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

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

Washington, October 20, 1956—4:57 p.m.

448. Joint State–Defense–ICA message. Vientiane 515 repeated London 85 Paris 108 Ottawa 75 Saigon 104 Bangkok Phnom Penh New Delhi Unnumbered.²

1. Concur suggested initial U.S. position on integration PL troops, including PEO/ARMA point restricting PL in command positions. Believe latter point should be made in initial presentation, though we recognize we may have yield later if RLG unable accept.

2. We not clear whether you intend take initiative presenting proposal to RLG or wish hold in readiness as rebuttal RLG plan when latter fully formulated. From here appears advisable wait see what RLG produce, provided you consulted before RLG presents its plan to PL.

3. With respect numbered paragraph 2 reference telegram, we should be interested know what mechanism RLG would use fund costs maintaining PL effectives during screening period.

4. In discussions with RLG request you make point Deptel 120³ that U.S. will consider PL troop integration in light over-all political settlement achieved by RLG. (We would not wish make binding commitment on reintegration plan only later find RLG making undesirable concessions other scores which would impair controls on integrated troops.)

5. Any U.S. funding PL reindoctrination and training described reference telegram should come from amounts available military budget support, i.e., $35.6 million CY 1956 and $20 million CY 1957, or alternatively from possible savings or deferment low priority projects FY 1957 economic program.

6. Advise estimated local currency cost PL integration.

7. We share your view paramount importance properly executed PL integration for survival Laos, but believe RLG can operate program within foregoing financial limits.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/10–156. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Byrne and Pierre L. Sales of ICA; cleared by Sebald, Jones, and Robert G. Barnes, Special Assistant to the Secretary for Mutual Security Affairs; approved by Robertson; and cleared in draft with ICA and Defense. Repeated to London, Paris, Ottawa, New Delhi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, and CINCPAC.
2. Document 386.
3. Document 367.
4. In telegram 680 from Vientiane, October 31, the Embassy reported that it intended to hold its plan on integration of the Pathet Lao in readiness, that it did not know how the Royal Government would fund the Pathet Lao effectives during the screening period, but it was sure that the United States would be the ultimate payer. The Embassy was unable to accurately estimate the costs of integration of the Pathet Lao effectives into the National Army. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/10–3155)