356. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State1
221. In response my offer earlier in day discuss Lao situation with him Prime Minister Sarit tonight invited me join him this evening in meeting at Army Conference Hall. General Johnson, CHJUSMAG, and Jantzen also present as well as Foreign Minister Thanat Khoman, RLG Defense Minister Phoumi, Luang Wichit Wadakan and top TG military officials.
Discussion opened with Phoumi description events leading up to August 9 coup and assessment present situation. He then outlined plans, already issued as orders, for implementation when supplies, equipment and men all in order, for parachute drop several hundred men retake Vientiane airport followed by ferrying in additional forces by air to oust revolutionary group. According Phoumi all units Lao Armed Forces loyal to RLG except in immediate Vientiane area; states he and General Ouane have had confirmation from each one.
Phoumi plans return early morning August 11 to Pakse briefly then to Savannakhet which will be his headquarters for period until above mentioned operation carried out. He states will remain Laos from now on; will function as commander all military operations Laos with General Ouane in charge. Subordinate HQ for north at Luang Prabang.
Phoumi then outlined assistance he requires from US and Thai Governments to support him up to and through Vientiane operation. These are subject separate message CHJUSMAG to CINCPAC;2 will cover question air transport (which we hope Thai will supply) and possibly POL to transfer paratroopers Lopburi to Savannakhet and eventually in Vientiane operation (with Lao markings), supplies for RLG forces including food, munitions and POL, and troop pay. Phoumi also requested as first priority, in which Sarit backed him, two radio broadcasting units (Savannakhet and Luang Prabang) to enable RLG to reach population, now reached only by Radio Vientiane, let them know legitimate government continues and rally them to it. CHJUSMAG also cabling on this.
Phoumi noted PEO Laos now unable function and in effect what he is requesting is that US representatives Thailand, and specifically JUSMAG, take over functions in present emergency. This would be accomplished in part by diversion to depot Savannakhet supplies ordinarily [Page 784] destined depot Vientiane. Phoumi mentioned three PEO posts southern Laos, including one available to his HQ at Savannakhet and it was agreed, subject to overall agreement in principle by Washington, that this latter PEO post would provide contact between his HQ and PEO Liaison Office, Bangkok, which situated JUSMAG HQ.
Re publicity, we emphasized to Phoumi need also for world to know that RLG continues in operation and controls country except for small area around Vientiane. Urged that perhaps via Lao Embassy, Bangkok, some declaration of Lao Prime Minister be passed all Lao foreign missions and issued publicly. Also suggested, once existence favorable situation Savannakhet and Luang Prabang neighborhoods established, world press representatives be invited visit. Suggested possible utility statement by King but Phoumi said King “doesn’t mix in politics.”
All foregoing premised on US position outlined Deptel 1323 para 2 that RLG continues operate and we continue work with it and armed forces in particular as before, regardless coup. Nevertheless made clear to Phoumi and Thais present that question of principle must first be answered by Washington before any arrangements such as outlined above can proceed. Also emphasized with strong support Thanat that essential keep this meeting secret and that for present any exceptional TG or USG assistance must also remain secret. Emphasized serious dangers providing any pretext for Pathet Lao or DRV intervention. I realize exceptionally delicate is provision by Thais or US of planes for Vientiane operation, but Phoumi emphasized without such help operation not feasible.
Throughout conversation reference always to RLG, made up of 4 Ministers in Luang Prabang, 2 Ministres d’Etat at Xieng Khouang and 3 (including Phoumi and Ministers of Information and Finance) in south. No indication any intention Phoumi’s part play it alone or take sole control.
US Mission Bangkok expects have no further contact Phoumi. Department requested address itself to question of principle and, if answered in favor proceeding assist Phoumi and RLG, then address itself to specific requests detailed in communications CHJUSMAG. May also wish consider having Embassy Vientiane or PEO Laos detail special officer or officers maintain contact with RLG government Luang Prabang and/or Savannakhet to handle innumerable problems which will be arising if US means continue work with RLG. Realize this poses immediate problem of Embassy Vientiane’s status vis-à-vis revolutionary group.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1160. Top Secret; Niact. Repeated niact to Vientiane and to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- CHJUSMAG telegram MAA 7715, August 11. (ibid., 751J.00/8–1060; included in the microfiche supplement)↩
- Also sent to Vientiane as telegram 141, August 9. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–960; included in the microfiche supplement)↩