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

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

Washington, June 18, 1957—8:06 p.m.

1567. Vientiane 2077;² Vientiane 2107.³ Assume you concur Department’s 1521 to Vientiane.⁴ Your proposed statement (Vientiane 2077) in response anticipated questions Katay or other pro-U.S. Lao leader re our position coalition appears meet our desire avoid commitment in discussing coalition with foreigners while at same time permitting some flexibility. You therefore given discretion use statement orally as you deem necessary in appropriate situations.

We are not of course prepared shift our policy now in hypothetical situation, nor are we willing in private conversation with Lao or other foreigners go beyond implied flexibility your proposed statement. As stated Department’s 1521, we have succeeded in preventing disastrous developments under Souvanna by standing firm on coalition and do not wish lose ground by premature or unnecessary change.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/6–1157. Secret. Drafted by Byrne; cleared by Kocher, Young (in draft), and Jones; approved by Robertson; and repeated to Paris, London, Saigon, and Phnom Penh.
2. Document 447.
3. See footnote 5, supra.
4. Supra.