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

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

Vientiane, October 23, 1957—7 p.m.

646. Department pass CINCPAC for POLAD. Reference Embassy telegram 607.² Joint political commission signed October 22 final agreement on reestablishment RLG administration in 2 PL held provinces and integration PL functionaries. Agreement generally based on RLG working paper reported reference telegram. Signed agreement now being forwarded to RLG which chief RLG delegate political commission claimed will present it to National Assembly before end this week.

Following are highlights signed agreement as reported to Embassy officer by Tane, chief RLG delegate to political commission:

1. RLG has complete and full sovereignty over 2 PL provinces.

2. Provinces will be turned over to RLG by declaration from Souphanouvong in solemn session in National Assembly attended by Crown, ICC, Diplomatic Corps, King’s Council and Royal Government.

3. Same day as declaration (2 above) Government of National Union will be presented to Assembly for investiture.

4. Actual transfer 2 provinces to RLG control will take place next day in Sam Neua and Phong Saly at ceremony to be witnessed by ICC, Diplomatic Corps et cetera. Only 3 RLG officials (Governor, Deputy Governor and Province Chief) per province will take up these functions on this day. PL will turn over to RLG at that occasion all documents archives public buildings funds admin service equipment and functionaries.

5. A few days later bulk of RLG administrators and technicians will take up their duties in two provinces.

6. Appointments to administrative and technical positions in two provinces will be on 50–50 basis.

7. All PL functionaries to be integrated must be former members RLG administration.

8. A few days later all PL functionaries must wear [swear?] fidelity according existing RLG regulations.

9. PL functionaries who are not integrated will be allowed to return to their homes (details covered in RLG project).

10. General supplementary elections will be held four months after reestablishement RLG control over two provinces (day of Souphanouvong’s declaration before Assembly).

11. During these four months newly appointed ex-Pathet Lao will remain in Cabinet of Government of National Union. Their membership in any RLG government thereafter depends on election results, i.e. whether their participation is needed for formation government.

12. During these four months no integrated PL functionary can be transferred except for medical reasons or on personal request. After expiration this period RLG can dispose of PL integratees as it sees fit (i.e., can transfer or dismiss them).

Parsons

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/10–2357. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Paris, London, Saigon, Bangkok, and Phnom Penh.
2. In telegram 607, October 19, the Embassy transmitted to the Department a summary of the Royal Lao Government’s working paper on reestablishing its administration and integrating Pathet Lao functionaries in the two northern provinces. See footnote 5, Document 477.