355. Editorial Note
In the early hours of the morning of August 9, Captain Kong Le, Commander of the Second Paratroop Battalion of the Lao National Army, staged a virtually bloodless coup in Vientiane. At the time, the entire Lao Cabinet was in the Royal capital, Luang Prabang, discussing arrangements with King Savang Vatthana for the State funeral of the late King Sisavang Vong whose body remained embalmed since his death in October 1959. Preliminary reports of the coup are included in the microfiche supplement. At the Secretary of State’s Staff Meeting, August 9, 9:15 a.m., Assistant Secretary Parsons described Kong Le as “a good officer, speaks English and is generally pro-American,” although Parsons admitted that later reports seemed to indicate that the revolutionary movement that Kong Le headed seemed to be “anti-US.” (Notes of the Secretary’s Staff Meeting, August 9; Department of State, Secretary’s Staff Meetings: Lot 63 D 75)
In his synopsis of intelligence materials prepared for President Eisenhower, August 9, John S. D. Eisenhower informed the President that while the objective of the coup was unclear, there were indications that the revolutionaries “may seek a more neutralist alignment.” On August 10, John Eisenhower provided a further briefing as follows:
“The degree of control exercised by the rebels is unclear. Some members of the government, including Phoumi, are reported to have arrived in NE Thailand requesting asylum.
“The statements issued by the rebels support the constitution and the monarchy; they assure foreigners of desire that they remain; they guarantee safety of foreign property; however, they contain an anti-American undercurrent to the extent that they stand for elimination of our 24-man military mission. Our State Department wishes to assist the legal government to restore its authority. Embassy Bangkok has been instructed to approach the Lao ministers in Thailand and advise them that (1) defeat of rebellion is a Lao matter to be done by them, (2) ministers should return to Laos and rally people, (3) King should issue call for unity, and (4) resolute action is essential.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries)
The instruction to the Embassy in Thailand referred to is telegram 131 to Bangkok, August 9. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–960; included in the microfiche supplement)