Office of the Historian

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

Washington, August 17, 1957—11:59 a.m.

149. Vientiane 218 repeated Paris 45 London 45;2 Paris 715 repeated Vientiane 6 being repeated London pouched other addressees.3 We inclined believe U.S.–U.K. talks with French would be of little avail in bringing about real Western unity. … Foreign Office seems willing at least attempt preserve facade of common position. …

Generally speaking, French have seldom shown disposition work with us in past in Indochina, despite even formal agreement joint policy, until U.S. position proven strongest (as in Viet-Nam 1955) and cooperation mandatory to preserve French interest. In absence man such as Diem in Laos, there seems scant prospect French will feel obliged act with us. Arguments re common interest Free World have thus far had negligible effect French desire maintain special position (persistence their effort demonstrated by continuance Sainteny Mission despite cold reception on part DRV and mission’s apparently total lack accomplishment). We increasingly coming believe only way we could obtain unity worth mentioning would be by our capitulation to soft line on Pathet Lao issue, which clearly dangerous.

At present therefore we believe we should stand on our policy re Lao problems in contacts with foreigners, making no special effort obtain French support, while continuing work on appropriate occasion for agreed position without damage our own views (as in case April 16 tripartite note). Though results discouraging thus far, your [Page 967] excellent efforts thaw out Gassouin through friendly gestures are probably best means now available to remedy immediate situation.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1257. Secret. Drafted by Byrne; cleared in SEA and FE; and approved by Robertson. Sent also to Paris and repeated to London, Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok.↩
  2. Document 465.↩
  3. In telegram 715, August 12, the Embassy in Paris reported that the British Embassy there was reluctant to suggest to the French that informal tripartite talks on Laos should be resumed. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1257)↩