283. Editorial Note
On October 22, Prime Minister Phoui Sananikone, Foreign Minister Khamphan Panya, Secretary of State for Defense Phoumi Nosavan, and Ambassador-designate Nouphat Chounramany visited Washington for an unofficial visit. The Prime Minister and his party had originally planned to go to New York to meet with Secretary-General Hammarskjold, but they changed itinerary at the last minute because of Hammarskjöld’s concern that their presence in New York would be counterproductive. Members of the Lao delegation had extensive discussions with U.S. officials and Phoui received medical treatment at Walter Reed Hospital. The visit was cut short by the death of King Sisavang Vong on October 29. Phoui returned to Laos on October 30 for the funeral and to report to his new sovereign, Crown Prince Savang Vatthana. Phoui had planned to make a courtesy call on President Eisenhower and meet with Secretary Herter, but the meetings were cancelled. Extensive documentation on the abbreviated visit is included in the microfiche supplement.