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

488. Telegram From the Department of State to the Delegation at the North Atlantic Council Ministerial Meeting¹

Washington, December 14, 1960—9:01 p.m.

Tosec 7. For Secretary Merchant and Parsons.

1. Dept has considered carefully desirability USG taking immediate initiative calling for Security Council meeting consider Soviet intervention in Laos, including providing arms and ammunition to rebel forces, as threat international peace and security. Dept believes that disadvantages outweigh advantages of such US move at this time. Without going into details of Amb Brown’s excellent telegram (Vientiane 1143 rptd Paris 537),² we believe we could not expect propaganda victory in Council (particularly with UK and France not likely support US position; Parsons may be able obtain further info re their probable attitude), and that outcome in SC likely to be “plague on both houses”. This does not preclude our moving into SC should situation change or should it become clear that Soviets or some other party intend request SC meeting on Laos. While our taking initiative would give us some psychological advantage in having been first call meeting, such action does not afford any practical advantage in terms of the actual consideration or outcome of Laotian case by Council. In any event, should item be submitted we could submit appropriate counter-item against USSR.

2. However, there is an interim step we can take now, on which we would like your judgment. We could suggest to Sisouk (Lao representative to UN) circulate note all UN members calling their attention to events in Laos, Soviet intervention, and citing fact that Soviet air-craft flown by Soviet pilots have brought in arms and ammunition, including artillery pieces, for use by insurgent forces engaged in armed conflict with army of Royal Govt of Laos for control capital city Vientiane.³

3. For Vientiane. Would appreciate your views foregoing, repeating your response Paris for info Secretary.

Henderson

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–1460. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Robert L. Funseth and Joseph J. Sisco, cleared by FE and SEA, and approved by Charles E. Bohlen. Repeated niact to Vientiane and to Bangkok, London, Phnom Penh, and Saigon.
2. In this telegram, December 13, Brown sent a long analysis of and answers to the possible charges that might be brought against the United States for intervention in Laos. (ibid., 751J.00/12–1360; included in the microfiche supplement)
3. Secto 5 from Paris, December 15, contained the Secretary’s agreement with the idea of a Lao note to U.N. members. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–1560)