220. Memorandum From Vice President Humphrey to President Johnson1
I would like to add my comments to Ambassador Sullivan’s cable summary (attached)2 of my conversations with Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma in Vientiane, Laos.3
I found Prime Minister deeply concerned about increased Communist infiltration into Laos. He was also gravely concerned about the developments [Page 442] in Thailand. The primary problems there derives from the influence of the Chinese and North Vietnamese. The head of Communist Party in Thailand has large numbers of well trained and well organized cadres, most of whom are Chinese in origin although having Thai nationality.
Thailand is further weakened by a second “Fifth Column,” in the presence of the North Vietnamese refugees. These are well organized, have regular contacts with North Vietnam and are in touch with the Pathet Lao in Laos, to whom they supply money and arms.
To counteract this increased Communist pressure, Prime Minister desired to increase Laos fire power and hopes for early delivery of United States commitment of M1 and M2 weapons.
The Prime Minister also indicated his desire for further assistance from the United States in the field of secondary education and agriculture. The Prime Minister is eager to increase agricultural development, specifically the production of rice. Past year six million hard currency spent for rice alone. Drain for young manpower for military needs has slowed rice production. Hence greater need for tractors.
The Prime Minister indicated that he was not surprised that the bombing pause produced no results because China is interested in war, not peace. He laid great emphasis on the expansionist aims of China because of population pressure more than ideology. He stated bluntly, “you should take advantage of this period when China does not have the bomb.”
And finally, he stated that the U.S. bombing raids in North Vietnam are helpful to Laos because they immobilize the North Vietnamese troops and make access to Laos more difficult.
Once again, I am impressed by the realism of Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma and his determination to defend his country. Although appreciating the limitations placed on his Government by the Geneva Accords and the necessity to preserve a facade of neutrality, he is not only willing but eager to develop closer cooperation with the United States, including in the field of internal security.
Therefore, his urgent request for military assistance indicates an appreciation that Laos future even though a neutral country, is linked to that of other countries in Southeast Asia.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memoranda to the President, McGeorge Bundy, Vol. XV. Secret. An initial on the source text indicates that Johnson saw it.↩
- Telegram 887 from Vientiane, February 14, in which the Embassy transmitted a draft composite report of Humphrey’s conversations with Souvanna and other Lao officials during the Vice President’s 4-hour stay in Vientiane. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/Humphrey) Humphrey’s report to the President summarizes telegram 887.↩
- Humphrey was on a tour of Asia, February 9–23, at President Johnson’s request. In addition to Laos, he visited South Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Korea. The Vice President was accompanied by Harriman, Presidential Special Assistant Jack Valenti, Ambassador Lloyd Hand, and members of the NSC staff and Humphrey’s own staff. Humphrey’s public report to Johnson on his trip, March 3, is printed in Department of State Bulletin, March 28, 1966, pp. 489–491.↩