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

398. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State¹

Vientiane, November 24, 1956—4 p.m.

822. Deptel 612.² Since mere reiteration our view PL leaders are Communists likely evoke more irritation with his comprehension of US position on part of Souvanna who firmly believes his brother is not Communist, I am preparing recapitulation reasons supporting contrary belief re Pathet Lao. This is to be used orally and will delay till Monday delivery aide-mémoire³ embodying substance reference telegram.

Department will have noted from recent telegrams that few people here really sure Souphannouvong is Communist. There are many who believe he can be weaned eventually and that he is already much changed. Nhouy for instance does not think he is a Communist. Having taken oath of fealty, Souphannouvong is now treated as member princely family and Lao in good standing. I learned yesterday he is dining at British Embassy Tuesday …. Nevertheless there will be political consequences of social acceptance if only in terms of Souvanna’s believing with more conviction that we are mistaken.

In connection with Department’s views as expressed in FYI portion reference telegram time may come when we shall be faced with alternatives of acquiescence inclusion PL by constitutional means after elections or reappraisal our policy. If latter in turn meant withdrawal US support, it would be tantamount to acquiescence in letting Communists win here without further struggles. Whether we like it or not, I do not see much chance of going back to status quo ante Souvanna.

I do believe essential keep Pathet out of cabinet now and that their inclusion is undesirable at any foreseeable time. But I hope our position will not evolve in such manner as to commit us too inflexibly in advance and that Department merely wishes avoid having RLG believe that there is possibility we might at some time acquiesce in inclusion PL.

Parsons

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–2456. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Paris, London, Saigon, Ottawa, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, and New Delhi. Passed to Young at USUN.
2. Supra.
3. Texts in French and English of this aide-mémoire, given to Souvanna Phouma on Tuesday, November 27, are in despatch 94 from Vientiane, November 28. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–2856)