494. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Laos1
681. To Ambassador from Parsons. Believe it would be useful and opportune for you in your discretion to deliver orally ASAP personal message from me to King along following lines:
“At outset of New Year wish to present my respectful best wishes to HM for his own health and happiness and for re-establishment of peace in his Kingdom. May I also take this occasion to reaffirm to HM my abiding deep interest in his country’s destiny. I have shared HM’s concern over events of past few months which have appeared so seriously to threaten independence of Kingdom. New Year brings new hope but also new dangers.
“Thus it is as old friend of HM’s country that I presume to make certain observations on international position of Laos. I realize how absorbing and difficult internal situation has been, but seen from Washington it appears to us of vital importance that international aspects not be overlooked.
“While I am sure legality of Prince Boun Oum’s government is generally accepted in Laos, as it is by US, internationally this matter is subject to question even among some of Laos’ other true friends. In this doubt USSR finds itself free to bring aid to rebels and this action is not condemned. In fact if a complaint were made against USSR in UN today, it doubtful whether such complaint would be widely supported.
“It therefore appears to us that establishing on international plane legality of present RLG is matter of paramount and urgent importance. From international point of view legitimacy of RLG would be clarified by resignation of former PM and in any case by investiture of National Assembly. We are dubious re advisability going outside normal procedures [Page 1019] because customarily revolutionary governments must prove they represent or at least control country before their legality is recognized by community of nations. In time that would elapse under such a course rebels within Laos would be enabled to receive outside support and grow in strength.
“Another matter of concern to many friends of Laos and perhaps of alarm to Kingdom’s enemies is policy of new Royal Government. Declaration of neutrality which traditional policy of country would be most helpful in rallying international support for Laos. Such declaration would be couched in such a way as to hamper in no way support we bring to Kingdom.
“Finally in order strengthen RLG’s position, build case against Soviet intervention and bring their aid to rebels to halt, HM’s Government might be well served by delivering and making public note of protest to USSR and also instructing HM’s representative to UN to circulate among UN members a complaint against Soviet intervention.
“These actions would serve to clarify present situation, materially strengthen RLG, publicly label rebels as such, and should make it difficult for USSR to continue its intervention.
“In closing may I express heartfelt wish that New Year will bring back peace to people of Laos.”
Please feel free to alter presentation above points to have greatest impact on King.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/12–2660. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Chapman, cleared with SEA and IO/UNP in substance, and approved by Parsons. Repeated priority to Bangkok.↩