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

423. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Thailand¹

Washington, October 9, 1960—4:01 p.m.

494. Eyes only for Parsons. Instructions to Assistant Secretary Parsons on his Special Mission to Southeast Asia are as follows:

1. To identify and reconcile points of difference relating to our policy in Laos which may exist within the Country Team or, more importantly, between the Ambassador and Washington. When this identification process has been completed, points which the Special Mission cannot reconcile to be reported to Washington for decision.

2. If the situation permits, the Special Mission will proceed to Luang Prabang for further consultation with the King. On this mission Ambassador Brown should accompany the Mission so that there is no connotation of Ambassador’s prerogatives being overridden. It is hoped that other principals on the Lao scene can be met in Luang Prabang, particularly Souvanna Phouma, if he has decided to cooperate with our bill of particulars as set forth in 384.² The propriety and possibility of the visit to Luang Prabang will be decided after the Mission reaches Bangkok and has had an opportunity to coordinate this move with Embassies Bangkok and Vientiane.

3. To confer with Phoumi to further clarify our policy involving him. This meeting should preferably also take place in Luang Prabang but if that impossible Bangkok may be the alternate site. If at all possible this trip to Bangkok for this purpose should be classified.

4. To provide guidance on the scene with respect to supply of anti-PL forces of the FAL. Within the framework of the directive set forth in 384, to set up a pattern and rhythm for this supply in a manner to control and certainly not to disturb delicate political situations. In this, one consideration at all times must be overriding and determining, which is to conduct the support and supply operation in such a manner as not to place us in unfavorable light should the whole Lao situation be brought into the UN.

5. The Mission is given authority to act without further reference to Washington on the granting or cutting-off of aid to Laos from US sources.

6. To confer with Embassies Bangkok Vientiane Saigon Phnom Penh on individual country problems or those area and interrelated problems which require coordination. If deemed necessary and if possible, to chair a conference of the four ambassadors concerned at a place of his choosing.

7. Although related to Item 6, to recognize that a somewhat separate problem exists in Viet-Nam with respect to our problems there and to work with Ambassador Durbrow in the necessary démarches to President Diem.

8. Authorized to travel to other points as required, such as Manila and Taiwan.

10. [9.] To recommend to Washington a course of action to be followed if the concept of our outline of operations set forth in 384 cannot be implemented or in the event a situation develops which makes this whole approach inoperable.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.15–PA/10–960. Top Secret; Priority; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Steeves and cleared with Merchant in substance.
2. Document 421.