410. Memorandum of Discussion at the 461st Meeting of the National Security Council, Washington, September 29, 19601
[Here follows a paragraph listing the participants at the meeting.]
1. Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security
Mr. Dulles said the top military commanders in Laos held a meeting yesterday at Luang Prabang. A great deal of pressure was required to induce General Phoumi to attend this meeting. General Phoumi was probably influenced in agreeing to attend by the serious military reverse which his forces suffered at Paksane, where Kong Le’s paratroops turned back the Phoumi forces, and by critical developments at Sam Neua. After a brief meeting, General Ouane and General Phoumi apparently agreed on a cease-fire and on a high level political conference to be held within five days for the purpose of re-organizing the Laotian cabinet, a re-organization which may involve Souvanna Phouma. Prince Boun Oum was also able to talk with the King without any other political figures present. The Prince claims that during this conversation the King indicated he would remove Souvanna Phouma from office. Mr. Dulles was unable to estimate the accuracy of this report by Prince Boun Oum. Meanwhile, Pathet Lao forces appear to be moving in Sam Neua Province. It was difficult to tell to what extent the Pathet Lao is being assisted by the Viet Minh but Mr. Dulles believed that at least logistic support from the Viet Minh has been received by the Pathet Lao at Sam Neua. Mr. Dulles reported that the loss of Sam Neua would be critical because the only air strip in the area is in Sam Neua. Consequently, it would be difficult to reinforce anti-Communist forces in the provinces. It was not yet known what happened to the three battalions of Phoumi forces at Sam Neua. In all probability they retreated since there has been no claim that they were captured. Mr. Dulles thought the Pathet Lao would probably hold Sam Neua as a bargaining position against the new Government of Laos if one is formed. The principal issue now between Phoumi and Souvanna Phouma is whether to negotiate with the Pathet Lao. Mr. Dulles believed we must now expect a few days without much news while preparations for the high level political conference are carried forward. Mr. Dulles believed the situation would probably force the Phoumi and Souvanna Phouma elements to come together. In the absence of the unification of these two elements, the danger of the loss of Laos to Communism was great.
[Page 868]Secretary Dillon said it had now been admitted that some three companies of Pathet Lao troops had joined with the Vientiane troops in defeating Phoumi at Paksane. As a result of the Sam Neua situation and requests for our assistance, we had authorized the resupply of various strongpoints between Luang Prabang and Sam Neua, including Xieng Khouang, with ammunition, CAT airplanes, food, and so on. Mr. Dillon said the U.S. was more directly involved in the Laotian situation than it had been in the past.
In response to a question from Mr. Dulles, General Twining said he had nothing to add. Secretary Gates inquired about a report that the Souvanna Phouma government had taken steps to establish diplomatic relations with the USSR. Mr. Dulles said it had been reported that Souvanna Phouma would ask the Soviet representative in Cambodia also to serve as the Soviet representative in Laos. Secretary Dillon believed this report was not yet confirmed. We had made strong representations to Souvanna Phouma urging him not to establish diplomatic relations with the USSR and also advising him against initiating talks with the Pathet Lao.
[Here follow discussion of subjects unrelated to Laos and the remaining agenda items.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records. Top Secret. Drafted by Boggs on September 29.↩