169. Editorial Note
As recommended by the Embassy in Vientiane in telegram 1114, January 3, and approved in Washington (Document 162), U.S. agencies in Laos began on March 31 a high-impact village aid program with the codeword “Operation Booster Shot.” (Department of State, Central Files, 033.51J11/1–358) The operation consisted of a daily air-shuttle of supplies between Bangkok and Vientiane for use in the Lao civic action program in areas where the Royal Lao Government’s political influence and popularity were considered weak. Because of the absence of roads in Laos, aid goods, tools, construction materials, rice, salt, and other staples were airdropped into key areas for the use of pro-government civic action teams. In Sam Neua and Phong Saly provinces, “Operation Booster Shot” included the airdrop of two bulldozers plus related equipment to begin road construction projects. A status of the Country Team’s efforts in support of the Royal Lao Government’s pre-election program, including “Operation Booster Shot,” is in telegram 1685 from Vientiane, April 5. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/4–558)
Telegrams 1114 and 1685 are included in the microfiche supplement.