Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, East Asia-Pacific Region; Cambodia; Laos, Volume XVI

408. Telegram From the Embassy in Thailand to the Department of State¹

Bangkok, September 25, 1960—6 p.m.

537. USUN for Parsons. Embtel 535 to Department, 28 to Parsons.² [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] been informed by Sarit that reply was received early this morning from Phoumi to effect that Phoumi willing to attend meeting in Luang Prabang but is still genuinely concerned about safety and what he feels were “tricks” on him last time. Officers around Phoumi also urging him strongly to go. However Phoumi does not want any large bodyguard at Luang Prabang as this would “insult King and be humiliating to Luang Prabang military command”. Phoumi also pointed out King had not yet set date for meeting. Phoumi also said that if he went he wanted “same arrangements as when Souvanna Phouma made trip to Savannakhet.” Clear by this Phoumi has in mind travel by US Attaché plane and does not object to presence of Zellweger.

Sarit has sent reply this afternoon that Phoumi “must” go Luang Prabang as his present position impossible because (1) Phoumi cannot fight Commies alone, (2) he must have Thai and US support; (3) Thailand cannot and will not support him under present circumstances, et cetera. “If you lose this chance you lose everything.”

Sarit is advising Phoumi take with him Bounleut, Colonel Sourith and “Boun Oum if he wants to go”.

Thais have stated would appreciate any assistance Embassy Vientiane can give in having King issue another invitation to Phoumi establishing definite date for meeting and some assurances on Laos side on personal security. Assume Embassy Vientiane Attaché plane would be available for trip but if assistance required CAT planes are available here.

Must emphasize this has been sold here to Sarit and Sarit has sold to Phoumi on basis that Luang Prabang meeting is to be at both military and political level to settle composition new government accordance US proposals. Trust Embassy Vientiane will immediately take whatever action necessary clarify with King and Souvanna.

Johnson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/9–2560. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Also sent to Vientiane and USUN and repeated to Saigon, Paris, London, Canberra, and CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. In this telegram, September 24, Johnson reported that Sarit informed him that he had sent a message to Phoumi “strongly urging” that he attend the meeting at Luang Prabang. (ibid., 751J.00/9–2460; included in the microfiche supplement)