414. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State1
1128. Following is roundup latest developments concerning Souvanna’s proposal for formation coalition government.
- 1.
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Souvanna explains his proposal at closed session National Assembly (January 10): Meeting attended by two-thirds all Deputies. Souvanna reportedly asserted Pathet not Communists and PL have negotiated with RLG with sincerity. Since PL not Communist RLG decided enlarge Cabinet by offering them two posts (Embtel 9852). Continued that certain friendly nations discontented by policy bringing Pathet into national community. Specifically mentioned United States. Stated, however, he did not think US would stop aid program because Laos is not Communist. Asserted (a) Laos only asks right remain neutral; (b) US actually giving aid to Communist countries; (c) there is no reason for US not give aid Laos; and finally, (d) if US should stop aid program another country would help Souvanna did not identify country. Asserted RLG would present plan settlement with Pathet to Assembly after Souphanouvong’s return Vientiane. Pleaded Deputies not be influenced by opinion other countries. After creation Government National Union it would send only those functionaries not native to two provinces in that area. Stated government had already issued orders all chiefs of services be ready send functionaries from other provinces into two provinces. (This confirmed by French adviser who drafted instructions to Ministers.)
Souvanna answered questions raised by Deputies, of which most important were: (a) Functionaries native to two provinces, including Pathet, would be sent to work in other provinces; re PL army, Souvanna stated it would come under command ANL Commanding General who would dispose of them; (b) Commanding General, ANL, will announce whether maintain PL military as separate unit within ANL or break them up and scatter among regular ANL army.
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Katay enters scene: One day after return Vientiane from long peregrination, Katay invited Deputies Nationalist Party, of which he is President, to party caucus January 11. Stressed United States give aid Laos so that it remains truly independent and also anti-Communist. Claimed questions enlarging government with Pathet and unification Laos by PL joining national community are secondary to United States. Emphasized, however, important for Laos show it is anti-Communist. Therefore he desirous present three laws to National [Page 879] Assembly for approval demonstrating Laos not Communist. Laws would consist of those relevant (a) subversive activities, (b) registration political parties, and (c) propaganda leaflets. Katay requested his project be adopted by National Assembly prior to formation coalition government. If Pathet accept laws RLG can proceed by taking Pathet into coalition government since Pathet will then also be bound by anti-Communist laws. Should National Assembly fail adopt these laws, Katay would give freedom action to members Nationalist Party revoking formation coalition government. Majority Deputies present said to have concurred in Katay’s proposal. Possibility occurs to us Katay may have hit on idea legislation (a) as tactic gain time and (b) means paying debt to Thai who have similar legislation.
Following initial action within Party Katay put out leaflet draft law before Cabinet January 12 and obtained its agreement for presenting it to Assembly. Present indications are Katay as first move is working for acceptance by Assembly of three laws he evidently believes will impose appreciable limitations on PL activities in event settlement. In effect his actions in this regard have contributed to delaying consideration accord by Assembly. At same time he is reported to be studying RLG–PL accord with view to introducing modifications in its wording to strengthen it. In regard to latter effort, it not clear extent Katay support among Deputies and Cabinet Ministers to win acceptance any modifications he may propose. Indeed, without being cynical, we have no absolute assurance that he will follow through on opposing accord in its present form. However, according Thai Ambassador, Katay is now less disposed to accept deal than at first.
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- News on Crown Prince: Understand Crown Prince scheduled arrive Vientiane to preside over Cabinet meeting prior Souvanna presenting proposals to National Assembly. Interesting note Souvanna threatening remove Sopsaisana who, in dual capacity Director Protocol and Director Royal Household is closely tied to Crown, from present functions. Difficulty finding competent replacement who also acceptable to Crown major obstacle, but fact Souvanna contemplates this action evidence he is dissatisfied by Sopsaisana lobbying with Deputies, and other acts he considers unfriendly. May of course merely be effort intimidate Sopsaisana.
- 4.
- Souphanouvong delays returning Vientiane: Originally scheduled arrive before January 10, Souphanouvong has delayed his return and no arrival date so far announced. Only upon his arrival will it be known whether PL have accepted two specific Cabinet posts offered by RLG, or whether further bargaining will ensue re obtaining other positions. In addition to this obstacle, possible PL have misgivings about proposed anti-Communist law which would further delay Assembly action.
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- RLG elaborates military and civilian plans for provinces: As mentioned paragraph one above, RLG has already drafted detailed plans re military, police and civilian occupation two provinces. French advisers have played important role in his task, and assume Soulie has backed this up. No details as yet available.
- 6.
- Timetable: Although Oudom has returned from New Delhi upon Prime Minister’s direct request and all Cabinet members now physically in Laos, it appears nevertheless Katay’s proposal for anti-Communist laws and Souphanouvong’s absence Vientiane will further delay Souvanna presenting himself before Assembly. French adviser to Prime Minister opined Assembly action would not take place earlier than next week.