190. Memorandum From Chester L. Cooper of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1
SUBJECT
- A Possible Coup in Laos
Strong coup rumors with more than the usual substance are again circulating in Laos; a move is reportedly planned prior to the National Assembly election on July 18. Several key military and civilian figures are said to be involved, including Air Force Chief General Ma, second military region commander General Vang Pao (the Meo leader), and possibly neutralist leader Kong Le. The reason for their unrest is the increasing military and political dominance of the Sananikone-Kouprasith faction in Vientiane. They charge this faction with neglecting the legitimate needs of military commands outside the capital, flagrant misappropriation of U.S. aid, and a failure to prosecute a vigorous campaign [Page 378] against the Pathet Lao. They also decry Souvanna’s lack of energetic leadership.
The coup group reportedly plans to depose Souvanna while he is in Europe, relieve key Vientiane-based generals from their General Staff positions, initially establish military committee rule, and invite a representative of the Royal Family to lead the government.
The coup rumors reflect the continuing family and factional rivalries which have long plagued Laotian politics. The chances for a successful coup depend upon a number of variables, the cohesiveness of the plotters and the loyalties of commanders and units. Of critical importance, as it has been in the past, will be the degree and timeliness of U.S. pressure upon the disaffected leaders, as well as simultaneous efforts to persuade the Vientiane group to open up the supply channels to the provinces and to permit non-Vientiane elements (notably General Ma) a greater role in the military establishment. Some of these pressures, specifically reaffirmation of full U.S. support for Souvanna, are being brought to bear. Should these pressures fail the combined forces of the dissidents, backed by General Ma’s T–28’s, could pose a formidable threat to the Vientiane forces.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Laos, Vol. XV, Memos, 4/65–1/66. Secret.↩