Office of the Historian

60. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1

Bangkok, July 12, 1955—6 p.m.

101. For Secretary from Peurifoy. I am confident Thai Government request convene SEATO Council representatives for purpose exchanging views Lao situation can be arranged. Such action would fit in very well with Thai policy of making frequent public reference possibilities subversion or aggression from nearby areas as make weight for continued substantial American assistance. In my opinion initiative by Thai rather than Lao Government would be prompter, more effectively directed, and would also tend avoid possible irritation on part Indians and ICC against Laos for appealing over their heads, as it were, to SEATO. Action now by Thailand would not necessarily foreclose subsequent statement or appeal to SEATO from Laos if feasible and desirable (Vientiane’s 28, repeated Bangkok unnumbered not yet received2).

Tentatively I suggest Thai Council representatives might submit draft declaration for adoption by Council representatives expressing SEATO concern at reports of situation in Laos, referring to fact Lao territory covered by SEATO protocol, and particularly to obligations under paragraph 2, Article IV. Whether or not such statement ultimately acceptable to Council representatives, particularly France and United Kingdom, in light of facts as developed, I presume principal US objective will have been achieved: i.e., informing Communist bloc and world opinion through international press that SEATO is following developments in Laos with keen interest.

Request I be furnished intelligence data re situation in Laos for use with Council representatives. No detailed official communications yet received by Embassy confirming recent UP reports from Saigon. On basis conversation this morning US Army Attaché3 from Vientiane, I have impression very little actual fighting has occurred with no evidence active Viet Minh intervention.

If you approve, I believe I can arrange have this matter discussed in Thai Cabinet meeting tomorrow morning July 13 (night July 12 Washington time) with view producing directive to raise matter with Council representatives. Press report Thai Cabinet consideration Lao problem would provide useful news item on which focus world opinion pending SEATO action.

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I had hoped be able set up arrangements such manner indicate Thai initiative this matter, even to Thai Government itself. However, inasmuch as Thai SEATO Council representative just telephoned say Department informed Sarasin I would be instructed raise Lao problem in SEATO, it will be very difficult conceal United States sponsorship Thai actions.4

Peurifoy
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/7–1255. Secret; Niact. Repeated niact to Vientiane.↩
  2. See footnote 5, supra.↩
  3. Lieutenant Colonel Donald B. Gordon.↩
  4. Robertson, the Department replied:

    “The Secretary has seen your referenced telegram and approves course of action you propose.

    “Thai Government should be sure to inform Lao Government prior to raising this issue in order have full support of latter.

    “Re last paragraph reftel: During discussion with Thai Ambassador who said this matter should be raised we heartily concurred and said we were asking you for advice as to best method.

    “Re intelligence reports: Request Vientiane furnish available data.” (Department of State, Central Files, 790.5/7–1255)

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