262. Memorandum of a Conference With the President, White House, Washington, September 8, 19591
[Here follows discussion unrelated to Laos.]
Regarding Laos, Mr. Dillon said that a second meeting had been held with SEATO representatives the previous day and that it had been quite an effective session—much better than the first one. We had pointed out that we simply want to be ready and to watch the situation closely. All seemed to understand better the seriousness of the matter. Mr. Dillon said that the UN procedure had proven to be a great success. We will have fact finders on the spot without a veto. The President said he understands that ammunition is now arriving in Laos and Mr. Dillon confirmed this.2 Mr. Dillon added that we are sending out a communications setup so that we can be in quick touch with the situation. He added that there is some evidence that Vietminh personnel have been involved in the raids. He hoped that the presence of UN people will deter further operations. The President thought we should [Page 607] make a standing practice in this situation that if any clear development occurs we should get information about it to the public quickly, since we must carry forward the psychological preparation.
[Here follows discussion unrelated to Laos.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries. Secret. Drafted by Goodpaster. Dillon also prepared an account of this meeting. (Memorandum of conversation, September 8; Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–859; included in the microfiche supplement)↩
- On September 8, Admiral Burke briefed Secretary of Defense McElroy on the activation of U.S. armed forces for possible use in Laos. (Memorandum from Burke to McElroy, September 8; Naval Historical Center, Burke Papers, Originator File)↩