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

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

Washington, November 12, 1960—7:45 p.m.

511. Reference Vientiane’s 912² and Bangkok’s 850 and 852.³ In view Bangkok report that Phoumi not planning go Luang Prabang and evidence he engaged in some operation against Vientiane, recommend Corcoran proceed ASAP to Savannakhet.

He should tell Phoumi that Souvanna becoming increasingly isolated from anti-Communist elements throughout country including Vientiane. Situation rapidly moving toward stage where regrouping of these elements against PL may be possible. He therefore must not make any move to attack Vientiane since this is one thing which would weld PL and anti-Communist elements in Vientiane together again behind Souvanna. Moreover would undoubtedly lead to request by Souvanna that US stop supplies to Savannakhet as he has done re Luang Prabang. As we have already explained to Phoumi this would place us in impossible situation.

Corcoran should also tell Phoumi that Phoui is in Luang Prabang urging King to call meeting of Phoui, Phoumi and Souvanna. We hope that such meeting would lead to convening of National Assembly in Luang Prabang and reorganization of RLG on lines that Phoumi and other anti-Communist elements could and should support. Urge Phoumi also to send message to King supporting Phoui’s approach.

Corcoran should also tell Phoumi our views re inclusion NLHX in Government and return of ICC.⁴

For Bangkok: In your discretion you may pass foregoing on to Sarit with idea in mind that he would support Corcoran’s approach to Phoumi, and so inform Phoumi. You may wish stress to Sarit importance of holding this information very closely.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–1260. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Usher, cleared in draft with Parsons and in substance with McRae of DOD/ISA. Repeated niact to Bangkok and to CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. In telegram 912, November 12, Brown reported that Souvanna formally asked for a cessation of further U.S. military supplies to Luang Prabang. (Ibid.; included in the microfiche supplement)
3. In telegram 850, November 12, Johnson reported a conversation with Sarit in which they discussed the coup in Luang Prabang and the potential adverse consequences for Phoumi. In telegram 852, also November 12, the Embassy discussed advantages of Phoumi’s going to Luang Prabang. (Both Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–1260; included in the microfiche supplement)
4. In telegram 913 from Vientiane, November 13, the Embassy agreed with the proposed action. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/11–1360; included in the microfiche supplement)