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

437. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, May 25, 1957—8:21 p.m.

4702. Vientiane 1971 repeated Paris 429 London 389 Saigon Phnom Penh Bangkok Unnumbered; Vientiane 1957 repeated Paris 425 London 385 Saigon Phnom Penh Bangkok Unnumbered.² Unless you perceive objections or disadvantages to following procedure, you should inform Quai d’Orsay we again receiving reports French Vientiane in contrast U.K. and U.S. taking position that coalition government including Pathet Lao acceptable. Foreign Office has heretofore insisted French shared American British view such move on RLG part dangerous to prospects Laos’ survival as free state. Moreover we understood French along with U.K. and U.S. cited coalition as example PL conditions extraneous to fundamental problem reunification in oral comments on delivering April 16 note.³

We therefore disturbed this revival reports French support hazardous Souvanna proposal. Resurrection coalition, advocates of which can only be strengthened if alleged French attitude true, when Congressional temper is for reduction Mutual Security appropriations heightens our concern. Executive Branch has difficulty each year defending Laos program because of striking disparity between population and aid request figures but has thus far been able justify relatively large expenditure as sum needed (in view Laos extreme lack own resources) assist this vulnerable country maintain its independence. If however at moment when Congress already seeking means reduce U.S. foreign aid outlay Lao take Communists into government, Congress could only assume Laos not doing utmost preserve its independence and therefore not good investment for Free World.

We believe French could be of great help in explaining these facts of life to Laos. U.S. wishes continue support Laos but, as often stated before, ability do so depends in large part on Laos’ own actions.

We shall make similar representation here.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/5–2357. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Byrne and cleared with SEA, WE, and FE. Repeated to Vientiane, London, Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok.
2. Dated May 21 and 23, neither printed. (Ibid., 751J.00/5–2157 and 751J.00/5–2357)
3. Attached to Document 431.