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

456. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State¹

Paris, July 12, 1957—2 p.m.

243. Reference: Deptel sent Paris 163.² We would think approach to French requesting they use their resources Laos to assist in obtaining Katay’s investiture would result in no good and probably some harm.

French would most likely decline request on grounds “such intervention in internal affairs Laos” undesirable and incompatible with delicacy French role as former protecting power. This attitude may not correspond with actual French activities Laos but it is almost surely one Foreign Office would take.

Should we then request they at least take no action frustrate Katay’s bid, Foreign Office would probably reply, possibly with some indignation, this of course would be their attitude.

We agree with Department’s observation word of our approach would inevitably leak back to Souvanna.

While we believe approach of type suggested unlikely be helpful in achieving our objective or clarify French position and would probably leave some strain in atmosphere with French, we plan today in general conversation with Foreign Office re Laos make clear we would like see Katay succeed at this time. We will state that since Phoui has twice declined, Souvanna’s personal prestige too closely tied up with coalition idea, and Petsarath, agreed in US-UK-French conversations, dangerous because of his soft attitude toward PL we believe Katay best available candidate at present. French would have opportunity present their views and should they subsequently work against Katay they would be doing so in full knowledge United States attitude and in direct contradiction their earnest plea in US-UK-French meeting for cooperation and frankness. We believe this action on our part would not prejudice Department’s decision should Department wish instruct us make more positive approach.

Houghton

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/7–1257. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated to London and priority to Vientiane.
2. Telegram 163 to Paris, sent also to Vientiane as 43, July 11, reads as follows:

   “Request your views soonest whether it would be helpful in achieving our objective or in clarifying French position if we asked French here or Paris use their resources Laos to assist in obtaining Katay’s investiture. Should French be reluctant we would propose request they at least take no action frustrate Katay’s bid. We recognize French leak to Souvanna and possibly Petsarath would be inevitable.” (Ibid., 751J.00/7–1157)