507. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1
541. Vientiane 812 repeated Paris 179 London 172 Saigon 246 Phnom Penh Bangkok Unnumbered passed CINCPAC;2 Vientiane [Page 1042] 819 repeated Paris 182 London 175 Saigon 249.3 We concur 1) timing your recall for policy reevaluation and 2) substance note to Souvanna on reappraisal necessitated by coalition to be delivered day after investiture as proposed numbered paragraph 9 Vientiane 812. Travel orders will follow. You have discretion return later however if subsequent developments lead you to prefer procedure paragraph 11.
So far as aid abuses and exchange rate problem concerned, believe you should mention them only orally and comment only to effect these difficulties constitute separate problem which will affect feasibility obtaining future aid appropriations. Reference to pushing negotiations to conclusion (last sentence paragraph 9) might be interpreted as indicating favorable outcome reassessment, thus inducing relaxed attitude and lack vigilance in execution accords on part RLG.
Re numbered paragraph 10, we agree allies should be informed here and Vientiane after you have handed note on your recall for consultation to Souvanna and that their assistance in preventing rash RLG action during reevaluation period should be solicited. We have no objection your discussing recall with Crown Prince, Phoui, and/or other responsible Lao leaders you deem advisable but suggest you avoid stating reevaluation not necessarily ominous sign and limit comment to observation results reappraisal should not be prejudged.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–1657. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Byrne, cleared by Kocher (in draft) and Jones, and approved by Robertson. Repeated to Paris, London, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- Document 505.↩
- Supra.↩