506. Telegram From the Embassy in Laos to the Department of State1
819. Reference Embassy telegram 812.2 Looking ahead to complementary elections which should be held 4 months from now it is [Page 1041] evident that they could well be determining factor in whether Commies are then ousted from government or whether they enter regular government to be formed at that time in not two but in more and more important ministerial jobs. We therefore must consider how we can best contribute to success of conservative parties in struggle for 20 new seats. Suggested plans will be forwarded later but attention should now be called to bearing of elections on timing and manner of United States re-evaluation plans.
Should I be recalled soon per paragraph 9 referred telegram for imminent re-evaluation, uncertainty as to United States attitude will be removed before crucial final period of election campaign. Assuming we decide to continue support of Laos our efforts then would probably be more effective as favorable basis for cooperation with conservative leaders would presumably be created. If on other hand re-evaluation delayed for 60 days it would be taking place in final phases electoral campaign and I fear we would be handicapped in our efforts aid anti-Commie and candidates and to cooperate with sounder elements of RLG. [sic]
Foregoing consideration strengthens my preference for early reappraisal along lines paragraph 9 reference telegram. We should of course also remember that elections may in end be deferred or avoided altogether despite RLG commitment thereto. Implementation of both military and political accords can give rise to all sorts of frictions and difficulties which might produce quite different situation from that which their proponents on both sides envisage. I expect we will see increasing evidence that many on each side regard accords as means gaining control of country rather than as means effecting national reconciliation.