301. Editorial Note
On December 2, Ambassador Smith and Admiral Riley called on King Savang Vatthana for a 2-hour discussion which ranged over a variety of topics. In telegram 1578 from Vientiane, December 8, Smith summarized the discussion at length and then chararacterized it as follows:
“To me this interview indicated that Sri Savang Vatthana, now that he is King, is determined to brook no interference or advice from anyone in ruling Laos autocratically.
“He made it clear to me as Crown Prince that he would get rid of present Assembly at first opportunity. He also made it clear to me as Regent that he would get rid of French as soon as possible. It now appears that as King, he is at least serving first notice that he may attempt push us out also if we did not tailor our aid and temper our advice to his liking.
“I do not believe that he will be able to accomplish his aim if Phoumi and the many other democratically-minded elements in LHL, CDNI and Army are given encouragement and support they must have to save Laos and still keep it within its constitutional framework. However, if we continue permit Khamphan Panya and other elements devoted to establishment ‘autocratic rule by Royal decree as Army might in Laos’, to block efforts some democratic elements to coalesce in active program save country constitutionally only alternative to Communist domination may soon become rule by Royal decree.” (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–859; also included in the microfiche supplement)