396. Memorandum of Discussion at the 459th Meeting of the National Security Council, Washington, September 15, 19601
[Here follow a paragraph listing the participants at the meeting at item 1. The discussion on Laos was part of item 2, “Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security.”]
Mr. Dulles reported that events in Laos were moving rapidly. The Phoumi government in Savannakhet had now been joined by Prince Boun Oum. The Prince was the head of an old family which had formerly ruled South Laos. He is loyal to the King, has a good reputation, and a high standing in Laos and will probably strengthen the Phoumi movement. During the last war he led the anti-Japanese resistance and has fought against Viet Minh. He is known to favor the alignment of Laos with the West. His regime has proclaimed the suspension of the constitution, has announced a new government which includes Phoumi, and has declared martial law. Mr. Dulles reported that our Ambassador had talked to the King at Luang Prabang. The King is inclined to shirk his responsibilities and is leaning toward the Prince Boun Oum regime. Souvanna Phouma does not seem to be in favor with the King at the moment. Mr. Dulles thought the U.S. would be facing several difficult decisions soon. He read a message [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] which indicated that Phoumi needs and wants immediate help, particularly in the form of money for the payment of the salaries of government officials and the army. [2½ lines of source text not declassified]
The President wondered why Phoumi did not eliminate the pockets of Pathet Lao resistance. Mr. Dulles said that Phoumi had no financial resources and no means of transport. Phoumi found it difficult to move in view of the Souvanna Phouma government which had been established in Vientiane and in view of the fact that Kong Le is [Page 846] still exercising some authority. Perhaps the U.S. should give Phoumi greater support in order to keep his movement alive. The President agreed that the U.S. should support Phoumi but remarked that history seems to show that revolutions are won by ragged mobs. He said Castro was an example of a revolutionary leader starting with a small group of men and winning power. Mr. Dulles said that Phoumi had three C–47’s, two of which were out of commission. The President felt it might be possible to provide Phoumi with some additional C–47’s. Secretary Dillon felt that the U.S. could not let the Phoumi movement be annihilated. [1½ lines of source text not declassified] He repeated that Phoumi’s position had been strengthened by the recent acquisition of Prince Boun Oum.
[Here follow discussion unrelated to Laos and the remaining agenda items.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records. Top Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by Boggs on September 15.↩