Office of the Historian

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

Washington, March 5, 1957—6:39 p.m.

1108. Lao Ambassador today handed us copy “most secret” mimeographed note dated Vientiane February 222 which apparently also being given other interested states. Gist as follows:

After summarizing RLG efforts solve PL problem, culminating December 28 communiqué, note states diverse reactions various foreign Governments to January 16 note3 explaining RLG policy have led RLG wonder whether Western Powers see search for solution to PL problem in same manner. Different attitudes which RLG discerned among Great Powers caused malaise public opinion, embarrassed RLG in delicate task, and compromised favorable settlement PL problem.

RLG expresses wish joint U.K., French, U.S. declaration will emphasize interest three governments attach, in order maintain peace Southeast Asia, to effective reunification Laos respecting full sovereignty RLG and integrity national territory. Such declaration designed avoid all misunderstanding would give RLG effective encouragement and moral support. End Summary.

Request comments Vientiane, Paris, London. Text being pouched.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/3–557. Secret. Drafted by Byrne and approved by Kocher. Also sent to Paris and London, and repeated to Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and USUN for Young.↩
  2. Not printed. (Ibid., FE Files: Lot 59 D 19, Laos 1957)↩
  3. See footnote 2, Document 416.↩