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

457. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State¹

Vientiane, July 13, 1957—1 a.m.

79. Reference: Deptel 43.²

1) On clarifying French position we think it would be better defer another go round Laos until we see whether as indicated Saigon tel 23³ to Department Gassouin being replaced.

2) On urging French support Katay I doubt wisdom doing this so directly because French reservations about him stem in substantial measure from feeling he is a) anti French b) under American influence. They would probably be reluctant act anyway except possibly thru Souvanna himself who has of course just been frustrated by Katay’s selection.

3) In discussing Laos with French it might be helpful to speculate about Souvanna instead of Katay. [If?] the Souvanna and Luang-prabang group oppose Katay and split Nationalist Party where does that lead Souvanna? Does it not mean he exchanges key role in largest most stable and conservative group in Assembly for uncertain future as head of splinter group? Would he not have to seek leftwing coalition with Bong and Democrats? Would not this be bad for both Laos and West? Would he not then become identified too much as pro French leader here just as Katay has (unjustly) been accused of being under our control? Would it not obviously be bad to risk a split into pro United States and pro French camps when really we want to work together in Laos?.

4) While I am not sanguine that some such line would help much it might conceivably result in neutralizing some of opposition to Katay from French and Souvanna. It would be helpful if we could in this context solicit French views and perhaps get them to agree that nothing should be done which might prolong and aggravate crisis thus leading to even more uncertain situation.

5) I have just read Paris tel 243⁴ and concur with analysis and moderate approach suggested.

Parsons

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/7–1357. Secret; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Paris and London.
2. See footnote 2, supra.
3. In telegram 23, July 3, the Embassy in Saigon reported information from French Embassy sources in Vietnam that Ambassador Gassouin was being replaced because of his inability to cooperate with Americans in Laos. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.51/7–357)
4. Supra.