245. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1
256. For Ambassador from Murphy and Parsons. We are now at point where far-reaching decisions must be taken affecting augmentation FAL force levels, implementation training program and new diplomatic actions in support of integrity and full independence of RLG. Yet Department seriously handicapped in making decisions these critical issues through lack of adequate Embassy situation assessments and your independent recommendations on courses of action. Information requested in Deptel 247 of August 192 illustrates our urgent needs, as well as reports on psychological climate, government and popular attitudes, psywar moves, etc.
With all your preoccupations and harassments, we hesitate to make these additional demands on your time but it is matter of first priority to have your broad independent evaluations and recommendations if we are to move with the circumspect alacrity we all desire. We recognize particular difficulty making assessments under circumstances prevailing in Laos but we do need and value your urgent evaluation with clear indication of factual and conjectural bases therefor.