234. Paper Prepared by the Assistant White House Staff Secretary (Eisenhower)1
SYNPOSIS OF STATE AND INTELLIGENCE MATERIAL REPORTED TO THE PRESIDENT
Laos
The military situation in northern Laos remains grave with Communist partisans retaining initiative. Senior Laos officials continue to emphasize the participation of North Vietnamese troops and the Governors of Phong Saly and Nam Tha claim that Chinese Communist troops are actively patrolling the frontier of Nam Tha. Although evidence is inconclusive, it is probable that North Vietnam is involved in the planning and direction of the attacks and the training of the Pathet Lao units engaged. Hanoi has issued warnings.
Phoui yesterday reviewed the developments for Smith2 and the UK and French chargés have requested advice on possible diplomatic steps. Smith stressed the need for positive proof of Viet Nam involvement. The UK has mentioned the UN, SEATO, and even the ICC.3 State is against the ICC and would prefer the UN over SEATO at this time although we agree that prompt diplomatic measures must be taken. One complication lies in the fact that the Laos request for U.S. instructors can form the basis for a claim by the ChiComs that Laos had violated the Geneva accords.
[Page 549][Here follows information unrelated to Laos.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries. Top Secret.↩
- Reported in telegram 208 from Vientiane, August 3. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–359; included in the microfiche supplement)↩
- Reported in telegram 202 from Vientiane, August 2. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–259; included in the microfiche supplement)↩