483. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1
617. Re Deptel 6032 (not sent Phnom Penh). Seen here flight of Souvanna Phouma and all non-leftist members his government not only from city but from country,3 with resultant further bi-polarization towards Pathet Lao and Savannakhet of situation in Vientiane area, on the one hand somewhat reduces political risk which would be involved in CAT airlift to that area and on other hand greatly enhances [Page 1003] need for urgent buildup Kouprasith–Phoumi forces (Embtel 1112).4 We do not at moment have clear picture of size, composition or ETA of Phoumi forces which may be proceeding overland from Nam Ca Dinh, Xieng Khouang or other areas, or which mght be coming upriver or even across Thailand. In terms of additional FAL C-47 airlift available to Phoumi and of paratroopers still available for airdrop are you satisfied that augmentation of airlift by use of CAT not necessary at this moment? We rely on your judgment under existing directives.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–1060. Top Secret; Niact. Drafted by Parsons, cleared by SEA, and approved by Merchant. Repeated niact to Bangkok, priority to Phnom Penh and CINCPAC for POLAD.↩
- Document 480.↩
- Souvanna and most of his Cabinet left Vientiane for Phnom Penh in the early evening of December 9.↩
- In telegram 1112, December 10, the Embassy reported that General Sounthone had summoned the diplomatic corps to the Presidency at 11:30 a.m. and informed them that the departed Souvanna government had delegated all military and civilian power to a committee of military men headed by him. The Embassy added the following comment: “Would seem best play at present would be maintain cease-fire and open city until Phoumi builds up sufficient forces to be in overwhelming position and action can be taken via Assembly for formation of new government.” (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–1060)↩