Office of the Historian

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

Washington, October 19, 1960—8:14 p.m.

428. Ref Vientiane’s 787.2 Conditions accepted. Authorize resumption all aid.3 Purpose of US aid not to attack RLG but to preserve independence and territorial integrity of Laos. US has not sought detach first region from its loyalty to RLG. Objective of US is unity of country and Army.

While Souvanna’s concession first ray light for some time in breaking seeming impasse we recognize our acceptance these conditions does not leave all outstanding questions answered.

Appropriate disposition of Kong Le, maintenance of stiff resistance to Pathet Lao such as surrendering of Sam Neua and observance cease fire all come to mind as position we want him to stand on. His actions and attitude in immediate future are all important if he is to create the necessary confidence which by his past attitude has been severely shaken to say least.

Specific instructions on implementation preceding paragraph will follow.4

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.5–MSP/10–1960. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Chapman, cleared with SEA and DOD/ISA, and approved by Steeves. Repeated niact to Bangkok, to Saigon, Phnom Penh, and priority to CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
  2. In telegram 787, October 19, Brown reported that Souvanna agreed to the U.S. proposal to supply all FAL pay and supplies directly, with two conditions: the aid would not be used against the RLG and the United States would not try to detach the First Region from loyalty to him. (ibid., 751J.5–MSP/10–1960; included in the microfiche supplement)↩
  3. In telegram 796 from Vientiane, October 20, Brown reported he had informed Souvanna that aid would be resumed. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.5–MSP/10–2060; included in the microfiche supplement)↩
  4. Apparent reference to Document 435.↩