361. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy) to Secretary of State Rusk 1
SUBJECT
- Modifications of Restrictions on US Air Operations in Barrel Roll Area of Laos
Ambassador Sullivan has acknowledged the revised restrictions that were placed on US air operations in the Barrel Roll area of northeast Laos (see attached map)2 on April 23. However, in his discussion with Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma, also on April 23, Souvanna indicated his strong desire for continuing US air strikes on the major access routes into north Laos from North Vietnam, in particular routes 7, 6, 65, and 19, as well as nearby storage points.
Current intelligence indicates that there is a considerable NVN build-up, including daylight truck movement, along these lines of communication [Page 710] inside Laos which now enjoy immunity from US air attack. In Area Bravo, 215 of 228 carefully selected targets validated by Lao authorities for US air strikes in Area Bravo now lie outside the authorized zone, i.e., east of 104 degrees. In particular, the huge enemy cave and storage complex near Sam Neua which was specifically authorized by Souvanna in March cannot now be struck. Also east of 104 degrees in the Bravo area are several important CAS-supported RLG guerrilla outposts which normally count on US air strikes to assist in their defense. In Area Alpha, Route 19 from Dien Bien Phu into north Laos is now spared from interdiction and several more RLG guerrilla bases in that region are consequently menaced by the movement of enemy troops and supplies over this road.
Ambassador Sullivan has suggested that either of two further modifications would enable us to respond positively to Souvanna’s request and to meet both US and Lao needs in Alpha and Bravo areas:
- a.
- Authorize strikes under strict controls in all portions of the Barrel Roll area except a 10 nautical mile strip on the Lao side of the NVN border, or
- b.
- Authorize strikes in Bravo area west of 104 degrees 15’ (instead of 104 degrees) east longitude (to include the Sam Neua storage complex), and in Alpha area along route 19 up to 10 nautical miles of the NVN border.
We believe Ambassador Sullivan’s request takes into account the need for controls to prevent inadvertent strikes into North Vietnam, and we support either of the proposed modifications of the current restrictions. In addition to the geographic limits, several other controls are in effect to prevent the possibility of strikes into North Vietnam.
Recommendation: That you arrange to have this matter re-opened with the President next week at the Tuesday lunch and seek the President’s approval for loosening of present restrictions in accordance with Ambassador Sullivan’s request.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 VIET S. Top Secret. Drafted by Slutz and cleared in draft by Herz and Habib. An April 29 covering note from Bundy to Rusk informed the Secretary that Bundy told the JCS and DOD (at staff levels) of this proposal and they were sympathetic. Wheeler insisted that the President must make the decision and that the initiative must come from Rusk. A note on the covering note indicated that Rusk agreed to include it on the April 30 luncheon agenda.↩
- Two attached maps are not printed.↩
- At the luncheon meeting on April 30, attended by the President, Rusk, Clifford, Wheeler, Helms, Rostow, and Christian, with Tom Johnson taking notes, the issue was discussed. Rusk stated, “The boys in Laos want us to extend bombing east.” The President asked, “Is Sullivan worried?” Rusk replied, “He is for it.” Clifford added that, “Sullivan favors alternative A. We prefer alternative B to hit area in Laos.” Helms then noted, “A is ten miles from 20th [parallel]. B is 15 miles from 20th.” The President stated, “Let’s take out B now. See how it looks.” (Johnson Library, Tom Johnson Meeting Notes, 4/30/68)↩