Office of the Historian

360. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1

Washington, August 12, 1960—10:35 p.m.

162. Ref Deptel 161.2 We consider it essential that concrete evidence of US support set forth reftel plus policy guidance contained in Deptel 1543 and previous messages reach RLG with minimum delay. We are gravely handicapped and presumably RLG is equally handicapped in situation where we have no direct contact with RLG except for what Phoumi from Savannekhet may tell us of its position either directly or through Thai. You should therefore send Fromer to Luang Prabang at earliest opportunity unless you have strong reasons to hold [Page 790] him back other than expectation of RLG return to Vientiane. We remain suspicious of information from Souvanna Phouma (your 263)4 who in our view would certainly welcome legal investiture as Prime Minister.

Bangkok or Vientiane should as feasible also inform General Phoumi of offer our support contained reftel subject to provisos stated therein. We note, however, that apart from Phoumi who may be increasingly isolated politically most available intelligence indicates few Lao would wish to settle crisis by force.

Should Souvanna Phouma come to power we apprehend that even if he did not pursue policy of rebels in all respects he might seek to include Pathet Lao in coalition government and might also establish diplomatic relations with bloc countries and accept bloc aid. You should know that at State–JCS meeting this morning (August 12)5 opinion was strongly expressed that if neutralist government comes into power, we must undertake fundamental review of our policy and decide anew degree and conditions of our further support. Foregoing adds emphasis to necessity of contacting RLG because we are prepared to strengthen its hand in negotiations and to give logistic support to military moves based on plans acceptable to us if it is confirmed that RLG desires such action. In anticipating pressures from Phoumi for urgent action and general need resolve crisis swiftly it is we repeat essential make earliest possible contact with RLG whether in Luang Prabang or Vientiane.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1260. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Parsons, cleared with SEA, and approved by Merchant. Repeated niact to Bangkok, priority to Saigon, and to Phnom Penh and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. See Document 357.↩
  3. See footnote 3, Document 358.↩
  4. In telegram 263, August 12, 3 p.m., the Embassy reported that Souvanna Phouma had received a message from Luang Prabang stating that the Lao cabinet was returning to Vientiane that afternoon. Brown was therefore suspending Frontier’s departure and other action pending confirmation of the report. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/8–1250)↩
  5. See Document 357.↩