448. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1
500. 1. I have reviewed in two-hour meeting Nov. 10 with Secretary Gates present situation and policy with respect Laos.2 Also participating were Deputy Secretary Douglas, Asst. Secretary Irwin and General Lemnitzer as well as Under Secretary Merchant and Asst. Secretary Parsons. We have taken fully into account your views expressed in your 861.3
2. We have no faith whatsoever in Souvanna Phouma and believe he is taking Laos rapidly down the road to PL take-over.
3. We remain of view that plan outlined Deptel 4664 whereby Souvanna is ousted through legal transition to new Government and Phoui plays major role is best prospect for achievement our policy.
4. Accordingly you should proceed immediately to plan and act on this basis. You may inform key members of country team in your discretion. Department will develop views on tactics as situations evolve and will appreciate prompt comments from you, Johnson and Corcoran to insure maximum effectiveness.
5. Department’s views re handling of Phoui and proposed discussions between National Assembly Delegation with Phoumi will be sent by separate message.5
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–1060. Top Secret; Niact; Eyes Only. Drafted by Merchant, cleared in draft with Gates and Irwin and with Parsons and SEA, and approved by Herter. Repeated to Bangkok and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- No record of this meeting has been found. Briefing memoranda from Parsons to Herter, November 9, and from Irwin and Black to Gates, November 9 and 10, are ibid., 751J.00/11–960 and Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 64 A 2093, Laos 091; all included in the microfiche supplement)↩
- See footnote 2, Document 442.↩
- Document 440.↩
- Infra.↩