attend the airport send-off for Souvanna Phouma and the Lao party leaving for Peking. (Ibid., 033.51G93/6–1556)