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

837. Joint State/Defense message.

A. Embtel 1511;2 B. Embtel 1534.3

As indicated Deptel 809,4 high authority has directed that air operations to interdict infiltration routes through Laos to South Vietnam will [Page 357] be made as militarily effective as feasible.5 The purpose of JCS messages 7651 and 76536 is to establish planning guidance to best carry out this new directive while still providing appropriate combat air support to the forces of the RLG. Agree that meeting of appropriate authorities at Udorn should be useful and recommend that addressees work out arrangements for such meeting directly in order to best implement the planning guidance.

Fully agree with reftel A that in proceeding with our air activities in Laos we must always bear in mind that our authority to carry out these operations depends on political agreement of PriMin Souvanna. Important therefore that we continue to take necessary steps to ensure retention Souvanna’s confidence. This requires, as you state, absolute frankness with him and for this reason we indicated in Deptel 809 that you should consult with Souvanna, as you considered necessary, re decision to intensify certain air operations in Laos. We also agree with other considerations (B–E of subparagraph A, 3) which you consider important for this purpose and especially 3 (C).

There no misunderstanding over restriction on US operations in area reserved for RLAF west of Route 23 south of Route 9 and freedom of RLAF to operate anywhere in Panhandle. Count on your continued effective handling of General Ma to ensure coordination our respective operations.

Agree that division we have made into Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger categories need not be revealed to Lao although Souvanna will be consulted on intensification of air operations in Panhandle.

Following are our comments on questions and points made under B reftel:

1.
Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger have been separated in order to increase operational effectiveness of interdiction of infiltration routes into South Vietnam. Thus decision to place Route 8 (JCS 7624, DTG 231953Z)7 under Steel Tiger has been made on functional basis.
2.
It envisaged that SAR operations would continue as at present. However you may wish to discuss this subject at proposed meeting and submit any comments or recommendations which may develop.
3.
Assumption with respect to new Barrel Roll is that, by being exclusively based on your requests, these missions will be more responsive to RLG requirements. Concerning your suggestion on special unit based in Thailand, suggest this be discussed with military representatives at conference as to feasibility and desirability. Assume that in recommending Udorn you have considered likelihood that publicity problem would be much more difficult to handle there than at other base in Thailand such as Takhli.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Top Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Barbis; cleared by Miller, Dexter, Blouin, and Mustin; and approved by Unger. Repeated to Saigon, Bangkok, CINCPAC, and COMUSMACV.
  2. Document 175.
  3. In telegram 1534, March 25, the Embassy requested guidance for a meeting to be held at Udorn on March 27 among U.S. officials to discuss “modalities for execution of Steel Tiger/Barrel Roll missions Laos.” (Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S)
  4. Document 174.
  5. The decision was officially acknowledged in NSAM 328, April 6, explaining decisions made by the President on April 1. In decision 9, the President approved a general framework of continuing actions against North Vietnam and Laos. The fifth action of paragraph 9 of NSAM 328 reads: “Air Operations in Laos, particularly route blocking operations in the Panhandle area, should be stepped up to the maximum remunerative rate.” NSAM 328 is printed in Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. II, pp. 537539.
  6. Both dated March 23. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Laos, Vol. XIV, Cables, 2/65–3/65)
  7. Dated March 23. (Ibid.)